Tag: Shanahan

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

49ers make change at QBs coach, promote Mick Lombardi

Posted on | by Field Level Media

In addition to confirming a new set of coordinators Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers promoted Mick Lombardi to quarterbacks coach, replacing Brian Griese in the role.

It was not yet known whether Griese was let go or chose to leave the 49ers on his own. Griese, the quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons in San Francisco, was sought for a head-coaching interview with the New York Jets last month but declined the offer.

Lombardi, 36, is in his second stint with the 49ers after working in various lower capacities on their staff from 2013-16. He served as the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 2022-23 before returning to San Francisco as a senior offensive assistant in 2024.

The change in the quarterbacks room comes as the 49ers are expected to re-sign starter Brock Purdy to a long-term deal this offseason.

The 49ers also formalized the promotion of Klay Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator, announced initially in January. The role was vacant for the past two seasons. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, will still call plays.

Kubiak worked in assistant roles on both sides of the ball for the Niners since 2021 and was an offensive passing game specialist last year.

Robert Saleh returns to his old post of defensive coordinator after being fired as head coach of the New York Jets in October. Brant Boyer joins San Francisco as special teams coordinator.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2021; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) and general manager John Lynch during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Unamused 49ers GM: Cool it with Kyle Shanahan ‘hot seat’ talk

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Seven losses in a season is unfamiliar territory for the San Francisco 49ers.

With two Super Bowl appearances in five seasons, general manager John Lynch openly admits the 49ers haven’t earned the right to be called “as good” as the 2023 NFC championship group.

San Francisco is 5-7 but only two games behind NFC West-leading Seattle with five games remaining as the Chicago Bears (4-8) arrive Sunday.

“I’ve found the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical,” Lynch said in an interview Friday with KNBR in San Francisco. “We have won four of the last five division championships. We’ve been to two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win championships, and we’ve fallen short of that, I understand.

“But we have an excellent head coach, and the fact that people are talking about stuff like that, I do find it comical. We’re 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization. Like I said, our focus is really on the Bears and doing everything we can. That’s where Kyle’s focus is, and that’s where all our focus is.”

San Francisco lost 35-10 in the snow at Buffalo last Sunday night and the 49ers placed their top two running backs on injured reserve due to injuries in that game. Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) could return for Week 18 at Arizona if the 49ers are still fighting for a playoff spot.

In a top-down ranking of NFC teams by record and playoff position, the 49ers are No. 11 entering Week 14.

“You are what your record says you are in this league, and that isn’t very good. So I think we’ve been through a lot as a team, this current team with a lot of stuff that has happened to members of our organization. Injuries, tragic circumstances, ultimately those are just excuses. One thing I can tell you is I’m proud of how this group has stuck together, had each other’s back. The other thing I can tell you is the story’s not written yet. We’re still grinding, and we’re still playing.”

The 49ers last missed the postseason in 2020 with a record of 6-10 that followed an appearance in the Super Bowl — San Francisco’s first title game loss of two to the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco’s upcoming schedule after Sunday includes a short week before playing the division rival Rams on Thursday, at Miami (Dec. 22), a Monday night matchup with the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30 and the finale against the Cardinals.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Limited again, 49ers QB Brock Purdy still fighting sore shoulder

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Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday’s practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday’s practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn’t suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable.

Purdy’s typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can’t play against the Packers.

Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren’t where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven’t won close games, not because of injuries.

“Seven games left is like an eternity,” Foerster said. “So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year.”

With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways.

The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to pass against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) during their NFC divisional playoff football game Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

49ers hit Green Bay with Packers in pursuit of NFC leaders

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A victory against the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Green Bay Packers’ playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat.

Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don’t shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown.

Host San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

“That’s what you’ve got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better,” Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. “What you could have done differently in that game. … Just knowing that’s the team that knocked us out, we’re definitely hungry for this game.”

Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week’s 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith’s 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play.

Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground.
A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay.

The good news: the 49ers anticipate the return of some key contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks.

“Very excited,” he said. “Can’t pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure.”

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy is day-to-day with right shoulder soreness, but coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy is on track to play.

Shanahan and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called “dream team” staff in Washington that included Sean McVay and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays.

Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises.

But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other’s play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points.

Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They’ll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit.

That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late.

Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week’s 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love’s go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play.

Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a “big part” of the attack.

“He’s a guy who’s got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it’s not like those were easy plays he was making,” LaFleur said. “He was making tough, contested catches.”

San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece.

Bosa (hip/oblique) didn’t practice Wednesday but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said this week “there’s just as good of a chance for him to not play as play.”

Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay.

The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1.

–Field Level Media

Former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan during a recognition ceremony at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren among 9 coaching candidates for HOF

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Super Bowl-winning head coaches Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan and George Seifert are among the nine semifinalists from the coach category nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Only one finalist from the group can be named a finalist to be considered by the full Hall of Fame Selection Committee for possible election in 2025.

The Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee narrowed a list of 14 candidates to these semifinalists: Bill Arnsparger, Coughlin, Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, Shanahan and Clark Shaughnessy. All but Arnsparger, Knox and Seifert reached the semifinalist stage in 2023.

The same committee is scheduled for a virtual meeting on Nov. 19 to nominate one finalist to be considered for enshrinement.

Earlier this week, the Hall of Fame semifinalists from the contributor category, from which one finalist will be up for consideration with the next Hall of Fame class, were released: K.S. “Bud” Adams, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Modell, Art Rooney Jr., Seymour Siwoff, Doug Williams and John Wooten.

A grand total of 20 finalists are presented for debate at the selection committee’s annual meeting in advance of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, including 15 modern-era players, three seniors, one coach and one contributor. Between four and eight new members will be selected, according to the Hall of Fame’s selection process bylaws.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

49ers RB Jordan Mason (shoulder) to undergo tests

Posted on | by Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason is scheduled for tests to determine the severity of a shoulder injury that knocked him out of Thursday’s win at Seattle.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mason, starring as the fill-in for injured starter Christian McCaffrey with an NFL-leading 114 carries and 609 rushing yards, had X-rays on Thursday after being hurt on his eighth carry. He tried to return to the game but Shanahan said Mason felt significant pain.

“He thought he was going to be all right,” Shanahan said of Mason, who finished with 73 yards on nine rushes. “He went back in and it just hurt him too much, so he went out.

“I mean, adrenaline during games is a little bit different. We’ll find out more (Friday) when (tests are) done and get the X-rays and stuff.”

McCaffrey hasn’t played this season because of an Achilles injury and his return date hasn’t been discussed publicly by the 49ers. Isaac Guerendo stepped into the lead back role with Mason out.

Guerendo had 99 yards on 10 carries in the 36-24 win over the Seahawks, including a game-sealing 76-yard run late in the fourth quarter. Guerendo has a track and wide receiver background and played collegiately at Wisconsin and Louisville.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs LVIII between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bills, Patriots bidding on 49ers WR Deebo Samuel

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Trade offers for wide receiver Deebo Samuel could fetch the San Francisco 49ers a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to multiple reports.

The two teams at the center of the bidding prior to the start of the second round of the 2024 draft on Friday were AFC East rivals Buffalo and New England, NFL Network and The Athletic reported.

NFL Network reported the Patriots and 49ers engaged in conversations around Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk during the NFL Scouting Combine, but compensation was a sticking point.

The Bills traded No. 1 wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans earlier this month and traded back twice on Thursday. Buffalo holds the No. 33 pick in the draft Friday.

49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that he “wouldn’t anticipate” a scenario in which the team would trade Aiyuk, who is looking for a long-term deal from San Francisco.

Whether Samuel could be available after Lynch used the 49ers’ first-round selection on Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall — a former Aiyuk teammate in 2019 before transferring to the Gators from Arizona State.

Lynch called Samuel “a part of this team, and a big part of this team” on Thursday night after the pick. Head coach Kyle Shanahan went further, saying trade talks took place when teams called but trading a wide receiver “doesn’t seem that likely to be honest. But I’m still on the table. If someone offered [owner] Jed [York] and John good stuff for me, I’m going to be out of here.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the coin toss before overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Shanahan: 49ers followed math in OT

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LAS VEGAS – There was math behind the 49ers’ decision to take the ball first in overtime, but the numbers didn’t end up working in San Francisco’s favor.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan denied the team didn’t know the overtime rules — which several players said postgame — included both teams having a chance with the ball regardless of the outcome of the initial receiving team’s first drive in the extra session.

“This is something we talked about with, you know that none of us have a ton of experience of it but we went through all the analytics and talked with those guys and we just thought it would be better, we just wanted the ball third,” Shanahan said. “If both teams matched and scored, we wanted to be the ones who had the chance to go in. We got that field goal, so we knew we had to hold them to at least a field goal. And if we did then we thought it was in our hands after that.”

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead was one of the players who said he was unaware the sudden death aspect of overtime didn’t kick in until both teams possessed the ball.

“I didn’t even know about the new playoff overtime rule, so it was a surprise to me,” Armstead said. “I didn’t even really know what was going on in terms of that.”

Captain Fred Warner won the overtime toss and the 49ers’ linebacker said the team wanted to receive the kick. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said players couldn’t believe San Francisco opted to take the ball first. He doubted the 49ers thought through the rules in OT that differ from the regular season, when a touchdown on the opening drive of overtime ends the game, but a field goal affords the opponent one possession.

“They’re crazy, they’re crazy,” Jones said. “Because the overtime rules has changed where both teams get the ball no matter who scores. So, originally, you want to let the other team get the ball, stop them holding the three, so you know what you got. Or if you stop them, they punt it, then all you have to do is kick three.”

After a stop and 49ers kicker Jake Moody punching in a field goal to open the overtime scoring and stake San Francisco to a 22-19 lead, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended the game with a walk-off TD pass to Mecole Hardman.

“I was speechless,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “I couldn’t really look anybody in the eye, especially all my teammates. I could have done more. Everybody could have done more. And there’s really not much to say at this point. It’s going to hurt, and it’s going to hit in waves, but that’s life.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is interviewed during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

49ers fighting through Super obligations, determined to zero in on Chiefs

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LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Quarterback Brock Purdy is ready to be done with the “paparazzi” and media obligations at Super Bowl LVIII.

Purdy said he’s zeroed in on stepping up his play to bring the San Francisco 49ers back to Super Bowl glory, and won’t be hung up on narratives in the media that seem to be building energy as gameday against the Kansas City Chiefs approaches.

“With all the stuff going around on the outside, being able to sink back into what you believe, what your purpose is,” Purdy said of what he is focused on, mentioning he connected with 49ers legend Steve Young on that very topic. “He pointed out, spoke to the entire team, ‘When you have this opportunity, you’ve got to take it.’”

The 49ers were on the practice fields at UNLV as the sun emerged in the first dry day of their three in Nevada so far this week.

“We got here Sunday, but it feels like we’ve already been out here a week,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said following practice Wednesday afternoon.

The field at UNLV hasn’t met the approval of the 49ers, whose game-day operations staff flagged the softness of the playing surface prior to the full team arrival and on-field exercise on Monday afternoon.

“We had a normal practice. We’re not going to change the whole schedule up. We’d go too early in the morning,” Shanahan said. “We’re here. Everyone has preferences. We’re practicing on it. I wish the field was better but we’ll deal with it how it.”

There are no major injury concerns for the 49ers. Tight end George Kittle (toe), defensive end Arik Armstead (knee/foot), cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) and linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) were limited in Wednesday’s workout. Kittle would like to go through one practice before gameday after also being idle during the bye week between the conference championship and Super Bowl.

“We didn’t have as an aggressive practice, in terms of running and cutting. That’s (Thursday),” Purdy said. “Today it was pretty good to get out there and move around with light running. We’ll see tomorrow how it is.”

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis (ankle), two weeks into his practice window to return from injured reserve, was a full participant.

Left tackle Trent Williams will play Sunday. But he received his usual Wednesday veteran rest day and watched practice from the sideline.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

A toe injury is not a concern for 49ers tight end George Kittle (85), who said he's ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

49ers TE George Kittle ready to go toe-to-toe with Travis Kelce

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LAKE LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Spending a moment of facetime with 49ers tight end George Kittle at the team hotel, it becomes abundantly clear he isn’t sitting out Super Bowl LVIII.

The only starter for San Francisco to miss every practice last week, Kittle plans to be on the field to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday evening. He’s fighting a toe injury but would love not to be mentioned on the first official injury report of the week Wednesday. Kittle maintains there is “no concern” about his injury entering the game.

He’s averaging a team-leading 18 yards per catch in two playoff games with six receptions for 108 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown.

Missing a chance to duel with Chiefs tight end and good friend Travis Kelce runs a distant second to claiming a Super Bowl ring for Kittle, the 2023 All-Pro first teamer at the position. But he’s not shying away from his appreciation of sharing the spotlight with his “Tight End University” sidekick.

“I’m a huge fan of Travis Kelce and the fact I’ve been able to become friends with him, peers with him, run Tight End (University) with him, just get to know him, it’s been awesome,” Kittle said. “For someone I’ve looked up to, looked up to his game, watched so much of his film. Anything that he says is nice about you; it feels great. He’s a fantastic football player. He’s probably a first-ballot Hall of Famer. So anything you can get from Travis Kelce, it’s awesome. And the fact you’re friends too, it makes it a little bit sweeter as well.”

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan did not provide an update on cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) or linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder) on Tuesday. He said he doesn’t talk to trainers unless he’s required to submit an injury report under league rules.

EFFORT, ET CETERA
San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks used the term “unacceptable,” and Shanahan called a few plays out for a lack of collective effort in the NFC Championship Game win over the Detroit Lions.

In particular, Wilks said the two rushing plays that resulted in points were most problematic. Jahmyr Gibbs ran 15 yards for a score by cutting against the grain and easing by defensive end Chase Young, who was caught moving at half-speed. That was after a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter by wide receiver Jameson Williams.

“Our guys take a lot of pride in what they do,” Shanahan said. “They work hard every day, practice, games, since I’ve known them. So, I don’t expect it to be any different on Sunday.”

49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave said players bowed their heads in shame and vowed to not allow the narrative to become a talking point again.

“I think the most important thing is just how we felt about it as a team,” 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw said. “I agree to the fullest extent. I felt like we could play harder and I felt like I could play harder too. So, you’ve got to look at yourself too. That’s really what it boils down to.”

FOR THE BIRDS
49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel dismissed the Eagles as a rival in the NFC. Not because of proximity or division separation. Because San Francisco pasted Philly, 42-19, in their December meeting.

“I consider rivalries close games,” said Samuel, who caught two TD passes in the win.

The 49ers lost to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game last year, 31-7, before Philadelphia was defeated in the Super Bowl by the Chiefs.

–By Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media