San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are in their 10th season together. During that time, the two have remained aligned on how to build the roster, enjoyed considerable success, and experienced their share of heartbreak along the way.
Lynch recently sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco to discuss his relationship with Shanahan and how their partnership has evolved over the years.
"They say time flies when you're having fun, and I think that," Lynch said. "But it doesn't feel like 10 years. Crazy that we've spent a decade here. I'm very grateful for that. It's been a lot of fun, and when you play football, you become very close with people because you go through really good times, you go through real hard times, and you go through everything. There's a multitude of things.
"And the most important thing is that you do it together. And whether good or bad, that you stick together and you have each other's back. That's kind of the Forty-Niner way, and we certainly do. We've had each other's back from the start and really proud of that.
"We have had a range of emotions and outcomes of getting to Super Bowls, the elation of that, the heartbreak of not winning those Super Bowls. But I think we both talk about those experiences—if you can stick together and if you are aligned, they only make you stronger. And I feel like that more than ever. We're extremely aligned.
"We're about the same thing, and how we're going to accomplish it, and how we're going to go about it, and that's really cool that after this much time, that we're as strong as ever."
Lynch emphasized that alignment between a general manager and head coach is critical to building a successful NFL organization. During his nine years as a FOX broadcaster before joining the 49ers, he observed that same dynamic among the league's most successful teams.
"It wasn't neuroscience to why places work," Lynch said. "You saw tremendous alignment in the organizations that were at the top of the league. And that doesn't mean they were best friends. It means that they were speaking the same language."
Lynch added that when he considered taking an executive role, he knew it would have to be with a head coach he believed in. He found that in Shanahan, and their partnership has remained strong through a decade of highs and lows.
John Lynch discusses 49ers' trade outlook
The 49ers have already made a significant move ahead of the NFL trade deadline, acquiring defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts and bringing back a player they traded away in 2020.
With speculation surrounding additional potential moves, Lynch acknowledged that the team continues to evaluate its options. However, the 49ers also expect reinforcements in the coming weeks as several injured players work toward returning to the lineup.
Those potential returns will factor into the team's trade decisions.
"We're hopeful that we'll get Nick Bosa back after the bye," Lynch said. "Obviously, that's a game changer for you. That affects our entire team, let alone our defensive line. So, I think all those things factor in, and you try to make an assessment. Where can we most help our team? Do we need to do anything, because we've got a pretty darn good team?"
Lynch also stressed that any potential trade must make sense for both the immediate future and the organization's long-term health. You also have to find a trade partner willing to make a deal, which isn't always easy.
"And then, does everything align that you have a trade partner?" Lynch continued. "Sometimes you really want a player, and they'll entertain conversations, but ultimately they're playing it right down to the wire. And then, they might say on a whim, 'Sorry, we're not interested in moving him. We're going to stick with him.'
"And so, that's why you've got to have a lot of different ideas, if you feel like you need something. And you also have to be able to say, 'No, I like our team. We're going to roll with this.' And next year's draft is real important, too. That's the lifeblood of these teams. So, you always want to have enough assets to improve your team via the draft, because that's the best way."
Lynch's comments suggest the 49ers aren't necessarily finished making moves, but they also won't force a trade simply because the deadline is approaching.
More info on: Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner
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