The San Francisco 49ers have become perennial contenders under the leadership of GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Since the duo was hired together in 2017, the franchise has made the playoffs five times, won multiple NFC West titles, and earned its way to multiple Super Bowls. However, it has failed to bring home a Super Bowl in over three decades.
As good as Lynch and Shanahan have been at leading the team, could their time together be coming to an end if they don’t win a Super Bowl this season? Longtime host Rich Eisen vehemently disagreed with that notion while chatting about the state of the club on Tuesday.
The San Francisco 49ers Need John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are heading into their 10th season together in Santa Clara.
Here is what Eisen had to say about the notion that this could be a make-or-break season for Lynch and Shanahan if they can’t bring home the Lombardi Trophy:
“That’s a total overreaction. They just almost made the playoffs as the one seed…If the Niners beat the Seahawks on that Saturday night, my ballot was still open. I would’ve voted Kyle Shanahan Coach of the Year…What an incredible season last year it was.”
Eisen is absolutely right. Furthermore, the 49ers won 12 games in the regular season despite being one of the most injured teams in the entire league, yet again. When you don’t have three of your best players available in All-Pro tight end George Kittle, former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks, a loss seems inevitable.
Lynch and Shanahan have found a way to do more with less over the years than almost any other leadership pairing. Through quarterback carousels and coaching changes, San Francisco has found a way to more than stay afloat because of the work done by its general manager and head coach. Plus, there is no guarantee that the Niners will be better without the two. Bringing in a whole new regime when this one is so close would be a bad decision.
A Super Bowl Could Be on the Horizon this Season
GettyGeorge Kittle and Kyle Shanahan following the NFC title game win over the Packers on January 19, 2020.
If the 49ers are hoping to get back to the Super Bowl and win it, this season has plenty of potential for it. After remaking the wide receiver room with the additions of future Hall of Famer Mike Evans and former 1,000-yard pass-catcher Christian Kirk, this Niners offense could be ready to be the best in the league, especially if Kittle can return to full strength after his Achilles injury.
On the defensive side of the football, the hiring of new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris should help soften the blow of Robert Saleh being hired by the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Despite the NFC West being one of the toughest divisions in football, the Super Bowl should still be well within reach for the 49ers.
Rich Eisen Makes Proclamation About Upcoming 49ers Season