Why 49ers GM Lynch Shanahan finds criticism, firing rumors ‘ridiculous’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
John Lynch hears the noise, and all he can do is smile.
The 49ers enter Week 14 of the 2024 NFL season struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive with an unassailable 5-7 record, two games back in the NFC West and five regular-season games remaining. Criticism surrounding coach Kyle Shanahan has grown, with some calling for his firing — after three straight losses — including two miserable blowout performances against the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.
Lynch called the investigation ridiculous during his weekly KNBR “Murph & Markus” appearance and defended his head coach.
“I found the whole discussion of Kyle rather ridiculous,” Shanahan said Friday. “We’ve won four of the last five division championships. We’ve been to two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win a championship and we’ve fallen short of that, I understand that. But we have a great head coach and I think it’s ridiculous that people are talking about it. I do
“We’re 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization. Like I said, that’s our focus [Chicago] Bear and we are doing what we can. That’s where Kyle’s focus is and that’s where all of our focus is.”
San Francisco is currently 11th in the NFC and last in the NFC West heading into Sunday’s home game against Chicago (4-8).
Injuries and tragedies have derailed the 49ers’ season, from the firing of Ricky Pearsall just before the regular season to season-ending injuries to Brandon Ayuk and Christian McCaffrey to the tragic loss of both Charvarius Ward and Trent Williams.
But even if their chances are slim – it’s not over yet for the reigning NFC champions.
“What I really think [Shanahan] To say that we have not earned the right to be called good [as last season]” Lynch said. “Your record says you belong in this league, and that’s not very good. So I think we’ve been through a lot as a team, this current team has had a lot going on with the members of our organization. Hurts, sad situations, in the end they are just excuses.
“One thing I can tell you is I’m proud of how this team stuck together, had each other’s back. The other thing I can tell you is the story isn’t written yet. We’re still grinding, and we’re still playing.”
Shanahan and Lynch are in their eighth seasons in their respective roles with the 49ers organization.
The last time the 49ers missed the postseason was in 2020, and they’ve done so just three times in the Shanahan-Lynch era.
There’s been a lot of uncertainty hanging over the team this season, but one thing’s for sure: Lynch is sticking with his guy.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
