Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, has been facing criticism for his struggle to win big games. The team’s history of success in the Super Bowl has taken a turn in recent years, leading to questions about Shanahan’s ability to come out on top when it matters most. Is it just bad luck, or is there something more at play?
The narrative surrounding Shanahan’s inability to win big games has become palpable. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal even dubbed him “The Brilliant Coach Who Can’t Stop Losing Big Games.” This perception has undoubtedly affected Shanahan, who expressed his desire to change it during a press conference.
“I mean, you’d love to fix perception because I would love to win one for what I know about football and I know if I fixed perception that means I did everything I wanted to do, which isn’t to fix perception, it’s to win a damn Super Bowl,” Shanahan said. He acknowledged the team’s success in reaching the Super Bowl and winning other big games along the way. However, the two Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs have been particularly tough for him.
Shanahan’s struggles may be attributed to the fact that he has faced off against two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. In Super Bowl LI, he was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons when they infamously blew a 28-3 lead against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. More recently, he faced Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in two Super Bowls, losing both times.
The challenge for Shanahan is that he may continue to cross paths with Mahomes in the coming years. Mahomes has proven himself to be a clutch performer, thriving in high-pressure situations. This could pose a significant obstacle for Shanahan, as Mahomes seems to excel when the stakes are highest.
However, all hope is not lost for Shanahan. He has the opportunity to change the narrative and prove his ability to win big games. One factor that could make a difference is having a quarterback like the one he could have had in the 2017 draft. With the second overall pick, the 49ers had the chance to select a franchise quarterback who could lead them to victory in crucial moments.
In conclusion, Kyle Shanahan’s struggle to win big games has become a topic of discussion and scrutiny. While some attribute it to bad luck, others question whether there is something more at play. Shanahan himself acknowledges the importance of winning a Super Bowl and hopes to be part of a team that achieves that feat. The challenge lies in facing exceptional quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who have proven their ability to perform under pressure. However, Shanahan has the opportunity to change the narrative and secure victory in future big games, especially with the right quarterback leading his team. Only time will tell if he can overcome this hurdle and silence the doubters.
