The 2024 season has been a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers, with their playoff hopes all but extinguished after a humiliating 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. Despite the high expectations following their near-Super Bowl victory last year, the team has stumbled to a 6-8 record, placing them at the bottom of the NFC West. As disappointment mounts, some have begun to speculate whether head coach Kyle Shanahan could be on the hot seat. However, reports indicate that the 49ers have no intention of parting ways with Shanahan, even after the team’s disappointing performance this season.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, despite 2024 being the Niners’ worst season since 2020, Shanahan’s position is secure. In his eighth year as head coach, the franchise remains fully committed to him, confident in his ability to turn things around, regardless of the team’s struggles. While it’s easy to point fingers at Shanahan, the team’s woes have been compounded by an ongoing injury crisis, with key players missing or underperforming. Many factors beyond his control have contributed to the rough season, making a midseason firing seem unwarranted.
Shanahan, who has led the 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances since 2017, is likely to retain the benefit of the doubt. Even if the 49ers somehow sneak into the playoffs, their odds are slim, and this won’t change the team’s confidence in Shanahan’s leadership. With an eye on next season, Shanahan is likely already focused on restoring the team’s success for the 2025 campaign.
