The San Francisco 49ers, a franchise steeped in tradition and decades of success, are one of the cornerstones of the NFL‘s brand. Since 1977, when Marie Denise DeBartolo York’s father purchased the team, the York family has played a pivotal role in shaping both the organization and the league. Now, with John “Jed” York as president, the 49ers are once again one of the best teams in the NFL, looking for greatness.
Who Is the Owner of the San Francisco 49ers?
As co-chair and owner of the 49ers, Denise holds a prominent leadership role, alongside her husband of nearly 44 years, John, who also serves as co-chair. John chairs the NFL’s International Series committee and is a member of the Audit and Business Ventures Committees.
In Dec. 2008, John and Denise announced that their son, John “Jed” York, would take over as team president and operating head of the franchise while they transitioned into their roles as co-chairpersons.
In 1977, Denise’s father, Edward DeBartolo Sr., bought the 49ers for $13 million and later passed the team to his son, Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.
Under Edward J.’s leadership, the franchise transformed into a powerhouse. Following a 2-14 season in 1978, he made two pivotal decisions: hiring San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Bill Walsh as head coach and drafting Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana in the third round at pick No. 82. These moves set the stage for the team’s remarkable success.
Controversy With Ownership
Legal issues led to DeBartolo Jr.’s departure from the team. In 1999, he was suspended after pleading guilty to failing to report a felony extortion. By 2000, DeBartolo Jr. had relinquished his ownership stake, passing it to his sister Denise. Since then, he has not been directly involved with the NFL, although he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2016.
Jed joined the 49ers after leaving his position as a financial analyst at Guggenheim Partners in New York City. He began as director of strategic planning, was later promoted to vice president of strategic planning, and was named president of the franchise in 2008 as his parents assumed the roles of co-chairmen.
In 1978, DeBartolo Sr. acquired the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and appointed Denise as the owner and president of the team.
In 1991, she made history by leading the Penguins to the 1990-91 Stanley Cup championship, becoming only the third woman to serve as president of a Cup-winning team. That season also marked the end of the family’s involvement with the Penguins. Denise sold the team to support the DeBartolo Corporation, which was struggling in the wake of the 1987 real estate collapse.
History of the 49ers
Few professional organizations have a history like the 49ers. Founded in 1944, they are one of the league’s oldest teams. They began in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and joined the NFL in 1949 when the two leagues merged.
It wasn’t until 1970 that the 49ers won their first divisional championship, a victory that marked the beginning of three consecutive titles. However, it was under DeBartolo Jr.’s leadership that the 49ers achieved the success that would redefine the modern NFL.
During his 23 years as owner, the 49ers won five Super Bowls under head coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert: Super Bowl 16 in 1982; 19 in 1985; 23 in 1989; 24 in 1990; and 29 in 1995. From 1991 to 1998, the 49ers averaged an impressive 13 wins per season, solidifying their place as one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports.
In 1985, the 49ers drafted Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State. Alongside quarterback Montana, they set the standard for all QB/WR duos.
While the 49ers continued to achieve success in the years that followed, it was not quite the same as their dominance in the ’80s and early ’90s. It wasn’t until Jim Harbaugh became head coach that the 49ers reclaimed their status as one of the NFL’s top teams.
The Jim Harbaugh Era
Hired in 2011, Harbaugh led the 49ers to a 13-3 record in his first season, which ended with an overtime loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in the NFC Championship. After resolving a quarterback controversy between Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl 47.
In a matchup known as the “Harbaugh Bowl,” San Francisco fell short against the Baltimore Ravens, coached by Jim’s brother, John. Jim’s 49ers returned to the NFC Championship Game in his third season, marking three consecutive appearances.
After an 8-8 regular season in 2014, the 49ers decided to part ways with Harbaugh. Reflecting on his departure, Harbaugh remarked, “I didn’t leave the 49ers. I felt like the 49ers’ hierarchy left me.”
In just four years, Harbaugh established himself as one of the 49ers’ most successful head coaches. Until 2019, when the 49ers posted a 13-3 record and reached Super Bowl 54, the team had experienced losing seasons each year following his departure.
San Francisco is now on the brink of winning another Super Bowl. In 2023, they fell just short of a victory that would have tied them with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history.