Tough, intelligent, and geared for postseason success, the San Francisco 49ers have a storied NFL legacy. However, cracks are starting to appear after finishing last in the NFC West and having a difficult 6-11 season in 2024.
Kyle Shanahan, the head coach, has led the 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances and brought stability to the franchise.
But despite his reputation as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds, recent draft classes under his watch haven’t delivered.
Kyle Shanahan’s Final Say in 49ers Draft Decisions Raises Concerns After Recent Misses
The concerns caught the attention of Colin Cowherd, who didn’t hold back during a recent episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast. “I do see something with San Francisco, and I worry about… Either John Lynch misses a lot or Shanahan has a little more impact than I’d be comfortable with,” Cowherd said.
It’s a legitimate worry, particularly given that Shanahan is said to have the last word on selection decisions. When a coach and the front office are in perfect harmony, that influence can be effective; nevertheless, when priorities aren’t aligned, it can cause issues. John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout who spoke on Cowherd’s podcast, explained it simply.
“Coaches view drafts as a depth chart,” Middlekauff said. “Front offices think about the next three or four years. Kyle had it in his contract from the start; he has the final say. They had a lot of holes, and the first thing you want to do as a coach is plug them.”
With Brock Purdy Signed Long-Term, Shanahan Faces Growing Pressure Over 49ers’ Draft Struggles and Future Success
It’s a reasonable approach for a coach who wants to win right now. However, it might backfire if short-term solutions are used instead of long-term planning. The 49ers might have experienced that. It has been difficult for them to find reliable draft picks in recent seasons. The 2024 injuries only made matters worse by revealing a general lack of depth.
The heat is now on since quarterback Brock Purdy has committed to a massive five-year, $265 million contract. Excuses are dwindling, expectations are high, and the roster is healthier. Fans and analysts will begin to ask more difficult questions about Shanahan’s game plans and whether he’s the ideal guy to make decisions in the draft room if the 49ers don’t have an ideal 2025.
Shanahan is still one of the most respected coaches in the league. But in San Francisco, respect only lasts so long without results.