San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman is excited about the hiring of Kyle Shanahan as his new head coach. He tweeted out a welcome on Monday night.
"The foundation is set welcome to the family Coach Shanahan can't wait to get started," Bowman wrote on Twitter to his nearly 260,000 followers.
The foundation is set welcome to the family Coach Shanahan can't wait to get started. #Questforsix
— Navorro Bowman (@NBowman53) February 7, 2017
Shanahan will need a healthy Bowman going into the 2017 season. Bowman, the heart of the 49ers defense, suffered a torn Achilles during an October 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys. He was placed on the Injured Reserve list four days later.
Through the first four games of the season, Bowman had 35 tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble, and two passes defended. Last season, he was in on 1,126 defensive snaps. 627 of those were against the pass while 499 were against the run. During that time, Bowman compiled 154 tackles – which led the league – 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended.
Defensive tackle Quinton Dial also welcomed Shanahan to the 49ers via Twitter.
Cant wait to get work, welcome to the team Coach Shanahan. #49erFaithful
— Quinton Dial (@Big_QD92) February 7, 2017
The 49ers roster is believed by many to be among the least talented in the league. The team also suffered a large number of injuries in 2016. By the end of the season, the 49ers had 19 players on the Injured Reserve list. Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch are faced with the task of rebuilding the roster, but first they must build a coaching staff around the rookie head coach.
Previously the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons, the new 49ers head coach is coming off of a devastating 34-28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
Shanahan will be formally introduced as the 49ers head coach, likely alongside Lynch, during a press conference later this week at Levi's Stadium.
