For the first time since 2020, the San Francisco 49ers will begin their offseason earlier than usual, missing the playoffs after three consecutive deep postseason runs. With one game left in an injury-plagued and mistake-riddled campaign, the 49ers are shifting their focus to what lies ahead.
General manager John Lynch sees the early start as an opportunity to reset and address the issues that plagued the team this season. Speaking on Bay Area radio station KNBR Friday morning, Lynch emphasized the importance of using the extended offseason to regroup.
"That's already started," Lynch said. "That process is well in the works, but we're going to give the due and the respect to finishing out in the correct way, and then we'll move forward."
A chance to reset
Lynch emphasized the importance of using the offseason to refocus the team's efforts and resolve lingering issues.
"We've just got to get back where we belong, and that's competing for championships," Lynch said. "I wholly and strongly believe that we've got the group in place to do that. A lot of circumstances that happened this year, and then us just not taking care of business."
This season presented significant challenges, with injuries sidelining key players like running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and tackle Trent Williams—critical components of the 49ers' offense.
"It's hard to overcome, but still, we had so many opportunities this year, and we just didn't get it done. And so, you really dig down deep, and you look at how you fix some of the things that have been ailing you. How do you add? Rosters never stay the same in today's football. They're ever-changing. So, how are we going to best improve this team?"
Financial hurdles
Lynch acknowledged that navigating the salary cap will be challenging, especially with significant money already allocated to core veterans and the upcoming contract negotiations with quarterback Brock Purdy.
"And so, you've got to be real thoughtful, and that process is always ongoing," Lynch said. "There's so many different ways to procure talent, whether it be for free agency, whether it's the draft, moves we've been making here at the end of the year to get people on for next year. All those things are ongoing.
"As the season ends, you go through your checkout and closeout, where we talk about every player in great depth. From a 360-degree view, you look at it from every angle, and then you start to assess, 'Okay, are these guys we want back?' And all those things. And then you start looking at new players, and that process has been ongoing."
Coaches get involved early
For the first time in years, the coaching staff will have an offseason free from playoff preparation, allowing for a more thorough analysis of the team's performance. That should benefit the offseason efforts.
"I can tell you that, while this is not a place that anyone wants to be, I feel a lot of excitement from [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan], the opportunity to have a whole offseason, as opposed to a very expedited one because you've played in the Super Bowl, where you can really focus on, 'Okay, what is at the root?'" Lynch said.
"We can go back and look at all the film, deep, in-depth, and from a schematic standpoint. The coaches can do that. I think it's a good opportunity for a nice reset for this team, and I feel very optimistic about where we can go."
Commitment to improvement
Lynch concluded by promising fans that the organization is fully committed to returning to its winning ways.
"I can promise you, we're going to pour our heart and soul into getting this right and getting us back where we belong," Lynch said.
The 49ers are eager to move past a disappointing season and focus on reestablishing themselves as contenders for years to come.
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.
