49ers Make Final Decision on Kyle Shanahan After Loss to Lions
Following the San Francisco 49ers’ 40-34 loss to the Detroit Lions on December 30, 2024, team CEO Jed York confirmed that head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will retain their positions for the 2025 season. Despite the team’s 6-10 record, York expressed confidence in their leadership, stating, “They’re not going anywhere.”
The 2024 season was challenging for the 49ers, marked by significant injuries to key players such as Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Javon Hargrave. These setbacks hindered the team’s ability to recover from early losses. York acknowledged the impact of these injuries, noting that while no one was satisfied with the season’s outcome, the circumstances were beyond the coaching staff’s control.
Shanahan, who has been with the 49ers since 2017, has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl berth in the 2019 season. Despite the recent downturn, his offensive acumen and previous successes have earned him continued support from the organization’s leadership. York emphasized that Shanahan and Lynch have been steadfast in building a championship-caliber roster and are considered the best leaders for the team moving forward.
In the aftermath of the loss to the Lions, Shanahan addressed the media, expressing his commitment to improving the team’s performance. He stated, “I expect us to get better as a team,” indicating a focus on development and adjustments in the upcoming offseason.
As the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, the organization aims to address the issues that plagued them in 2024, particularly the impact of injuries and the need for depth in key positions. With Shanahan and Lynch at the helm, the team is poised to make strategic decisions to enhance their competitiveness and return to playoff contention.