San Francisco 49ers: A Look Back and the Road Ahead for 2025

As the San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season comes to a close, President of Football Operations and General Manager John Lynch, alongside Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, took to the podium to reflect on the season’s challenges and the mindset moving into the offseason. With the team already looking ahead, there are key takeaways about their approach to team improvement, the draft, and some major decisions to be made in the coming months.

2024 Season Review: A Year of Missed Opportunities

Both Lynch and Shanahan acknowledged the disappointments of the 2024 season, focusing on several areas where the team fell short of their expectations. Injuries and uncharacteristic errors in crucial moments ultimately led to a 6-11 record, and despite showing promise at times, the team was unable to reach the postseason.

Lynch was candid about the team’s struggles, emphasizing that while injuries played a role, the 49ers had still put themselves in a position to succeed. “We had opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize on them,” said Lynch. “We expect more from ourselves, and it’s our responsibility to fix that.” For Shanahan, the hardest moments were the close losses to teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks, where mistakes cost them valuable wins. “We should have been better. We had a chance to be 8-2 entering Week 11, but injuries and errors derailed our season,” Shanahan reflected. “We have to fix these issues—whether it’s scheme or personnel—because that’s football.”

Brock Purdy’s Role: The Future of the Franchise

One of the bright spots for the 49ers in 2024 was the play of quarterback Brock Purdy. Both Lynch and Shanahan praised Purdy for his leadership and poise, even under challenging circumstances. “Brock is our guy,” Lynch affirmed. “He’s done so much for this organization. We’re excited about his future here, and we want him to be part of this team for the long haul.”

Shanahan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of continuity and leadership with Purdy at the helm. “Brock is the leader of this team, and I have full confidence in him,” Shanahan said. “We’ve come close to winning a Super Bowl with him, and I know he can get us there in the future. We plan to be with him for as long as we can.”

Draft: Building for the Future

Looking ahead, Lynch stressed the importance of a strong draft to continue building a competitive roster. Reflecting on the 2024 draft class, he noted that several rookies made significant contributions and gained valuable experience. “We had seven players from this draft class starting games, and they gained invaluable experience,” Lynch remarked. “We have nine picks in the upcoming draft, and we plan to continue adding youth and talent to the team.”

Trent Williams’ Recovery: Key to the Offensive Line

An important update came from Lynch regarding the health of offensive tackle Trent Williams, who finished the season on the injured reserve list due to an ankle injury. “Trent is doing well,” Lynch reported. “The recovery took longer than expected, but he’s on the right track. He’s still committed to being the dominant player he’s always been, and we’re excited to have him back.”

Coaching Changes: A Difficult but Necessary Shift

Shanahan also discussed the tough decision to make changes to his coaching staff, particularly with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider. Shanahan explained that while Sorensen is a valuable coach and person, the team is looking to make adjustments to better meet the challenges ahead. “It was a hard decision,” Shanahan said of Sorensen. “I hope we can keep him in another role, but we have to do what’s best for the team in the long term.”

As for Schneider, Shanahan acknowledged the difficult circumstances he faced with numerous injuries affecting key special teams players. “Brian had a tough year,” Shanahan said. “It’s unfair to place all the blame on him, but we need to improve in that area moving forward. He’s a great coach, and I’m sure he’ll land on his feet.”

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Improvement

As the 49ers enter the offseason, both Lynch and Shanahan expressed their unwavering commitment to improving the team. From enhancing the roster through the draft to making key adjustments on the coaching staff, the 49ers are determined to come back stronger and more focused for the 2025 season. “We’re excited for the work ahead,” Lynch concluded. “We know we have the talent to compete at the highest level, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to get back to the postseason and beyond.”