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Nick Wagoner
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Just four days before Christmas and the eve of facing the Indianapolis Colts, Kyle Shanahan addressed his San Francisco 49ers team in a meeting room at the JW Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, sharing a message that stood apart from everything this season.
Following the injury-laden 2024 season that resulted in a disappointing 6-11 record, qualifying for the playoffs had become a familiar achievement for several 49ers players, a reality that was taken for granted. That downturn only amplified the excitement when Shanahan revealed to this year’s squad — also dealing with injuries and undergoing a significant roster overhaul in the offseason — that they had officially secured their return to the postseason.
The importance of Shanahan mentioning «playoffs» in 2025 was heightened as he had patiently avoided the subject for the past eight months. While players were aware they had achieved playoff qualification, Shanahan made it clear to the Niners that their ultimate mission was back on track, igniting a wave of enthusiasm in the room.
«It was the first time he openly said to the team, ‘We can win a Super Bowl,'» fullback Kyle Juszczyk remarked. «That was a huge moment. … I feel like that showed how Kyle has been energized by how we have developed this season and how we have responded to everything that’s happened. Early in the season, he was like, ‘I don’t know what type of team we are.’ And once we clinched it, he’s like, ‘I know exactly what team we are.'»
This iteration of the 49ers remains undeterred by challenges. They have witnessed the loss of 17 players through free agency, releases, or trades to other teams for contracts valued at over $340 million. Furthermore, they had more than $152 million worth of players on some reserve list, which included star defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and receiver Brandon Aiyuk, along with dead salary cap space. This was the fourth highest in the league, and among the six teams with the most, the Niners are the only ones boasting more than six wins.
Remarkably, the Niners achieved a total of 12 regular-season victories, matching their win total from 2023 when they had a fully loaded roster and were just a play away from claiming victory in Super Bowl LVIII.
At the forefront of this success: Shanahan.
Seattle Seahawks in the NFC divisional round on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, Fox). Some argue that this is his best season yet.
The formula for Shanahan’s coaching masterclass this season lies in his evolving rapport with players and his daily communications, his enhanced approach in delegating responsibilities and empowering staff and seasoned leaders, along with his steadfast focus on tactical excellence.
This strategy was instrumental in last week’s wild-card victory against the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles, despite losing TE George Kittle to an Achilles injury before halftime.
With a postseason record of 9-4, Shanahan has eclipsed his father, Mike, for playoff wins. Just one more victory would tie him with Bill Walsh and George Seifert for the most in franchise history. As of Saturday, under Shanahan, the Niners have never lost a wild-card or divisional round game in seven attempts.
Right tackle Colton McKivitz, however, believes this season marks Shanahan’s crowning achievement.
«By far,» McKivitz said. «The coach of the year shouldn’t be in question. With what we’ve had as a team injurywise, all the roster changes and everything, everyone counted us out this year. … For us to be where we are, it speaks volumes to the coach he is.»
0:48
49ers confident Fred Warner would play in NFC Title Game
Nick Wagoner explains why the 49ers are confident Fred Warner will return next week should the team advance past the Seahawks.
AFTER THE OFFSEASON departures, Shanahan understood that more transformation was essential beyond just the roster names.
This shift needed to initiate with communication.
He invited veteran players — like Kittle, Juszczyk, and Warner — who had been part of the team for over three years to his home during the spring. There, Shanahan empowered team leaders to take ownership of their positions. For this team to go anywhere, he needed the Super Bowl-or-bust mentality to be replaced and a collective effort to assist the newer players in their development.
«I wanted to gather the guys together to really articulate that this team is [going to be] a little bit different,» Shanahan shared with ESPN in August. «It’s completely new and you all need to recognize that this team is not just going to fall in line as it used to.»
«We have to develop these guys.»
Shanahan curtailed discussions about playoff aspirations and Super Bowls. He believed this squad needed to hone in on gradual improvement rather than fixating on overarching goals. He spent most of the offseason program and organized team activities instilling that philosophy in players and coaches alike.
«We definitely established an intention that we can’t presume that this team is something right now,» offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak expressed. «We have to evolve… Kyle highlighted it daily. I think it gave not just him, but everyone an enthusiasm of, ‘Hey, let’s just put in the work. Let’s improve every day and see what this group can blossom into.’
Saleh took charge of the defense after dealing with various coordinators such as Steve Wilks, who wasn’t familiar with the scheme preferred by the Niners, or Nick Sorensen, who was new to the role.
Shanahan also allowed Bradley to run the pre-game team meeting.
Historically, the Saturday night meeting commenced around 8:30 p.m., with Shanahan showcasing a highlight reel of 30 to 40 clips from the previous week’s game, taking 45 minutes to an hour.
This year, Shanahan briefly addresses the team and then hands over the proceedings to Bradley, a coaching veteran with over 20 years of NFL experience. Bradley shares anecdotes that typically do not pertain directly to football but do connect to valuable life lessons.
The stories range from fishing trips with his son to amusement park adventures with friends, among various seemingly common activities. The Niners emerged victorious following Bradley’s debut storytelling and Shanahan embraced the innovation ever since.
«We’re in and out of a team meeting now in 15-20 minutes,» Kittle commented. «And I have never encountered that since he started the film sessions in 2019. He’s evolving and adapting with the times, which is exciting to see.»
In a 16-point defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, Shanahan highlighted clips displaying the team’s high effort and intention, a reminder that their performance did not reflect the final score’s indicator. Kittle noted Shanahan’s blend of demanding coaching and offering commendations is «something new he hasn’t done in years past.»
Rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins, a second-round draft pick from Texas, struggled at first due to injuries during spring and training camp. When he executed a play or even enhanced his technique, Shanahan ensured his efforts were recognized.
«He will acknowledge me or congratulate me for doing something well but then always remind me, ‘There’s still more potential and you can achieve even more,'» Collins said. «I appreciate how he keeps pushing us to improve… I strive for greatness, and one can’t maintain excellence if one settles for being just good.»
For anyone doubting Shanahan’s firmness, ample evidence exists contrary to that perception. After San Francisco’s 34-24 victory over the New York Giants on Nov. 2, Shanahan disregarded Christian McCaffrey’s impressive 173 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns when selecting in-house player of the week awards.
«He consistently finds ways to ensure you carry that little chip on your shoulder, that extra motivation you may need for the week,» McCaffrey stated.
Occasionally, tensions can escalate. Aiyuk’s refusal to participate in mandatory rehabilitation sessions and resulting departure from the team could have served as a distraction, yet Shanahan consistently made it clear that his focus did not include players absent from the building.
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One particular challenge flared up on the sideline during a Week 6 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. TV broadcasts captured an intense exchange between Shanahan and receiver Jauan Jennings late in the first half.
Emerging from a frustrating training camp marked by injury and contract negotiations, Jennings became increasingly discontented with a lack of targets. This frustration was mirrored by Shanahan’s irritation towards Jennings’ grievances.
The disagreement extended into the locker room, but both Shanahan and Jennings calmed down enough to reconcile the next day. In the 12 games following, Jennings achieved a career-high with eight touchdown receptions and even threw a touchdown pass in the wild-card victory against Philadelphia.
«I likely could have managed the situation better by stepping back instead of engaging in a dispute,» Shanahan reflected. «It was somewhat immature of me, but I had my feelings too.
«But, when you know someone and they know you, overcoming these moments often becomes attainable. I believe we both recognized how unnecessary that was… I think it ultimately helped us.»
0:52
49ers not worried about Week 18 loss to Seahawks
Nick Wagoner details the 49ers not thinking about their Week 18 loss to the Seahawks.
THE NINERS ENTERED their Week 5 Thursday night matchup against the Rams without Bosa, quarterback Brock Purdy, or any receivers or tight ends who caught passes for them in 2024. As 8.5-point underdogs playing on a short week, they faced a team reeling from a previous loss to Jaguars despite a 3-1 start.
During the team’s weekly W.I.T. («What It Takes») meeting, Shanahan elaborated on the type of grind-out game necessary to conquer the Rams. He demonstrated specific X’s and O’s that could facilitate the upset.
For the offense, that entailed focusing on frequent middle-field targets with digs and crossing routes, coupled with a significant role for McCaffrey in the passing game.
«It’s the same mindset regarding our attack strategy, understanding how this team performs, and how we can exploit their weaknesses,» receiver Kendrick Bourne commented. «If they excel in one coverage, we have to counter with an alternate approach, which Shanahan consistently illustrates for us.»
Ultimately, backup quarterback Mac Jones registered 342 passing yards and two touchdown throws. Bourne tallied a career-high of 142 yards on 10 receptions, with seven of those grabs for 104 yards on in-breaking routes. McCaffrey additionally caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.
The 26-23 victory represented the Niners’ first triumph with such sizable odds since their 2011 upset of the Eagles when they were 9.5-point underdogs.
That night marked the moment Shanahan and the 49ers began believing they could challenge anyone, anywhere, regardless of the circumstances.
«It’s like, ‘Oh, s—,'» Juszczyk exclaimed. «Even with our backup quarterback, we can conquer anyone.»
Jake Tonges placed his stamp in Week 1 with his game-winning touchdown reception in Kittle’s absence, a trend that continued through the wild-card victory against Philadelphia when two linebackers — Eric Kendricks and Garret Wallow — who joined the team around Thanksgiving started and led the squad in tackles to progress to Saturday night.
Despite the constant lineup changes, Shanahan refrained from labeling this season his most innovative, stating that he believes he and his staff are consistently striving to prepare the players.
After numerous defensive injuries — 22 players have already made starts on that side of the ball this season — the 49ers relied heavily on their offense during the latter half of the year. That group ranked ninth in terms of offensive points per game (25.3), sixth in efficiency, and seventh in yards per outing (351.4), even with 14 players making receptions and two quarterbacks starting at least eight games. San Francisco concluded the season triumphantly, winning six of their last seven matches.
«He’s a Hall of Fame coach,» Purdy stated. «With each passing week, he gives everything he has for this team, this organization, to ensure we’re positioned correctly and have a fighting chance. Each time we step onto the field with him as our playcaller, we know we will always have a chance.»
SHANAHAN HAS YET to receive the NFL’s Coach of the Year accolade.
He was the runner-up to John Harbaugh (Ravens) in 2019 and Brian Daboll in 2022 (Giants), and he finished fifth in 2023. Each of those seasons presented distinct challenges for Shanahan, including success with third-string quarterback Purdy in 2022.
The 2025 campaign proved no exception.
«If you had suggested after Week 4 that we would end with a 12-5 record and in the playoffs, along with one of the top records in football, people would have dismissed it,» McCaffrey stated.
Numerous strong candidates vie for this year’s honor, with New England’s Mike Vrabel, Seattle’s Mike Macdonald, and Chicago’s Ben Johnson among the frontrunners.
Nonetheless, Shanahan’s genuine focus is on capturing a Super Bowl. His players desire to see him recognized for steering them through a year that seems more transformational than simply transitional.
«Accepting the reality that your team is no longer what it once was and you must implement changes is challenging,» McKivitz expressed. «I believe this is his finest year in terms of building and coaching the team.»
