During Week 16, the Los Angeles Rams and their head coach Sean McVay defeated the New York Jets 19-9, resulting in yet another winning season since McVay’s arrival. However, social media users have been quick to highlight and compare how a similar coach, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, has not been able to guide his team to the same success.
The 49ers lost to the Miami Dolphins 29-17 in Week 16, a result that meant that the Shanahan-led football team would finish with a losing campaign this year. Despite the success the 49ers have had in their tenure with Shanahan, this is also the fourth losing season since 2017.
Social Media Reaction to Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay’s Week 16 Results
Shortly after the conclusion of this week’s matchups, social media users were active and explained how, despite both individuals being considered one of the more innovative coaches in the NFL, they had drastically different levels of success in their tenures.
“Both Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan were hired in 2017. Sean McVay clinched his 7th winning season in 8 years with a Rams win today. Kyle Shanahan clinched his 4th losing season in 8 years with a 49ers loss today,” the user detailed.
Both Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan were hired in 2017.
Sean McVay clinched his 7th winning season in 8 years with a Rams win today.
Kyle Shanahan clinched his 4th losing season in 8 years with a 49ers loss today.
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) December 23, 2024
Los Angeles Rams’ and San Francisco 49ers’ Playoff Prospects
Through Week 16, the Rams improved their record to 9-6 and are currently atop the NFC West in first place. Meanwhile, the 49ers now have a 6-9 record and are in last place in the division. Furthermore, the loss to Miami officially eliminated the Shanahan-led football team from playoff contention this campaign.
In recent weeks, largely since the returns of star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams have been one of the strongest teams in all of football. With wins over the Buffalo Bills, the aforementioned 49ers, and the New Orleans Saints, the Rams have an impressive 4-1 record in their last five games.
On the other hand, the 49ers have struggled with key injuries all season, including running back Christian McCaffrey never playing consistently all year and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffering a season-ending injury early in the season. This has resulted in the 49ers never truly finding their footing and struggling to establish consistency.
Though it remains to be seen whether the Rams will make the playoffs this year, it is evident that social media users are impressed with the job McVay has done in LA since his arrival in 2017.