Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur are two of the hottest coaches in the NFL and they're extremely similar.
They essentially run the same offensive system, because they worked together for years in Houston, Washington and Atlanta. And at each spot, LaFleur worked under Shanahan. Which means Shanahan is his mentor.
In the past 10 games, both Shanahan and LaFleur have won 7 games -- they have their teams rolling. And both coaches are the stars of their offense. Both have quality weapons and extremely efficient quarterbacks, but it's Shanahan and LaFleur who ultimately get credit for their offense's success because both are able to scheme receivers wide open more than most coaches.
In the Packers' playoff demolition of the Cowboys this past Sunday, quarterback Jordan Love was close to perfect, but his receivers were wide open, and he still made them leap and contort their bodies to make catches. Meaning LaFleur was the star of that game, just as Shanahan is the star when Purdy throws to wide open receivers.
The biggest difference between Shanahan is LaFleur is how they develop quarterbacks. Shanahan essentially doesn't. He tried to develop Trey Lance, gave up and turned to Purdy, who was NFL ready as soon as he stepped into the 49ers facility.
As opposed to LaFleur, who spent three years developing Love on the bench, and now Love is elite. Or he's playing at an elite level. Which could mean LaFleur is better at developing quarterbacks than Shanahan.
That wouldn't mean LaFleur is a better coach than Shanahan, but it's an interesting distinction.
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