The San Francisco 49ers made gotten to the Super Bowl twice in the previous five years and were once again among the top teams in the NFL in 2023. Additionally, it was their third trip in a row to the NFC Championship Game. Despite all of that achievement, the 49ers lost a heartbreaking postseason match and are still seeking their first championship under Kyle Shanahan.
If Shanahan keeps failing to perform well in crucial situations, this most recent dismal big-game loss may potentially put him under pressure. Now let’s examine the other 49ers who might be the most sought-after seats come 2024
Kyle Shanahan, head coach
A meaningful conversation over Shanahan’s postseason and big-game performances is eventually necessary. There is no denying his regular season record overall. Being a fantastic offensive coach, he has had excellent success leading the 49ers to the postseason and deep into the playoffs.
That is the good news.
The bad news is that he hasn’t won a Super Bowl despite having, theoretically, the best top-to-bottom group in the game for the past five years. If his team hadn’t lost so badly in the playoffs, it might be simpler to ignore that. His teams have blown two 10-point leads in two different Super Bowls. In another NFC Championship Game, he wasted a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, keeping them from winning the Super Bowl. When the Atlanta Falcons were unable to preserve a 28-3 lead in a Super Bowl, he was their offensive coordinator.
There’s bad luck in one or two of those games. Those games are all in style.
Lineman Spencer Burford, offensive
Burford faced a lot of criticism following the 49ers’ Super Bowl defeat because he failed to block Chris Jones, a defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, in overtime. It was a pivotal play that shaped his team’s season.
Even while the play isn’t the only thing that might put Burford under pressure, it does not help. The interior of the 49ers’ offensive line is arguably one of their flaws as a team, if there are any. Burford has been developed by the 49ers for a long time, but he will have to compete for a spot now that Jon Feliciano is back.
Linebacker Javon Hargrave on defense
The 49ers signed Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million contract a year ago, making one of the biggest splashes in free agency. He was expected to bolster the 49ers defensive line, which was already strong, after having a standout season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Simply put, things never really went as planned.
Although Hargrave was nominated to the Pro Bowl roster and recorded seven sacks, he was clearly not a horrible player, nor was he what the 49ers had anticipated for $84 million. Considering his pay, they can expect more from him in 2024. Additionally, he should increase his output because he might be cut after the season.