"If you hadn't noticed, the 49ers' Kyle Shanahan is in the conversation for NFL Coach of the Year. It's hard to miss since every talking head locally and nationally, as well as mainstream media and the blogosphere, has brought it up. The guess here is he's running behind Sunday night's opponent, Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears, or maybe Mike Vrabel of New England. In the conversation is usually code for won't win."
"Not that Shanahan isn't deserving, guiding the 49ers to an 11-4 record despite losing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner for the season as well as Brock Purdy and George Kittle for large chunks of it. The Bears are one of the NFL's best stories, going from 6-11 to 11-4 and currently the No. 2 NFC seed behind Seattle. Johnson is a rookie head coach. The Bears have two one-and-dones in the playoffs since 2011. He'll probably get the most votes and won't be undeserving."
"Shanahan will be looked at more as an established coach who is coming off a one-off losing season in 2024 rather than resurrecting a moribund franchise. Shanahan may be the best coach in the postseason however, even with a pair of blown leads to the Kansas City Chiefs in two Super Bowls. He's 8-4 in the playoffs and don't be surprised if they win a time or two again this season."
"There are a lot of solid candidates for COY, more than I can remember. Here is a subjective ranking of the coaches as it pertains to the postseason: 1. Kyle Shanahan, 49ers: The 49ers have made a good showing every year and were in position to win every playoff game he has coached other than the NFC title game against the Eagles when Brock Purdy left with an elbow injury in the first quarter."
Kyle Shanahan is in the conversation for NFL Coach of the Year but may trail Ben Johnson of the Bears or Mike Vrabel of New England. Shanahan guided the 49ers to an 11-4 record despite season-ending injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner and extended absences for Brock Purdy and George Kittle. The Chicago Bears transformed from 6-11 to 11-4, earning the No. 2 NFC seed under rookie coach Ben Johnson. Shanahan's postseason résumé is strong at 8-4 despite two blown Super Bowl leads to the Chiefs. Hosting Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium is a long shot with a so-so defense lacking a pass rush.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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