Since assuming the role of head coach in 2017, Shanahan has demonstrated a keen understanding of the game and a knack for maximizing the talents of his players. His strategic acumen and emphasis on player development have propelled the 49ers to new heights, earning him widespread acclaim within the league.
The 2022 season stands as a testament to Shanahan’s coaching prowess. With a regular-season record of 13-4, including an impressive winning streak to close out the year, the 49ers captured the NFC West title and secured a coveted spot in the playoffs. Along the way, they showcased their resilience and determination, overcoming formidable opponents with grit and determination.
Key to the 49ers’ success was their stellar defense, anchored by standout performers such as Nick Bosa, Talanoa Hufanga, Fred Warner, and Trent Williams. These players distinguished themselves as AP First-Team All-Pro selections, earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions on the field. Bosa, in particular, shone brightly, earning the prestigious title of Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his remarkable performance throughout the season.
Additionally, the 49ers boasted a formidable offensive lineup, with George Kittle and George Odum (special teamer) earning AP Second-Team All-Pro honors for their exceptional contributions to the team’s success.
Shanahan’s contract extension in 2020 served as a vote of confidence in his leadership and vision for the franchise. Under his guidance, the 49ers have emerged as a perennial contender, poised to compete at the highest level for years to come.
As the 49ers look ahead to future seasons, they do so with optimism and anticipation, knowing that they have a coach in Shanahan who possesses the expertise, passion, and drive to lead them to even greater heights. With Shanahan at the helm, the sky is truly the limit for the San Francisco 49ers.
The offense was led in 2022 by WR Brandon Aiyuk and RB Christian McCaffrey, who was acquired in a mid-season trade. Aiyuk registered 1,015 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, giving him the first 1,000-yard season of his career. McCaffrey registered 1,210 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns after joining the team in Week 7. San Francisco saw three starting quarterbacks during the season, with rookie QB Brock Purdy becoming the team’s starter in Week 13. The 49ers offense remained explosive, as the team ranked fifth in the NFL in yards per game (365.6) and averaged 5.9 yards per play, the fourth-highest mark in the league. Purdy went 7-1 as a starter, including the playoffs, and became the first quarterback in franchise history to win their first five starts and the third rookie quarterback in NFL history to win at least their first five starts.
In 2021, Shanahan led the 49ers to their second trip to the NFC Championship in three seasons (2019). The offense featured WR Deebo Samuel, who earned Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors and the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. In 16 games (15 starts), Samuel registered 77 receptions for 1,405 receiving yards (18.2 average) and five receiving touchdowns to go along with career-highs in carries (59), rushing yards (365) and rushing touchdowns (eight). His eight rushing touchdowns were the most by any player whose primary position is wide receiver since the merger. Second-year WR Brandon Aiyuk also added 56 catches for 826 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, rookie RB Elijah Mitchell set the franchise record for most rushing yards by a rookie (963).
The 2021 49ers offensive line saw three of five members earn Pro Bowl honors in T Trent Williams, G Laken Tomlinson and C Alex Mack. Williams was selected to the Associated Press 2021 First-Team All-Pro list for the first time in his career. San Francisco’s offense finished the season averaging 127.4 rushing yards, ranking seventh in the NFL. TE George Kittle ranked second on the team with 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.
The 49ers defense ranked third in the NFL in 2021, allowing 310.0 total yards per game. San Francisco also was sixth in the NFL, surrendering 206.5 passing yards per game. San Francisco saw eight different players record an interception on the season, as CB Emmanuel Moseley finished with a career-high 11 passes defensed and one interception. The Niners forced 22 fumbles on defense in 2021, the most in the NFL and the most in a single season by the 49ers since 1994. DL Nick Bosa finished the season leading the team with a career-high 15.5 sacks. His sack total ranked fourth in the NFL among all players as he was selected to the Pro Bowl. DL Arden Key also registered a career-high 6.5 sacks on the year.
The 2020 San Francisco 49ers were led by AP First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection LB Fred Warner, who registered a team-high 125 tackles to go along with 1.0 sack, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and six passes defensed. San Francisco had two additional players selected to the Pro Bowl in FB Kyle Juszczyk, who set career highs in carries (17), rushing yards (64) and rushing touchdowns (two) while adding 19 receptions for 202 yards and tied his career high with four receiving touchdowns, and T Trent Williams, who started all 14 games in which he appeared after the team acquired him in a trade with The Washington Football Team in the offseason.
San Francisco’s offense also featured rookie WR Brandon Aiyuk, who led the team with 60 receptions for 748 yards and five touchdowns to go along with six carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Aiyuk became the first rookie to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards since WR Gene Washington in 1969. His 60 receptions were the second-most by a rookie in franchise history and his 748 receiving yards were the third-most by a rookie in franchise history. WR Kendrick Bourne set career highs in receptions (49) and receiving yards (667), while TE George Kittle added 48 receptions for 634 yards and two touchdowns. RB Jeff Wilson Jr. led the team with career highs in rushing attempts (126), rushing yards (600) and rushing touchdowns (seven), while also adding 13 receptions for 133 yards and three touchdowns. RB Raheem Mostert also notched 104 carries for 521 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
The 49ers defense allowed 314.4 yards per game, ranking fifth in the NFL, while allowing just 207.9 passing yards per game, which ranked fourth in the league. On the ground, the defense allowed 12 rushing touchdowns on the season, which was tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL. San Francisco’s defense also ranked fourth in the NFL in 3rd-down defense (35.5 percent allowed) and three-and-out drives forced (41).
Along with Warner, the 49ers defense featured DL Kerry Hyder Jr., who led the team with a career-high 8.5 sacks while also adding 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Rookie DT Javon Kinlaw tallied 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, one interception (returned for a touchdown) and four passes defensed. LB Dre Greenlaw notched 83 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one pass defensed. The secondary was led by DB Jimmie Ward, who registered 71 tackles, two forced fumbles and four passes defensed, and CB Jason Verrett, who tallied 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and seven passes defensed.
In 2019, he was named Coach of the Year by Sporting News and NFC Coach of the Year by the Committee of 101 after leading the 49ers to a 13-3 regular season record, the NFC West Division Title and an appearance in Super Bowl LIV. San Francisco’s nine-win improvement from 2018 to 2019 was the largest win improvement from one season to the next in franchise history. The 49ers became one of three teams since the NFL switched to a 12-team playoff format in 1990 to finish 4-12 or worse one season followed by earning the number one seed in its conference the next season (1999 St. Louis Rams & 2016 Dallas Cowboys).
San Francisco’s offense in 2019 ranked first in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (23), second in points per game (29.9) and rushing yards per game (144.1) and fourth in total offense (381.1 yards per game). The 49ers finished the regular season with 479 total points, tied for the second-most in franchise history and the most since 1994 (505). San Francisco also had 13 different players with at least one touchdown reception on the season, which tied the NFL record for the most players with a touchdown reception in a single season.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo completed 329 of 476 attempts (69.1 percent) for 3,978 yards and 27 touchdowns with a passer rating of 102.0, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors from Sporting News. His 69.1 completion percentage in 2019 ranked tied for fourth in the NFL (min. 200 attempts) and his 27 passing touchdowns ranked tied for fifth. TE George Kittle’s game continued to improve as he was named Associated Press First-Team All-Pro, PFWA All-NFL and All-NFC and was selected as a starter in the Pro Bowl. Kittle led the team with 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. He became just the fifth player in franchise history, and the first tight end, to have multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining WR Jerry Rice (12), WR Terrell Owens (5), WR Anquan Boldin (2) and WR John Taylor (2). Rookie WR Deebo Samuel registered 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 14 carries for 159 yards (11.4 average) and three touchdowns. His 57 receptions and 802 receiving yards each ranked second among all rookies in franchise history. The 49ers ground attack featured three players with 500-or-more rushing yards in a single season (RB Raheem Mostert – 772; RB Matt Breida – 623; RB Tevin Coleman – 544) for just the second time in franchise history (1954 – three players).
On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers ranked second in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (281.8), the fewest total yards allowed per game by the team since 1997 (250.8). San Francisco ranked first in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (169.2), the fewest passing yards allowed per game in the NFL since 2009 (NYJ – 153.7). It marked the first time San Francisco led the NFL in passing yards allowed per game since 1987 (165.6). The 49ers ranked tied for second in the NFL in third-down percentage allowed (33.3) and tied for fifth in the NFL in sacks (48.0), the most by the team in a single season since 1998 (51.0). San Francisco also ranked seventh in both opponent completion percentage (61.3) and opponent quarterback rating (83.0).
Rookie DL Nick Bosa, who played in all 16 games (14 starts) and registered 47 tackles, 9.0 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press and the PFWA, and Rookie of the Year by Sporting News, PFWA and Pepsi. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was named a starter in the Pro Bowl. With DLs Arik Armstead (10.0), Bosa (9.0), DeForest Buckner (7.5) and Dee Ford (6.5), the 49ers were the only team in the NFL to have four-or-more players with 6.5-or-more sacks in 2019. LB Fred Warner started all 16 games and led the team with 118 tackles, while also adding 3.0 sacks, one interception (returned for a touchdown), three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and nine passes defensed. Rookie LB Dre Greenlaw played in all 16 games (10 starts) and tallied 87 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception and two passes defensed as he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. The secondary was led by CB Richard Sherman, who registered 57 tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and 11 passes defensed and was named Associated Press Second-Team All-Pro.
During his second season at the helm of the 49ers, the 2018 team overcame adversity early in the season after top free agent acquisition RB Jerick McKinnon tore his ACL prior to Week 1, as did starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 3, putting an end to both of their seasons. Despite the setback, Shanahan, his coaches and the young core of the team stepped up to the challenge and endured the ups and downs of the season. Second-year TE George Kittle set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season (1,377) while recording the most yards after catch by any player in the NFL since 2010 (870). Kittle earned AP Second-Team All-Pro honors, as well as his first Pro Bowl selection, after his historic season. Following injuries to both Garoppolo and QB C.J. Beathard, undrafted QB Nick Mullens was able to fill the void and excel for San Francisco’s offense after being promoted to the active roster from the team’s practice squad on September 26. Mullens started the final eight games of the season and accumulated the fourth-most passing yards by a quarterback in his first eight career games since 1970 (Patrick Mahomes, KC; Andrew Luck, Ind.; Cam Newton, Car.). On the defensive side of the ball, DL DeForest Buckner earned his first Pro Bowl appearance after leading the pass rushing unit with a career-high 12.0 sacks, which was the second-most among NFL DTs and the fourth-most by a member of the 49ers since 2000.
In his first season as head coach, Shanahan led the team to a 6-10 record, which was a four-game improvement from the previous year. After a difficult stretch to start the season, the 49ers won six of their final seven games, including victories in five-straight games to close out the season. With six wins on the season, San Francisco set the NFL record for the most wins by a team in NFL history that started 0-9. The 49ers closed the season as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, posting a perfect 5-0 record in December. San Francisco was the only team in the league to have a perfect record over the last month of the regular season as Shanahan became the fourth rookie NFL head coach in franchise history (Buck Shaw – 1950; Frankie Albert – 1956 & George Seifert – 1989), and the first in the NFL since Tony Sparano in 2008, to go undefeated in the month of December.
San Francisco’s offense reached new heights under Shanahan in 2017. The 49ers ranked 12th in the NFL, averaging 349.2 yards per game, the highest output by the team since 2012 (361.8 – 11th). The team also finished the year with 3,925 net passing yards, the most in a single season since 2000 (4,239). QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who went 5-0 as a starter and engineered four, second half comeback wins, set the franchise record for most passing yards in his first five starts. QB C.J. Beathard set the single-season franchise record for attempts (224), completions (123) and passing yards (1,430) by a rookie quarterback. The offense also featured WR Marquise Goodwin who set career highs in both receptions (56) and receiving yards (962), as well as Pro Bowl selections for FB Kyle Juszczyk (second) and T Joe Staley (sixth).
Defensively, San Francisco battled through multiple injuries that left several key 49ers on the Injured Reserve List early in the season, but the 49ers defense improved as the season progressed. Over the final six weeks of the season, San Francisco held opponents to an average of 87.7 rushing yards per game while allowing 100 rushing yards just once in that span. The defense was led by DL DeForest Buckner who tallied 61 tackles and tied for second on the team with 3.0 sacks. The defense also had good productivity from rookies, including DL Solomon Thomas, who led the team with 10 tackles for loss while notching 3.0 sacks, and CB Ahkello Witherspoon, who tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
Special teams lived up to its name for the 49ers in 2017. K Robbie Gould had a career year, leading the NFL with a career-high 39 made field goals and finishing third in the NFL with a career-high 145 points. Gould’s 39 made field goals were the second-most in a single-season in franchise history (K David Akers – 44 made field goals in 2011) and tied for the third-most in a single-season in NFL history. P Bradley Pinion set a career high with a 41.3 net punting average and the punt coverage unit ranked second in the NFL, allowing only 4.2 yards per return.
Prior to being named head coach of the 49ers, Shanahan had 15 seasons of coaching experience at the NFL level, including nine as an offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2015-16), Cleveland Browns (2014), Washington (2010-13) and Houston Texans (2008-09). In six of his nine seasons as an offensive coordinator (2008-09, 2012-13 and 2015-16), Shanahan directed an offense that ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in yards gained.
Following the 2016 season, Shanahan was named Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year, Coordinator of the Year by Sporting News and Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America after a record-setting performance by the Falcons offense en route to capturing the NFC South division title and an appearance in Super Bowl LI. Under Shanahan, the 2016 Falcons set franchise records in yards per game (415.8), points scored (540), net passing yards per game (295.3) and average yards per play (6.7).
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, who was named Associated Press Most Valuable Player, Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player/Offensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America and FedEx Air Player of the Year, threw for a single-season franchise record and career-high 4,944 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, ranking second in the NFL in both categories, in 2016. He led the NFL with a passer rating of 117.1 on the season and threw a career-low seven interceptions. WR Julio Jones recorded 83 receptions for 1,409 yards (17.0 average) and six touchdowns in 14 games played. His 1,409 receiving yards were the second-most in the NFL that season. Both Jones and Ryan earned Associated Press First-Team All-Pro and 2017 Pro Bowl honors.
On the ground, Atlanta averaged 120.5 rushing yards per game and tallied 20 rushing touchdowns in 2016. RB Devonta Freeman registered 227 carries for a career-high 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns, on his way to earning his second-consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
In Shanahan’s first year in Atlanta, the Falcons offense ranked seventh in the NFL, averaging 374.1 yards per game, ranked sixth with a 273.7 passing yards per game average and led the league in time of possession (32:19) in 2015. Julio Jones led the NFL with a career-high 1,871 receiving yards, while notching a career-high 136 receptions to share the League high with the Steelers WR Antonio Brown. Jones’ receiving yards marked the second-highest total in a single season in NFL history, behind WR Calvin Johnson’s 1,964-yard performance in 2012.
Shanahan joined the Falcons after spending 2014 as offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. That year, his offense averaged 324.6 total yards and 108.0 rushing yards per game. Under Shanahan’s direction, RBs Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West combined to rush for 1,280 yards on 319 carries (4.0 average), while WR Andrew Hawkins posted career highs in receptions (63) and receiving yards (824).
Prior to his stint in Cleveland, Shanahan spent four seasons (2010-13) as offensive coordinator of Washington. In 2013, Washington finished ninth in the NFL in total offense (369.7) and fifth in rushing yards per game (135.3). Second-year QB Robert Griffin III threw for 16 touchdowns and a career-high 3,203 passing yards, while WR Pierre Garçon set a franchise record and led the NFL with 113 receptions for a career-high 1,346 yards. RB Alfred Morris also rushed for 1,200-or-more yards for the second-consecutive season (1,275).
Washington won the NFC East division championship in 2012 as they became the first team in NFL history to register 3,400-or-more passing yards (3,422) and 2,700-or-more rushing yards (2,709) in the same season. Washington led the NFL, averaging 169.3 rushing yards per game and finished second in rushing touchdowns (22). Griffin won the 2012 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year Award after setting NFL rookie records in passer rating (102.4), interception percentage (1.27), and rushing yards by a rookie quarterback (815). He completed 258 of his 393 passes (65.6 completion percentage) for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns. Fellow rookie Alfred Morris ranked second in the NFL with a single season franchise-record 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In 2011, Shanahan worked with QB Rex Grossman, who finished with the second-best statistical season of his career, having thrown for 3,151 yards, 16 touchdowns and a career-high 57.9 completion percentage. WR Santana Moss also had his best professional season in 2010 under Shanahan, notching a career-high 93 receptions for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns.
Before joining Washington, Shanahan spent four seasons (2006-09) with the Houston Texans, including the final two as the team’s offensive coordinator. In 2009, he worked with QB Matt Schaub, who registered career highs in completions (396), completion percentage (67.9), passing yards (4,770), touchdowns (29) and passer rating (98.6). His completions and passing yard totals led the NFL that season. Additionally, WR Andre Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards in both 2008 (1,575) and 2009 (1,569) and led the NFL with 115 receptions in 2008. TE Owen Daniels registered career highs in both receptions (70) and receiving yards (862) with Houston in 2008. Shanahan spent his first season with Houston (2006) as the team’s wide receivers coach and moved to coach the quarterbacks in 2007 prior to his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2008. He broke into the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004 where he served as an offensive quality control coach for two seasons (2004-05). His first coaching experience came as a graduate assistant at UCLA in 2003.
Born December 14, 1979, in Minneapolis, MN, Shanahan played wide receiver at Duke University before transferring to the University of Texas in 2000, where he spent two seasons. He and his wife, Mandy, have three children – Stella, Carter and Lexi. Shanahan’s father, Mike, who served as the 49ers offensive coordinator from 1992-94, was the head coach of the Denver Broncos (1995-2008) and Washington (2010-13), where he accumulated an overall win total of 178 victories (eight postseason), including victories in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
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