Kyle Shanahan: San Francisco 49ers head coach addresses criticism following Super Bowl defeat.
Shanahan responded to the growing calls questioning his performance in crucial matches, stating, “The fact that we keep getting there shows how much we win big games.” Despite two Super Bowl losses in five seasons, Shanahan emphasized that success or failure ultimately comes down to one game.
San Francisco has come close to winning the ultimate prize in recent years but has fallen short each time. Shanahan acknowledged the challenges faced in the Super Bowl losses, citing specific instances where the team lost significant leads, leading to defeats.
Addressing criticism about his decision to take the ball in overtime, Shanahan explained that plans for the new rules were in place before the postseason started. While some players admitted not being aware of the overtime rules, Shanahan defended his coaching staff, stating they had briefed the team before the start of overtime in the Super Bowl.
Despite the disappointment, Shanahan commended quarterback Brock Purdy’s journey from the final pick of the 2022 draft to franchise quarterback. Purdy, recovering from major elbow surgery, played a crucial role in leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl, showcasing one of the league’s most powerful offenses.
Looking ahead, Shanahan expressed optimism about the team’s core and expected most of the coaching staff to return for the upcoming season. However, he acknowledged that having all the pieces doesn’t guarantee a win, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the game.
“We have all the pieces, but it never guarantees you a win. At the end of the day, it’s not basketball. It’s not a seven-game series. You can put yourself in the absolute best position, and sometimes you get beat. All you can do is continue to try and put yourself in that best position, but you’re just never guaranteed anything,” stated fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
(Inputs from agencies)
