For the better part of the last decade, Kyle Shanahan has been one of the most respected and innovative head coaches in the NFL. Under his leadership, the San Francisco 49ers have been among the most competitive teams in the league, consistently pushing for playoff contention and developing a well-rounded roster. However, despite all his success, one glaring question remains: Can Kyle Shanahan finally deliver a Super Bowl championship to the 49ers?
Since taking over as head coach in 2017, Shanahan has shown an incredible ability to develop both players and systems, turning the 49ers into a perennial contender. But after leading the team to a Super Bowl LIV appearance in 2019—and falling just short in a crushing 31-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs—the pressure to secure a championship has never been higher.
As the 2024 season looms, Shanahan faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career: overcoming the lingering doubts about his ability to win the big game. His track record speaks for itself—Shanahan has built a dominant running game, led one of the best defenses in the league, and guided Jimmy Garoppolo and now Brock Purdy to the brink of greatness. But in the NFL, the Super Bowl ring is the ultimate measure of success, and that elusive championship remains just out of reach.
The Road to Super Bowl LIV: Almost There
Shanahan’s journey to his first Super Bowl was almost a fairy tale. The 49ers’ 2019 season was a magical ride, featuring one of the league’s most feared defenses and an explosive, balanced offense led by Shanahan’s brilliant play-calling. The team finished with a 13-3 record and dominated in the playoffs, eventually securing a spot in Super Bowl LIV.
In the Super Bowl, the 49ers seemed on the verge of winning their sixth title, holding a 10-point lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, the Chiefs rallied, led by Patrick Mahomes, scoring 21 unanswered points to seal a 31-20 victory. The loss left many wondering if Shanahan’s decision-making in critical moments, especially on offense, was to blame for the collapse. It was a painful defeat that still stings, especially given how close the 49ers came to breaking their Super Bowl drought.
That game became a defining moment in Shanahan’s career—he’d made it to the biggest stage but was unable to finish the job.
The Pressure Mounts
While Shanahan has proven his ability to build elite teams, the question now becomes whether he can lead them to victory when it matters most. The 49ers’ roster is loaded with talent, particularly on defense. With players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and DeMeco Ryans (who served as defensive coordinator until 2022), the 49ers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL. Meanwhile, the offense has become a force to be reckoned with, thanks to the development of Brock Purdy, the seventh-round rookie who guided the team to an NFC Championship appearance in 2022, and the electric playmaking of Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey.
Yet, despite all this, the Super Bowl remains out of reach.
Shanahan’s ability to adapt in high-pressure moments has come under scrutiny, especially in crunch-time situations during key games. Critics have pointed to his conservative play-calling during the 2019 Super Bowl collapse and questioned whether he’s been able to evolve enough to seal the deal in the most critical games. In an era where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have excelled with dynamic offensive schemes and aggressive decision-making, Shanahan has been perceived by some as too risk-averse when it matters most.
What’s at Stake in 2024?
As the 2024 season unfolds, Kyle Shanahan’s future with the 49ers is intrinsically tied to one thing: the Super Bowl. While he has undeniably built one of the most competitive teams in the NFL, the reality is that NFL coaches are ultimately judged by one metric: championships. Without a Super Bowl win, Shanahan’s legacy will remain incomplete, and the 49ers could eventually look for someone else to bring them the title that has eluded them since the 1994 season.
Shanahan has already delivered multiple NFC Championship Game appearances and playoff berths year after year, but with another deep roster in 2024, there’s no reason why the 49ers shouldn’t be considered favorites to make it to the Super Bowl. This could be the year where Shanahan finally breaks through and earns the Super Bowl ring that has so far been just beyond his grasp.
If Shanahan can overcome his past playoff shortcomings and deliver a championship, he will not only solidify his place among the league’s elite coaches but also ensure that the 49ers return to the pinnacle of NFL greatness.
Can Shanahan Break Through?
To answer the question, it all comes down to whether Shanahan can break through when it matters most. He has the tools—an elite roster, an exceptional coaching staff, and an offensive system that consistently puts points on the board. Now, the challenge is for Shanahan to trust his players, make bold decisions when needed, and execute in critical moments of big games.
The 49ers are poised for greatness, and 2024 could be the year that Kyle Shanahan finally delivers the Super Bowl championship that has eluded both him and the franchise. But that will require more than just the X’s and O’s—it will take the courage to make tough calls in crucial moments and the composure to finish what he started in 2019.
As the Super Bowl race heats up this season, all eyes will be on Kyle Shanahan. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he become another example of a coach who built a contender but fell short in the end?
The 49ers and their fans are hoping that this time, Shanahan’s breakthrough will be more than just a hope—it will be a reality.
