Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch are set to continue their journey with the San Francisco 49ers next season, despite the challenges faced during the 2024 campaign. Team owner Jed York made this clear in a recent conversation with The San Francisco Standard, expressing his steadfast support for the coach-general manager duo.
York stated, “They’re not going anywhere,” reinforcing the idea that the successful partnership will remain intact. This assurance comes amidst swirling rumors regarding Shanahan’s potential interest from other teams seeking a head coach. York emphasized, “You can write that, for sure.”
Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter support York’s position, indicating that the 49ers have no plans to trade Shanahan, who has also expressed his desire to stay. Earlier this month, he addressed trade speculations directly, saying, “I don’t want to be any place in the world more than here.” This commitment reflects the long-term vision that both Shanahan and Lynch have cultivated since they joined the organization in 2017.
Related:
York: “They’re not going anywhere”
Lynch shared similar thoughts during a Dec. 8 interview ahead of the 49ers’ game against the Chicago Bears. Commenting on the chatter surrounding Shanahan’s future, Lynch remarked, “I’ve found the whole discussion on Kyle and some of the stuff rather comical.” He pointed out their significant achievements, highlighting, “We have won four of the last five division championships. We’ve been in two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win championships, and we’ve fallen short of that, but we have an excellent head coach.”
The recent struggles of the 49ers have been surprising, given their history of strong performances under Shanahan and Lynch. Following a loss to the Detroit Lions, San Francisco’s record now stands at 6-10, marking their first losing season since 2020. However, the accomplishments of Shanahan and Lynch are noteworthy. In their eight seasons with the franchise, they have led the team to four NFC Championship Game appearances and two Super Bowl runs.
Both Shanahan and Lynch secured multiyear extensions in September 2023, solidifying their roles within the organization. While this season has posed significant challenges, York’s public endorsement underscores the faith in their leadership. For now, any discussions about departures remain speculative, as both Shanahan and Lynch seem dedicated to guiding the 49ers back to championship glory.