The San Francisco 49ers, typically one of the NFL’s top teams, are enduring a challenging season. Currently sitting at 5-7, they occupy last place in the NFC West. The roster has been ravaged by injuries, with former Pro Bowlers missing a combined 48 games.
Amidst the struggles, the 49ers are searching for answers, leading to external speculation about head coach Kyle Shanahan’s future. Rumors suggest the possibility of trading Shanahan or outright firing him, an idea gaining traction in some circles.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has floated the notion that the Chicago Bears should explore trading for Shanahan. Florio highlights the connection to Kyle’s father, Mike Shanahan—a Chicago native—and argues, “What do you have to lose?”
After all, the worst the 49ers can say is no.
Lynch Dismisses Shanahan Rumors
49ers’ GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Preparing for a Pre-Super Bowl Practice
Appearing on KNBR, 49ers general manager John Lynch was asked about the speculation surrounding Shanahan’s potential departure, including rumors of a trade to the Bears.
“I sit back, and I try to stay focused, but I find the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical,” Lynch said. “We’ve won four of the last five division championships and been in two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win, and while we’ve fallen short, we have an excellent head coach. The fact people are even talking about this, I do find it comical.”
As fate would have it, the 49ers and Bears meet this weekend in a clash of last-place teams. Despite the speculation, Lynch made it clear the organization remains fully committed to Shanahan.
“We’re 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization,” Lynch added. “Our focus is on the Bears and doing everything we can to win. That’s where Kyle’s focus is, and that’s where all our focus is.”
But what happens if the 49ers lose to the Bears? Could the next five weeks change Shanahan’s status with the team and reignite hot-seat rumors?
Shanahan’s Future: In Doubt or Secure?
Kyle Shanahan Coaching During the 49ers’ 2024 Preseason Game vs. the Raiders
The notion of parting ways with Kyle Shanahan feels reactionary. While another losing season following a Super Bowl defeat is undoubtedly frustrating, the organization extended both Shanahan and Lynch in 2023. Firing either seems unlikely.
However, 49ers CEO Jed York has a history of impulsive decisions, including the controversial firing of Jim Harbaugh. Moving on from Shanahan would drastically alter the team’s trajectory and potentially revive memories of York’s past missteps.
While some fans may feel a reset is warranted after two heartbreaking Super Bowl losses, the more probable scenario involves retaining Shanahan to steer the team forward.
Shanahan has been candid about the 2024 squad, acknowledging they are “not as good” as his prior playoff-caliber teams.
The record supports that sentiment. The 49ers, under .500, are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Their defense has allowed nine consecutive red-zone touchdowns, and the offense is averaging under 23 points per game.
Major decisions loom regarding key players like Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, Kyle Juszczyk, and George Kittle, as well as a potential extension for quarterback Brock Purdy.
This season bears an uncomfortable resemblance to 2020, when injuries derailed the team, and the 49ers mortgaged their future by trading three first-round picks for Trey Lance.
While a quarterback change isn’t on the horizon, Lynch and Shanahan have shown a willingness to take bold risks. With Shanahan leading the charge, those risks feel calculated and possible.
