The San Francisco 49ers, normally a juggernaut among the NFL’s best teams, are in the midst of a lost season. They are 5-7 and in sole possession of last in the NFC West. The roster has been decimated by injuries, with 48 games missed by former Pro Bowlers.
The 49ers are a team looking for answers, which has led to rumors outside the building of potentially moving on from head coach Kyle Shanahan. Whether via trade or outright firing him, the idea has gained traction.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio pitched the idea that the Chicago Bears should inquire about trading for Kyle Shanahan. Florio points to Mike Shanahan, Kyle’s father, a Chicago native, and a ‘what do you have to lose’ mindset.
While a guest on KNBR, 49ers’ general manager John Lynch was asked about the team potentially trading Shanahan to the Bears.
“I sit back, and I try to be focused, but I’vefound the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical. We’ve won four of the last five division championships and been in two Super Bowls.” Lynch continued, “The standard here is to win, and we’ve fallen short. I understand that. But we have an excellent head coach, and the fact people are talking about that I do find it comical.”
Ironically, the 49ers and Bears face off this weekend in a battle of last-place teams. But make no mistake, the 49ers are all in with Shanahan.
“We’re 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization. Like I said, our focus is on the Bears and doing everything we can. That’s where Kyle’sfocus is, and that’s where all our focus is.”
But what if the 49ers fall to the Bears? Could the next five weeks alter Kyle Shanahan’s status with the team and ramp up the hot-seat conversation?
