In one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers are facing the very real possibility of not even making the playoffs.
You could make the argument that the Niners are the best team in the entire league – on-paper. However, as we all know, games are not played on-paper, especially in the NFL.
Sure, San Francisco has had a ton of injuries. However, many fans felt that head coach Kyle Shanahan would have been able to navigate the troubled waters much smoother than he has.
As crazy as it sounds, there are some who are calling for Shanahan to be fired.
While quarterback Brock Purdy works toward a return, rumors about Shanahan’s job security have surfaced.
However, future Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly emphatically shut down those speculations, labeling them “preposterous.”
Appearing on the Up & Adams Show, Kuechly defended Shanahan’s coaching brilliance and dismissed any suggestion that the 49ers would part ways with their head coach.
“I think it’s preposterous,” Keuchly said. “I have played against Kyle Shanahan, (and) I love him as a coach … any talk of them moving on from him would be a terrible decision for the 49ers.”
Kuechly also reflected on his experience facing Shanahan’s system, praising its complexity and effectiveness.
“I had such a challenge playing against that offense and that system, and what they’re capable of doing,” Keuchly said.
“I think they’ve had some injuries at key places this year. With that being said, they’re a game back in the NFC West. I think moving on from him would be ridiculous.”
The 49ers (5-6) remain in a tight NFC West race, trailing the division-leading Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals (both at 6-5).
However, they face a grueling schedule with games against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Cardinals still to come.
Part of their hopes hinge on the return of Purdy, who has been sidelined with a concerning shoulder injury.
Purdy has been participating in light throwing sessions, but Shanahan is cautious about his immediate availability.
“It went all good,” Shanahan said, of the sessions. “We didn’t push it that hard, but he did some light throwing, which was a good sign that the pain hadn’t come back, and we’ll rest it tomorrow and see how he feels as the week goes.”
Shanahan also addressed the toll injuries have taken on the 49ers, especially in their recent 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
“We are missing some guys, especially some of the more physical guys in terms of like Dre Greenlaw and some of our D-lineman,” he said.
“And losing our biggest run-stopper in Jordan Elliott during that game. We’re missing some guys out there, which makes a difference.
Shanahan added that the team’s offensive struggles were compounded by an ineffective rushing attack.
“I thought that they did better in the run game in the second half. Offensively, I don’t think we are lacking physicality. We just didn’t get our run game going today and a lot of that has to do with not attempting to do much of it too.”
Without a healthy Purdy, the 49ers may struggle to win many of their remaining games.
With critical matchups looming, Shanahan faces the challenge of keeping the team competitive in a season defined by adversity.
But as Kuechly noted, dismissing Shanahan would be a dumb decision, especially given his track record and the challenges the team has faced this season.
While Niners fans are undoubtedly frustration, the fact of the matter is Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the NFL and 99% of teams would love to have him.
What are your thoughts on the rumors that Shanahan may be in trouble?
Do you think the Niners will be able to get their season back on track before it’s too late???
