Unfulfilled Potential: The 49ers' Quest for a Super Bowl Ring
Shanahan's Super Bowl Journeys: Close but No Cigar
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has guided the San Francisco 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances within the past five years. Both of these teams have been recognized by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as among the most formidable NFL teams in the last two decades that did not secure a championship title.
The Dominant 2023 Season: A Top-Tier Contender
The 2023 49ers team secured the third position on PFF's list. That season, San Francisco demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a league-leading overall PFF grade of 95.3. They consistently ranked no lower than third in both offensive and defensive metrics, and were also third in both points scored and points allowed. Quarterback Brock Purdy's outstanding play earned him a fourth-place finish in MVP voting. Nine key players, including Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner, each earned a PFF grade of at least 84.5. The team's impressive point differential was the 14th best in NFL history. Their Super Bowl 58 loss in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs prevented what many believed was Shanahan's most talented roster from claiming the Lombardi Trophy.
The Stellar 2019 Campaign: A Strong Showing
The 2019 49ers team was ranked tenth on the list, despite also achieving a league-best overall PFF grade of 93.9. San Francisco maintained a strong presence, ranking no lower than sixth in EPA per play on both offense and defense. They ended the season with the third-highest point differential in the league, accumulating a plus-169, only behind the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots. Additionally, they were second in scoring and featured the eighth-best scoring defense, anchored by players like Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Jimmie Ward. Despite their strong performance, the 49ers ultimately lost to Kansas City in the Super Bowl, which was only Shanahan's third season as head coach.
A Recurring Narrative: Shanahan's Super Bowl Setbacks
Shanahan's record in Super Bowl appearances as San Francisco's head coach stands at 0-2, with both losses coming against the Chiefs. This pattern is reminiscent of the New England Patriots, who also have multiple entries on Locker's list of outstanding teams without a championship. For Shanahan and the 49ers, these rankings serve as a poignant reminder of their consistent proximity to glory and the missed opportunities to secure a Super Bowl title.
