Instead, the play-caller suffered another Super Bowl collapse, this time after leading 20-10 against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter.
With the Shanahan bashing out in full force on Monday, Mike Silver of NFL Network remains confident that the 49ers coach will prove himself to his doubters soon rather than later.
Silver said on NFL Network that Shanahan was emotionally "gutted" after once again coming so close to winning a championship and having the game unravel. Run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel texted Silver as the team was boarding its buses at Hard Rock Stadium after the loss and said Shanahan did a great job of leading and supporting his team after the heartbreaking defeat.
"I know Kyle Shanahan will bounce back as a hard worker, as a great strategist, as a guy who will game plan his way to excellence year in and year out," Silver said during The Aftermath. "What I think we saw last night was his development as a true leader. And I think someday, just as we're writing the Andy Reid redemptive story ... I think there's a Kyle Shanahan one to be written sooner rather than later."
Silver was there at Hard Rock Stadium to witness the Chiefs' first championship in 50 years, and to see how Shanahan, someone he has known since the coach was 15 years old, would react.
Shanahan appeared disappointed during his post-game press conference, yet he answered the questions asked of him — as he always does. Once he left, though, the 49ers coach was understandably upset, according to Silver's feature for NFL.com.
Upset at his game management? The play calling? The officiating? All of the above?
At that point, it didn't matter.
"I'm OK," Shanahan told Silver. "We'll bounce back. We'll get it done."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
NFL insider still believes Robert Saleh will return to 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen recently withdrew from the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching search, choosing to remain in Tampa. This decision has boosted Robert Saleh's chances of landing the Jaguars' head coach opening—a position that might seem... -
One 49ers player earns spot on PFWA 2024 All-Rookie Team
The 2024 season was a major disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers. Plagued by injuries, the team stumbled to a 6-11 finish. However, the adversity provided opportunities for several rookies to gain valuable experience in their first NFL season. One of the brightest young... -
NFL.com mock draft has 49ers selecting Armand Membou at No. 11
NFL.com's Eric Edholm released his first mock draft of the year, projecting which first-year players each team will select in April. The San Francisco 49ers hold the No. 11 overall pick after finishing the 2024 season with a 6-11 record, positioning general manager John Lynch... -
ESPN predicts $196 million contract extension for 49ers QB Brock Purdy
ESPN's Dan Graziano recently projected contract figures for 10 upcoming free agents and extension-eligible players. Among the latter is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who is expected to become the highest-paid player in franchise history. The bigger question...