Still one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, but where does Shanahan stack up against the competition?
Since taking over as the San Francisco 49ers head coach in 2017, Kyle Shanahan has helped lead the franchise to two Super Bowl appearances and countless playoff victories. Winning the big game is Shanahan’s last accomplishment, but the 49ers head coach is regarded as one of the NFL’s best coaches and offensive minds.
Last season was a tough one for the 49ers as the team dealt with countless injuries on their way to an 11-loss season. 2025 has restored optimism for the team with the return of Robert Saleh and the incoming draft class.
But where does Shanahan rank as a head coach in the NFL?
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus tackled this subject and ranked Andy Reid as the number one head coach, with Denver’s Sean Payton right behind him.
What is interesting is where Shanahan lands and who is sandwiched around him at number seven. Jim Harbaugh lands at number six with Nick Sirianni at number eight. Sirianni is fresh off a Super Bowl victory, and Harbaugh returned to the NFL last season, leading the Chargers to a playoff berth.
Shanahan is still one of the game’s greatest offensive minds and best head coaches. After appearing in their second Super Bowl in five seasons in 2023, the 49ers took a big step back last season. However, they started 5-4 before losing seven of their final eight games. Those shortcomings came about more due to injuries to star players and a lack of run defense than anything within Shanahan’s control.
Despite their difficulties, Shanahan’s 49ers still ranked ninth in PFF grade last season, the second-highest mark by any team with a losing record. Offensively, San Francisco still notched the fifth-best PFF grade in the league despite injuries to superstars Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams. Shanahan’s playcalling and work to develop Brock Purdy are the biggest factors in that success. If they are healthy, the 49ers are a legitimate bounce-back candidate this season.
Wasserman is confident in the 49ers’ offense in 2025 and for good reason. Despite Aiyuk’s unclear timeline, the team still boasts George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey as weapons. Time will tell if the 49ers’ 2024 season was a blip on the radar.