Kyle Shanahan

Shanahan was born in Minneapolis, where his father, Mike Shanahan, was the offensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota.{{Cite web |last=Cash |first=Meredith |date=January 31, 2020 |title=How Kyle Shanahan went from shadowing his father and working for 6 different franchises to becoming the mastermind behind the San Francisco 49ers juggernaut |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/san-francisco-49ers-head-coach-kyle-shanahan-nfl-history-background-2020-1 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=Business Insider}} He attended Saratoga High School in Saratoga, California, in 1994, while his father worked as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |last=Webeck |first=Evan |date=January 19, 2020 |title=The inside story of Kyle Shanahan's first title run — as a Saratoga High freshman |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/19/kyle-shanahans-first-title-run-came-at-saratoga-high-and-the-finish-was-dramatic |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=The Mercury News}} He later attended Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado, while his father served as head coach of the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Kosmider |first=Nick |date=September 24, 2022 |title=The stage for Kyle Shanahan's coaching rise was set during his Colorado chapter |url=https://theathletic.com/3623963/2022/09/24/kyle-shanahan-49ers-coach-denver/ |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=The Athletic}} Shanahan accepted a scholarship offer by Carl Franks of Duke University, but chose to transfer as a redshirt freshman to the University of Texas at Austin where he started out as a walk-on.{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Three Duke Alumni for the 49ers in the Super Bowl |url=https://today.duke.edu/2020/01/three-duke-alumni-49ers-super-bowl |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=Duke Today}} Shanahan played wide receiver on a Longhorn team that featured future college coach Major Applewhite, future NFL assistant coach Richard Hightower (who worked with him in San Francisco) as well as future NFL players Roy Williams, Cedric Benson, Bo Scaife, Mike Williams, Quentin Jammer, and Chris Simms.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=February 3, 2017 |title=Texas-Ex Kyle Shanahan Leads Falcons into Super Bowl |url=https://hookemheadlines.com/2017/02/03/kyle-shanahan-super-bowl-51/ |access-date=February 8, 2023 |website=Hook'em Headlines |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722004115/http://hookemheadlines.com/2017/02/03/kyle-shanahan-super-bowl-51/ |url-status=dead }} Shanahan caught 14 passes for 127 yards in his career for the University of Texas at Austin.{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Dan |date=December 12, 2012 |title=Schlereth calls facing Redskins offense 'a nightmare' |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2012/12/12/schlereth-calls-facing-redskins-offense-a-nightmare/ |access-date=May 26, 2020}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

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| weight = 181

| note = Values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=2520&DraftYear=2003 |title=Kyle Shanahan College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=February 19, 2025}}

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{{cquote|I studied every potential Xs and Os play and issue possible. I spent my whole life working on that. My goal was that any question a player could have about anything on the field, I'd be able to answer it.|15px|15px|Kyle Shanahan, 2006{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Bill |date=2006-12-14 |title=Kyle Shanahan learns the ropes |url=http://www.denverpost.com/williamson/ci_4842832 |access-date=2020-03-13 |publisher=The Denver Post}}}}

Shortly after Shanahan graduated from Texas in 2003, he became a graduate assistant to Karl Dorrell at UCLA.{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2017 |title=Mike Shanahan's official role with 49ers: Father of head coach |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/mike-shanahans-official-role-49ers-father-head-coach |access-date=May 26, 2020 |work=NBCS Bay Area}}{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2017 |title=Lifetime focus on football put 49ers' Shanahan on fast track |url=https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article132241374.html |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=Sacramento Bee}} As a graduate assistant, he worked with players like Maurice Jones-Drew, Marcedes Lewis, and Drew Olson,{{cite web |last1=Thanawalla |first1=Ali |title=What 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan learned from his first football job |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/what-49ers-head-coach-kyle-shanahan-learned-from-his-first-football-job/1272028/ |work=NBC Sports Bay Area & California |access-date=September 15, 2024 |date=July 21, 2019}} but he still had to take classes and could not spend all his time on football.{{cite web |last1=Schlachter |first1=Thomas |title=How Kyle Shanahan went from ‘nepo baby’ to one of the NFL’s finest offensive minds |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/09/sport/kyle-shanahan-san-francisco-49ers-2024-profile-spt-intl/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=September 15, 2024 |date=February 9, 2024}}

Shanahan was hired as assistant coach for offensive quality control under head coach Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004.{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2018 |title=Shanahan credits experience under Gruden for foundation |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/kyle-shanahan-credits-experience-under-jon-gruden-his-foundation |access-date=May 26, 2020 |work=NBCS Bay Area}} As a quality control coach, Shanahan helped break down game film and drew diagrams of plays for the playbook. He has said that his time spent using the computer program SuperPaint to draw up plays for Gruden introduced him to many plays used in the NFL.{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Jennifer Lee |title=Kyle Shanahan Credits His Experience Under Jon Gruden for His Foundation |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/kyle_shanahan_credits_his_experience_under_jon_gruden_for_his_foundation/64013/ |work=NBC Bay Area |access-date=September 15, 2024 |date=October 31, 2018}}

In 2006, Shanahan was hired by Gary Kubiak to serve as wide receivers coach for the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=Mark L. |date=January 30, 2006 |title=Kubiak hires Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.9news.com/article/sports/kubiak-hires-kyle-shanahan/73-344603484 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |website=KUSA.com}} Kubiak had previously served as offensive coordinator under Mike Shanahan with the Broncos. At the time, Kyle Shanahan was the youngest position coach in the NFL. The following season, Shanahan received another promotion to become the Texans quarterback coach.{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2007 |title=Your Texans: Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/your-texans-kyle-shanahan-2670876 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |work=Houston Texans}} In 2007, he had also been offered to become offensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota, where former Broncos assistant Tim Brewster just became head coach. Shanahan declined, citing his decision to be an NFL coach.{{Cite web |last=Cotton |first=Anthony |date=December 11, 2007 |title=Mike Shanahan's descendant ascends |url=http://www.denverpost.com/room/ci_7697261 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |work=The Denver Post}} Shanahan was immediately considered the frontrunner for the vacant offensive coordinator position after Mike Sherman had left the Texans to take over as head coach at Texas A&M University.{{Cite web |last=McClain |first=John |date=November 25, 2007 |title=NFL NOTEBOOK: Texans' loss would be Ags' gain |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5326453.html |access-date=March 13, 2020 |work=Houston Chronicle}}

On January 11, 2008, Shanahan was officially promoted, becoming the youngest coordinator in the NFL, being more than three years younger than Josh McDaniels of the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2008 |title=Texans hire Alex Gibbs, promote Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3189246 |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Despite his lack of experience, Shanahan found near instant success overseeing an NFL offense. The Texans finished their 2008 season third in yards per game.{{cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |title=Kyle Shanahan's fond memories of Houston include queso and success |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/san-francisco-49ers/post/_/id/29331/kyle-shanahans-fond-memories-of-houston-include-queso-and-success |website=ESPN.com |access-date=17 April 2025 |language=en |date=8 December 2017}} This reflected the individual success of his top offensive players that year. The Texans' starting quarterback Matt Schaub led the league in passing yards, and wide receiver Andre Johnson led the league in receiving yards.

In 2010, Shanahan left the Texans to join his father, Mike, with the Washington Redskins. The Redskins' performance during his tenure led some to question whether Shanahan's hiring was an example of unearned nepotism.{{Cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |date=October 31, 2011 |title=Kyle Shanahan, hired by Mike Shanahan, must share the blame for Washington's woes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/kyle-shanahan-hired-by-mike-shanahan-must-share-the-blame-for-redskins-woes/2011/10/31/gIQA91hBaM_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=August 11, 2017}} Washington struggled under Shanahan, failing to post a winning record for any of the three seasons that he was on staff.{{cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |title=K. Shanahan: 'Moved on' from Skins dysfunction |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27862117/49ers-kyle-shanahan-says-moved-redskins-dysfunction |website=ESPN.com |access-date=17 April 2025 |language=en |date=16 October 2019}} According to Shanahan, this poor performance helped him learn about the need to adjust his playbook when switching to a new team. Despite the overall team performance, the scheme and offense that Shanahan implemented during his time at Washington, especially his use of read option plays was very highly regarded in the NFL.{{cite web |title=The mastermind that is Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/the-mastermind-that-is-kyle-shanahan-13199771 |website=www.clevelandbrowns.com |publisher=Cleveland Browns |access-date=24 April 2025}} His future head coach at the Cleveland Browns, Mike Pettine, once said that Shanahan's offenses were some of the hardest to prepare for from the defensive side of the ball.

Conflict over how to manage the offense for star rookie quarterback, Robert Griffin III dominated Shanahan's tenure with Washington. In the 2012 NFL Draft, Washington courted controversy by selecting two players at the quarterback position: Robert Griffin III in the first round and Kirk Cousins in the fourth round.{{cite web |last1=Theodorson |first1=Robert |title=2012 NFL Draft: RGIII and Kirk Cousins Make for a Potential Soap Opera |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1167732-2012-nfl-draft-rg3-and-kirk-cousins-make-for-a-potential-soap-opera |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}} Shanahan catered the offense to Griffin III, creating a playbook based on what he was used to at Baylor.{{cite web |last1=Leger |first1=Justin |title=Albert Breer: How Dan Snyder ruined Robert Griffin III |url=https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/albert-breer-how-dan-snyder-ruined-robert-griffin-iii/270078/ |website=NBC Sports Boston |access-date=23 April 2025 |date=13 October 2022}} However, in the Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 9, Griffin III was injured when defensive end Haloti Ngata hit Griffin directly at his right knee, twisting it in the process.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Les |date=December 9, 2012 |title=Hobbled Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III may not be invincible after all |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--sidelined-redskins-rookie-robert-griffin-iii-may-not-be-as-invincible-as-he-thought-012630723.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129163921/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--sidelined-redskins-rookie-robert-griffin-iii-may-not-be-as-invincible-as-he-thought-012630723.html |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=December 9, 2012 |title=Kirk Cousins rallies Redskins after Robert Griffin III knee injury |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321209028 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111119/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=321209028 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Kirk Cousins then came into the game and led the team to a 31–28, overtime victory.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins – December 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212090was.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155410/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212090was.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=March 2, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} This injury forced the team to start Cousins in the team's week 15 game. ESPN has reported that team owner Dan Snyder assured Griffin III that no matter how well Cousin played, he would not get the starting spot.{{cite web |last1=Van Valkenburg |first1=Kevin |title='Whispers' in Washington: Why Cousins-Redskins relationship is in peril, and what's next |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21121399/next-uneasy-marriage-kirk-cousins-redskins-nfl |website=ESPN.com |access-date=23 April 2025 |language=en |date=24 October 2017}} This incident led to a confrontation between Shanahan's father, head coach Mike Shanahan and Snyder and created tension between the Shanahans and ownership for the rest of their tenure.

In 2012, Shanahan was fined $25,000 for insulting the replacement officials and confronting one after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2012 |title=Belichick fined 50K, Kyle Shanahan 25K by NFL |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/belichick-fined-50k-kyle-shanahan-25k-nfl-191649493--nfl.html |access-date=January 20, 2017 |work=Yahoo! Sports |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707091439/https://www.yahoo.com/news/belichick-fined-50k-kyle-shanahan-25k-nfl-191649493--nfl.html |url-status=dead }}

In early December 2013, ESPN reported that Shanahan was frustrated with the special treatment that he believed that Robert Griffin III received from Snyder.{{cite web |last1=Graziano |first1=Dan |title=Source: Shanahan was ready to quit in '12 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10101919/mike-shanahan-was-ready-quit-washington-redskins-2012-season |website=ESPN.com |access-date=17 April 2025 |language=en |date=8 December 2013}} This led Shanahan to preemptively clean out his office ahead of the start of the 2012–13 NFL playoffs. On December 30, 2013, Kyle, along with his father and some of the coaching staff, were fired from the Redskins.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=December 29, 2013 |title=Mike Shanahan fired as Washington Redskins coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-shanahan-fired-as-washington-redskins-coach-0ap2000000306955 |access-date=February 7, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}

File:Kyle Shanahan and Johnny Manziel (14760573044).jpg during his time as offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns]]

On February 1, 2014, it was reported by media outlets that Shanahan was hired as offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=February 1, 2014 |title=Browns to hire Kyle Shanahan as OC |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10387528/kyle-shanahan-hired-cleveland-browns-offensive-coordinator |access-date=February 1, 2014 |website=ESPN.com}} Prior to his hiring by the Browns, Shanahan interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator jobs held by the Miami Dolphins{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=January 10, 2014 |title=Kyle Shanahan interviews for Dolphins' offensive coordinator job |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2014/01/10/kyle-shanahan-interviews-for-dolphins-offensive-coordinator-job/ |access-date=January 10, 2014}} and Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2014 |title=Kyle Shanahan interviews for Baltimore Ravens job |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kyle-shanahan-interviews-for-baltimore-ravens-job-0ap2000000313940 |access-date=January 15, 2014 |website=NFL}}

In May 2014, at the NFL Draft the Browns traded up to select the star college quarterback, Johnny Manziel.{{cite web |last1=Sessler |first1=Marc |title=Cleveland Browns draft Johnny Manziel after trade |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cleveland-browns-draft-johnny-manziel-after-trade-0ap2000000348257 |website=NFL.com |publisher=NFL |access-date=24 April 2025}} According to ESPN, the Browns front office's eagerness to replace starting quarterback Brian Hoyer with Manziel led to conflict with Browns coaches, including Shanahan.{{cite web |last1=Pat |first1=McManamon |title=Source: Shanahan parts ways with Browns |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12136623/offensive-coordinator-kyle-shanahan-leaving-cleveland-browns |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=24 April 2025 |language=en |date=8 January 2015}} Manziel replaced Hoyer in the week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills and was given the starting job two weeks later in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.{{cite web |last1=Pat |first1=McManamon |last2=Jeremy |first2=Fowler |title=Browns say Manziel lived up to all the red flags |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12216266/cleveland-browns-quarterback-johnny-manziel-struggled-commitment-preparation-sources-said |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=24 April 2025 |language=en |date=23 January 2015}} However, he struggled to execute Shanahan's scheme and played poorly, throwing two interceptions in the game and posting a quarterback rating of 1.0.

In January 2015, Shanahan compiled a 32-page document for the Browns explaining why it would be best for him to be released from the two remaining years of his contract.{{cite web |last1=German |first1=Spencer |title=Kyle Shanahan Shares Not So Fond Memories From His Time With Browns |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/kyle-shanahan-reflects-on-short-stint-with-browns |website=Cleveland Browns On SI |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=24 April 2025 |date=12 October 2023}}

On January 8, 2015, the Browns accepted Shanahan's resignation from his offensive coordinator position, with ESPN reporting that the team and Shanahan were at odds over Johnny Manziel .

File:Kyle Shanahan July 2016.jpg

On January 18, 2015, the Atlanta Falcons hired Shanahan as their new offensive coordinator.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=January 18, 2015 |title=Atlanta Falcons plan to hire Dan Quinn, Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-plan-to-hire-dan-quinn-kyle-shanahan-0ap3000000459983 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Sources: 49ers plan to offer Kyle Shanahan head-coaching job |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18497328/san-francisco-49ers-offer-kyle-shanahan-head-coach-job |access-date=January 17, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} After going 8–8 in 2015, the Falcons' offense under Shanahan was the highest-scoring offense in the league in 2016 and earned an 11–5 record, a division title, and a Super Bowl LI berth against the New England Patriots.{{Cite news |last=McClain |first=John |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Falcons counting on league's highest-scoring offense |work=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/superbowl/article/Falcons-counting-on-league-s-highest-scoring-10878511.php |access-date=March 13, 2020}} Shanahan was named the NFL Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2016 season.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=February 4, 2017 |title=Kyle Shanahan named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kyle-shanahan-named-nfl-assistant-coach-of-the-year-0ap3000000782843 |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} He was also named Coordinator of the Year by Sporting News and Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.{{cite web |title=Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.49ers.com/team/coaches-roster/kyle-shanahan |access-date=February 6, 2024}}

During Super Bowl LI, the Falcons held a 28–3 lead over the Patriots in the third quarter, in part thanks to Shanahan's play-calling and the Falcons' execution of those plays. However, Shanahan was criticized for being too aggressive by not using a ball-control running attack late in the game, a decision considered by many to have contributed to the Falcons losing their 25-point lead, as they eventually lost the game in overtime by a score of 34–28.{{Cite web |last=Chadiha |first=Jeffri |date=February 5, 2017 |title=Falcons' historic collapse leads to Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-historic-collapse-leads-to-patriots-fifth-super-bowl-wi-0ap3000000783872 |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – February 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |access-date=August 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

On February 6, 2017, one day after the Super Bowl, Shanahan was officially hired as the next head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, signing a six-year deal.{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Kyle Shanahan Named Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/Kyle-Shanahan-Named-Head-Coach-of-the-San-Francisco-49ers/4f4c2e57-f237-4481-9483-3472833db519 |access-date=February 6, 2017 |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Kyle Shanahan named head coach of 49ers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kyle-shanahan-named-head-coach-of-49ers-0ap3000000784087 |access-date=February 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=February 6, 2017 |title=Kyle Shanahan takes 49ers head-coach job now that Falcons out |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18631915/kyle-shanahan-officially-takes-san-francisco-49ers-head-coach-job |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} Shanahan won his first preseason game 27–17 against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 11, 2017.{{Cite web |last=Fann |first=Joe |date=August 11, 2017 |title=13 Takeaways: 49ers 27 – Chiefs 17 |url=http://www.49ers.com/news/ninerfeed/article-2/13-Takeaways-49ers-27---Chiefs-17/b87f67b4-531b-44b1-ac58-832321682204 |access-date=August 12, 2017 |website=49ers.com |archive-date=March 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302190530/http://www.49ers.com/news/ninerfeed/article-2/13-Takeaways-49ers-27---Chiefs-17/b87f67b4-531b-44b1-ac58-832321682204 |url-status=dead }} However, the 49ers began the season with nine consecutive losses.{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2019 |title=49ers reach midpoint at 8–0 just 2 years after 0–8 start |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/11/01/49ers-reach-midpoint-at-8-0-just-2-years-after-0-8-start/40529401/ |access-date=March 13, 2020 |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}} On November 12, 2017, Shanahan won his first regular-season game, against the New York Giants by a score of 31–21.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – November 12th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711120sfo.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Three weeks later, the 49ers pulled out a narrow 15–14 road victory over the Chicago Bears, which marked the first start for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a 49er.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – December 3rd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712030chi.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In the regular-season finale, the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams on the road 34–13, ending the season on a five-game win streak, and winning six out of the last seven games, to finish 6–10. The prior year, the 49ers had won only two games.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – December 31st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310ram.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers 2017 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2017/gamelog/ |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

In 2018, the 49ers won only four games.{{Cite web |title=2018 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2018.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} The team was impacted by an early season-ending torn ACL to starting quarterback Garoppolo.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Jimmy Garoppolo injury update: 49ers QB out for the season after MRI shows torn ACL |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jimmy-garoppolo-injury-update-49ers-qb-out-for-the-season-after-mri-shows-torn-acl/ |access-date=March 13, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com}} Garoppolo's injury was immediately viewed as ruining the 49ers hopes for the season, despite Shanahan's optimistic outlook on Garoppolo's replacement, C. J. Beathard.{{Cite web |last=Chadiha |first=Jeffri |date=September 23, 2018 |title=Jimmy Garoppolo injury robs 49ers of leader, perhaps season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jimmy-garoppolo-injury-robs-49ers-of-leader-perhaps-season-0ap3000000965880 |access-date=March 13, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

File:Kyle Shanahan 2019.jpg]]

The 49ers won their first eight games of the 2019 season, making Shanahan only the third coach, along with Tom Landry and Marvin Lewis to begin 8–0 after an earlier 0–8 season start. The 49ers finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, winning the NFC West division title and securing the top seed in the NFC, giving the team home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Holloway |first=Patrick |date=December 30, 2019 |title=49ers win NFC West |url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2019/12/30/21042490/nfc-west-standings-wildcard-weekend-rams-49ers-seahawks-cardinals |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Niners Nation}}{{Cite web |title=2019 San Francisco 49ers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2019.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} The 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27–10 during the Divisional Round{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – January 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001110sfo.htm |access-date=May 26, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference}} and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they defeated the Green Bay Packers 37–20 to advance to Super Bowl LIV.{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2020 |title=Mostert lifts 49ers to Super Bowl with 37–20 win vs Packers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131045 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN, Inc. |agency=Associated Press}} Despite taking a 20–10 lead in the second half, the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 31–20.{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2020 |title=Mahomes leads Chiefs' rally past 49ers in Super Bowl, 31–20 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131047 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN, Inc. |agency=Associated Press}} For his part, Shanahan won the Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year award and the runner-up for the AP NFL Coach of the Year, losing to John Harbaugh.

On June 15, 2020, the 49ers signed Shanahan to a new six-year contract extension through the 2025 season.{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2020 |title=49ers Extend Head Coach Kyle Shanahan |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/49ers-head-coach-kyle-shanahan-multi-year-contract-extension-nfl |access-date=June 20, 2020 |website=49ers.com}}{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |date=June 15, 2020 |title=49ers reward coach Kyle Shanahan with new 6-year deal, sources say |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29315588/49ers-reward-coach-kyle-shanahan-new-6-year-deal-sources-say |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} Shanahan was fined $100,000 by the NFL for not properly wearing a face mask, as required for coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a Week 2 game in the 2020 NFL season on September 21, 2020.{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Sources: NFL fines Broncos' Vic Fangio, Seahawks' Pete Carroll, 49ers' Kyle Shanahan $100K each for mask noncompliance |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29941333/sources-nfl-fines-broncos-vic-fangio-seahawks-pete-carroll-49ers-kyle-shanahan-100k-mask-noncompliance |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} The 49ers suffered multiple injuries to key starters throughout the season and missed the playoffs, finishing with a 6–10 record.{{Cite web |last=Tanier |first=Mike |date=September 22, 2021 |title=Is Getting Healthy Enough to Make the 49ers Contenders? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/22/sports/football/san-francisco-49ers-packers.html |access-date=February 6, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2020/index.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2020 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2020.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Shanahan was fined $50,000 by the NFL on July 1, 2021, for violating practice rules during organized team activities.{{Cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |last2=Archer |first2=Todd |last3=DiRocco |first3=Michael |date=July 1, 2021 |title=NFL fines San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys for OTA violations |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31745995/nfl-fines-san-francisco-49ers-jacksonville-jaguars-dallas-cowboys-ota-violations |access-date=July 7, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}} After starting the season 3–5, the 49ers won seven of their last nine games to finish 10–7 and enter the postseason as a wild card team with the #6-seed.{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/index.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2021 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2021.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} They defeated the Dallas Cowboys on the road 23–17 in the Wild Card Round{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys – January 16th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201160dal.htm |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}} and defeated the Green Bay Packers on the road 13–10 during the Divisional Round,{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers – January 22nd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201220gnb.htm |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference }} before losing on the road 20–17 in the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – January 30th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201300ram.htm |access-date=January 31, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

In 2022, Shanahan led the 49ers to a 13–4 regular season mark, which earned the team the NFC West title and the #2-seed in the NFC for the postseason.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/index.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{Cite web |title=2022 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2022.htm |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference}} The 49ers accomplished their regular season success despite injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. The emergence of rookie Brock Purdy as the team's starting quarterback in the latter part of the season contributed to the team's success, as well as providing a terrific narrative, as Purdy had been the last player drafted that year, earning that year's tongue-in-cheek title of Mr. Irrelevant.{{Cite web |last=Killion |first=Ann |date=January 19, 2023 |title=49ers' Brock Purdy is an NFL rarity, slinging it without a safety net |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/49ers-Brock-Purdy-is-an-NFL-rarity-slinging-17729302.php |access-date=February 6, 2023 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Kyle Shanahan: Trey Lance to Jimmy Garoppolo change bigger than Brock Purdy transition |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/12/08/kyle-shanahan-trey-lance-to-jimmy-garoppolo-change-bigger-than-brock-purdy-transition/ |access-date=February 6, 2023 |work=ProFootballTalk}} Shanahan helped lead the 49ers to a third NFC Championship Game appearance in four seasons following victories over the Seattle Seahawks during the Wild Card Round and the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=January 15, 2023 |title=49ers outscore Seahawks 25–6 in second half, advance to divisional round with 41–23 win |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/01/14/49ers-outscore-seahawks-25-6-in-second-half-advance-to-divisional-round-with-41-23-win/ |access-date=February 6, 2023 |work=ProFootballTalk}}{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=January 23, 2023 |title=49ers advance to NFC Championship Game with 19–12 win over Cowboys |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/01/22/49ers-advance-to-nfc-championship-game-with-19-12-win-over-cowboys/ |access-date=February 6, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} During the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers were forced to substitute Josh Johnson in for an injured Purdy. Johnson suffered a concussion and was forced to leave the game as well. Purdy then returned to finish the game, but was ineffective due to his injury, virtually unable to throw. The 49ers lost on the road 31–7.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Emmanuel |date=January 29, 2023 |title=N.F.C. Championship: Eagles Beat 49ers, 31–7, to Claim Spot in the Super Bowl |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/29/sports/eagles-49ers-score |access-date=February 6, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} For the season, Shanahan came in second place in voting for the AP Coach of the year award, this time behind Brian Daboll of the Giants.{{cite news |last1=Palares |first1=Lindsey |title=McCaffrey, Purdy Named Finalists for AP MVP and More NFL Honors Updates |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/christian-mccaffrey-brock-purdy-named-finalists-ap-mvp-nfl-honors-updates#:~:text=Shanahan%20is%20a%20back%2Dto,the%20end%20of%20last%20season. |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=January 25, 2024}}

Prior to the 2023 season, Shanahan signed a contract extension through 2027.{{Cite news |last=Branch |first=Eric |date=September 27, 2023 |title=Settled and secure, 49ers' Kyle Shanahan reflects on extension |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/i-feel-grateful-49ers-kyle-shanahan-thankful-18391952.php |access-date=November 14, 2023}} In 2023, he led the 49ers to a 12–5 record, winning the NFC West for the second straight season and being named a finalist for the AP Coach of the Year award.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=December 17, 2023 |title=Niners clinch NFC West repeat with win over Cardinals |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-clinch-nfc-west-repeat-with-win-over-cardinals |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=NFL.com}} He led the team to victories over the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round and the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship, where they stormed back from a 24–7 halftime deficit against Detroit, en route to Super Bowl LVIII, where San Francisco would face the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV.{{Cite web |last=Podell |first=Garrett |date=January 21, 2024 |title=49ers write latest chapter in list of clutch playoff wins; Packers suffer fifth recent defeat with late lead |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/49ers-write-latest-chapter-in-list-of-clutch-playoff-wins-packers-suffer-fifth-recent-defeat-with-late-lead/ |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=CBSSports.com}}{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |last2=Woodyard |first2=Eric |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Purdy, 49ers rally from 17 down to beat Lions, reach Super Bowl |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39412034/san-francisco-49ers-comeback-beat-detroit-lions-advance-super-bowl |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}

Like the initial matchup between the two teams four years earlier, the 49ers opened up a 10-point lead before Kansas City rallied and eventually emerged victorious yet again, this time by a score of 25–22.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Erin |date=February 11, 2024 |title=49ers Fans Devastated as Brock Purdy, SF Lose to Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 in OT |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10109015-49ers-fans-devastated-as-brock-purdy-sf-lose-to-chiefs-in-super-bowl-58-in-ot |access-date=February 11, 2024 |work=Bleacher Report}} It was just the second overtime game in Super Bowl history, the first being Super Bowl LI in which Shanahan had served as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. He received backlash for electing to receive possession first in overtime after winning the coin toss, rather than allow the Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs offense to see the field first, which would have allowed the 49ers to gameplan based on the result of Kansas City's drive due to both offenses getting an opportunity in the extra period, regardless of whether a touchdown was scored or not, after new postseason overtime rules were implemented following the 2021–22 NFL playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Wetzel |first=Dan |date=February 12, 2024 |title=How Kyle Shanahan's 49ers lost the Super Bowl after winning the OT coin flip |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/how-kyle-shanahans-49ers-lost-the-super-bowl-after-winning-the-ot-coin-flip-160726090.html |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Yahoo! Sports}} Shanahan was also criticized after some 49ers players claimed that they were not aware of the updated overtime rules.{{Cite web |last=Morse |first=Ben |date=February 13, 2024 |title=San Francisco 49ers players admit they didn’t know new Super Bowl overtime rules following loss to Chiefs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/13/sport/49ers-players-overtime-rules-super-bowl-lviii-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=CNN.com}} The 49ers eventually lost the game in overtime by a score of 25–22.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.ph/nfl/story/_/id/39541332/49ers-chiefs-super-bowl-2024-decision-coin-toss-kyle-shanahan-mistake|title=49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl overtime decision: Did Kyle Shanahan blow it?|website=espn.com|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|date=February 19, 2024|access-date=October 10, 2024}}

In a 2024 season marred by injuries, Shanahan led the team to a 6–11 record.{{cite web | last=Maiocco | first=Matt | title=Identifying what went wrong for 49ers in disastrous 2024 season | website=NBC Sports Bay Area & California | date=2025-01-07 | url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/what-went-wrong-disastrous-2024-season/1819539/ | access-date=2025-01-22}}

Shanahan has served under six head coaches:

• Karl Dorrell, UCLA (2003){{Cite web |last=Kawahara |first=Matt |date=February 12, 2017 |title=Lifetime focus on football put 49ers’ Shanahan on fast track |url=https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article132241374.html |access-date=February 6, 2024 |work=Sacramento Bee}}
• Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004–2005){{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Dalton |date=July 26, 2020 |title=Jon Gruden played huge role in Kyle Shanahan becoming offensive genius |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/jon-gruden-played-huge-role-in-kyle-shanahan-becoming-offensive-genius/1263190/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=NBC Sports Bay Area & California}}
• Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (2006–2009){{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Jon |date=February 11, 2021 |title=Shanahan-Kubiak coaching connection will continue with 49ers’ latest hire |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/11/shanahan-kubiak-coaching-connection-will-continue-with-49ers/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=The Mercury News}}
• Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins (2010–2013){{Cite web |date=February 6, 2024 |title=NFL notebook: Kyle Shanahan appreciates foundation set by his father |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2024/02/06/nfl-notebook-kyle-shanahan-appreciates-foundation-set-by-his-father/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=Portland Press Herald|agency=Associated Press}}
• Mike Pettine, Cleveland Browns (2014){{Cite web |last=German |first=Spencer |date=October 12, 2023 |title=Kyle Shanahan Shares Not So Fond Memories From His Time With Browns |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/kyle-shanahan-reflects-on-short-stint-with-browns |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=Sports Illustrated}}
• Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons (2015–2016){{Cite web |date=February 6, 2024 |title=49ers' Kyle Shanahan praises new Commanders HC Dan Quinn, GM Adam Peters |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/49ers-kyle-shanahan-praises-new-commanders-hc-dan-quinn-gm-adam-peters |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=FOX Sports}}

Four of Shanahan's assistants have been hired as head coaches in the NFL or NCAA:{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joe |date=January 22, 2023 |title=Kyle Shanahan coaching tree: 49ers head coach has budding branches, following in dad's footsteps |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/kyle-shanahan-coaching-tree-49ers-dad/b5vilpefpc2aq26p1aeepbgk |access-date=January 22, 2023 |work=Sporting News}}

• Jeff Hafley, Boston College (2020–2023){{Cite web |last=Mosqueda |first=Justis |date=January 31, 2024 |title=Packers hire Boston College HC Jeff Hafley as next defensive coordinator |url=https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2024/1/31/24057524/green-bay-packers-news-boston-college-head-coach-jeff-hafley-next-defensive-coordinator |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=Acme Packing Company |language=en}}
• Robert Saleh, New York Jets (2021–2024){{Cite web |last=Bonilla |first=David |date=July 20, 2021 |title=Jets coach Robert Saleh shares what makes 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan so unique |url=https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/148265-coach-robert-saleh-shares-makes-49ers-shanahan-unique/ |access-date=February 7, 2024 |website=49ers Webzone}}{{cite web |last1=Sterling |first1=Wayne |last2=Joseph |first2=Samuel |title=New York Jets fire head coach Robert Saleh after disappointing season start |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/08/sport/new-york-jets-fire-robert-saleh-spt-intl/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=October 8, 2024}}
• Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins (2022–present){{Cite web |last=Landis |first=Carter |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Raiders Opponent HC Spotlight: Mike McDaniel |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/news/las-vegas-raiders-miami-dolphins-head-coach-spotlight-mike-mcdaniel |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=Sports Illustrated}}
• DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans (2023–present){{Cite web |last=Vacchiano |first=Ralph |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Kyle Shanahan's influence is all over the NFL. All that’s missing is a Super Bowl title |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/kyle-shanahan-influence-all-over-nfl-missing-is-super-bowl-title |access-date=February 7, 2024 |work=FOX Sports}}

Kyle Shanahan met his future wife, Amanda O'Donnell, in high school. Kyle dated Mandy throughout high school and college. They married in 2005 and now have three children.{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=Katie |date=May 17, 2018 |title=49ers coach Kyle Shanahan named his son after Lil Wayne, ex-QB says |url=https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/kyle-shanahan-family-son-name-inspiration-12922863.php |access-date=April 5, 2020 |work=SFGate}}{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers |url=https://www.49ers.com/team/coaches-roster/kyle-shanahan |access-date=September 23, 2023 |website=www.49ers.com}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• [https://www.49ers.com/team/coaches-roster/kyle-shanahan San Francisco 49ers profile]
• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/ShanKy0.htm Coaching statistics] at Pro Football Reference

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