"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.""
"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, although hosting Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on Feb. 8 is a tall order with a so-so defense with no pass rush."
"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."
Kyle Shanahan is a candidate for NFL Coach of the Year after guiding the 49ers to an 11-4 record despite season-ending losses to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner and extended absences of Brock Purdy and George Kittle. Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel are leading competitors, with Johnson notable for turning the Chicago Bears from 6-11 to 11-4 as a rookie head coach. Shanahan is viewed as an established coach rather than a franchise resurrector. Shanahan's postseason résumé includes an 8-4 playoff record and two Super Bowl losses to the Chiefs. Hosting Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium is unlikely given a so-so defense and lack of pass rush.
Read at The Mercury News
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