Kyle Shanahan has led the San Francisco 49ers through several great seasons, and 2024 wasn’t one of those. Rumors were swirling that his job might be in trouble come next season.
The Niners’ CEO Jed York, however, has cleared the air regarding the head coach’s future, as well as that of general manager John Lynch. Fans, on the other hand, ripped this decision apart from the ownership.
The 49ers Fans Have Their Say on Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch
After a historic Super Bowl run in 2023, the Niners are 6-10 and out of the playoff race in 2024. In today’s footballing world, this often means wholesale changes. However, York revealed his mindset in an interview with The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami.
“They’re not going anywhere,” York said, regarding the future of HC Shanahan and GM Lynch. This led fans to call out the ownership on X (formerly Twitter).
“We will check back with Mr. York in 365 days and see if he feels the same way,” responded one fan.
“Of course not. Good enough is just fine. Sold out home games help too. Not a competitive bone in his body. Commanders have a great owner,” tweeted a fan.
Of course not. Good enough is just fine. Sold out home games help too. Not a competitive bone in his body
Commanders have a great owner https://t.co/6hkS9Hs4Mv
— Shea (@SheasBarNLounge) December 31, 2024
“When does he pass out the participation trophies and then raise ticket prices? We the fans need to demand gold standard not bronze,” added a fan.
“And neither are the Niners if you don’t force Shanahan to check his ego and learn how to manage personnel and get an OC,” replied another fan.
And neither are the Niners if you don’t force Shanahan to check his ego and learn how to manage personnel and get an OC…
— Gus Portillo (@gus_portillo3) December 31, 2024
However, all fans are not singing the same tune. Many welcome this decision as well. “I have serious concerns for any 49ers fan who wants Kyle Shanahan fired,” added a fan.
“Smart ones knew this. Glad Jed made it clear so the content creators and rumors can shut up,” tweeted another fan.
Smart ones knew this. Glad Jed made it clear so the content creators and rumors can shut up. https://t.co/Pf7PQiEFsH
— 𝟰𝟵𝑒𝑟𝑠 Gɪʀʟ ❤️💛ッ (@49ersGirl_80) December 31, 2024
Shanahan Outlines His Takeaways From the 2024 Season
This was a nightmarish season for the fans and the head coach. After the highs of last year’s Super Bowl run came the crash of injuries and elimination. In these times, Shanahan has learned lessons that he’d employ next season onward.
“I think everything is connected,” Shanahan said to the press on Monday, Dec. 30. “Good or bad, I think it can lead to good things the next year. We’re going through this and by no means are we happy with what we’re going through, but I fully expect us to get better for going through this.”
“Even if it wouldn’t have, even if it could have gone worse today, I expect us to learn a lot here going through this stuff, and I expect it to make us a better team next year. And when the season is over, I can’t wait to get started figuring out how to do that.”