What Does Kyle Shanahan Need to Fix to Avoid the Hot Seat?

The 49ers have once again fallen short of their Super Bowl-winning standards. And year after year, Kyle Shanahan has led them through everything.

The 2025 season ended with a demoralizing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round. Before that, Shanahan led the team to two Super Bowl losses in 2020 and 2024 despite holding 10-point fourth-quarter leads, while also experiencing the second-highest injury rate in the NFL since being hired as head coach in 2017. 

With this track record, how does Shanahan avoid the hot seat?

Free Agency 

With former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa often on the 49ers’ injury reserve list, it is clear that the team desperately needs to strengthen its pass rush, as it ranked last in total sacks per game in 2025. Their top priority when improving their pass rush is to target a superstar like All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby. Acquiring another superstar like Crosby, or even a player like Trey Hendrickson, would not only help the 49ers with their sack problems but also add depth to the roster. 

Another important factor in Shanahan’s free agency for maintaining the team’s future success is the offensive line. With future Hall of Famer Trent Williams aging and the departure of Jake Brendel, the 49ers need replacements to keep Brock Purdy and the offense effective. 

Targeting younger linemen such as Rasheed Walker, Braden Smith, or Vederian Lowe would benefit the salary cap and the 49ers’ future.

Hitting in The Draft 

For Shanahan to avoid the hot seat, he and general manager John Lynch need to draft effectively, which hasn’t always been their strong suit. 

Besides the need for an offensive and defensive line, the 49ers also need a true number one receiver, given the injuries to Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, as well as looking for help in the secondary, possibly adding another cornerback alongside Deommodore Lenoir. 

With the 27th pick in the first round, the 49ers can choose from several players who could make an impact on the team. The smartest move might just be selecting the best player available. 

This could be receivers like Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, USC’s Makai Lemon, Texas A&M’s Kevin Concepcion, or even UW’s Denzel Boston if he falls to 27.

Or San Francisco could even focus on defense with someone like USC’s Kamari Ramsey or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Either way, no matter who it is, it should be the best player available at the 27th spot to ensure they get the most value from that pick.

Successful and Healthy Training Camp 

This could be one of the most important parts of their offseason and how Shanahan can avoid staying on the hot seat. 

Shanahan must ensure everyone on the team stays healthy during their offseason before week one to fully maximize their opportunities and avoid any excuses going into the 2026-27 season. This is also a key time to help new players who joined through free agency, the draft, and trades adapt to the 49er culture and style of play so they can maximize their playing time in Santa Clara. 

Kyle Shanahan can no longer afford to “redshirt” his rookie players and must start the best player at each position to maximize success. Training camp will also be crucial, as the 49ers have a new defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris, who will give the defense a new coach to bond with and learn new skills under. 

Overall, Kyle Shanahan must be very careful and consider carefully the kind of offseason the San Francisco 49ers need to succeed and keep his job as head coach safe for now.