49ers' Kyle Shanahan earns spot among NFL's elite: Ranked No. 7 returning head coach

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to cement his place among the NFL's top coaching minds. In a recent ranking of returning NFL head coaches by Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Dalton Wasserman, Shanahan landed at No. 7 overall, behind only Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Sean McVay, John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin, and Jim Harbaugh.

Shanahan has served as the 49ers' head coach since 2017, helping guide the team to multiple deep playoff runs. Although a sixth Super Bowl title has remained just out of reach for the franchise, Shanahan has led San Francisco to two Super Bowl appearances in the past six seasons—an achievement that few current coaches can match.

"Shanahan is still one of the game's greatest offensive minds and best head coaches," Wasserman wrote. "After appearing in their second Super Bowl in five seasons in 2023, the 49ers took a big step back last season. However, they started 5-4 before losing seven of their final eight games. Those shortcomings came about more due to injuries to star players and a lack of run defense than anything within Shanahan's control."

The 49ers finished the 2024 season with a 6-11 record, landing in last place in the NFC West and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

"Despite their difficulties, Shanahan's 49ers still ranked ninth in PFF grade last season, the second-highest mark by any team with a losing record," Wasserman added. "Offensively, San Francisco still notched the fifth-best PFF grade in the league despite injuries to superstars Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams. Shanahan's playcalling and work to develop Brock Purdy are the biggest factors in that success. If they are healthy, the 49ers are a legitimate bounce-back candidate this season."

Shanahan's impact on quarterback play has been evident throughout his career. He's reached the Super Bowl with both Jimmy Garoppolo and Purdy, and played a key role in Matt Ryan's 2016 MVP season while serving as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator.

Although Shanahan has yet to win a Super Bowl as a head coach, his résumé is still impressive. He has produced four double-digit win seasons, including three in the last four years, and consistently fields one of the NFL's most creative offenses.

As the 2025 season approaches, expectations remain high in San Francisco. Despite significant offseason roster changes, Shanahan's presence on the sidelines gives the 49ers a strong chance to contend. If he can lead another turnaround, it will further solidify his standing among the NFL's coaching elite.