Deep playoff runs have become routine for the San Francisco 49ers. The ultimate prize still sits just out of reach. Timing has played a role in keeping the Lombardi Trophy out of reach. That context has fueled whispers about expectations in 2026.
Richard Sherman Calls ‘Hot Seat’ Talk Around Kyle Shanahan Absurd
NFL, Richard Sherman
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Television analyst Richard Sherman looks on before the game between the Houston Texans and the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Richard Sherman strongly dismissed any suggestion that Kyle Shanahan could be on the hot seat. Even if the San Francisco 49ers miss the playoffs in 2026, Sherman labeled the idea unrealistic and out of touch with league-wide reality, speaking on his podcast.
“I don’t know who asked this question, but we gotta check what’s in their cup. Absolutely not,” Sherman said. “He wouldn’t even be close. He’d be on an iceberg. And if he somehow was on the hot seat, then there’d be 20 seats in the NFL getting hotter as his gets hotter.”
Richard Sherman was asked if the 49ers miss the playoffs this season, will Kyle Shanahan be on the hot seat:
“I don’t know who asked this question, but we gotta check what’s in their cup. Absolutely not. He wouldn’t be close. He would be on an iceberg and if he was somehow on… pic.twitter.com/DEMkitNTie
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) April 11, 2026
Sherman did not stop there. He argued that if Shanahan ever became available, as many as 15–20 teams would immediately pursue him as their head coach. That kind of demand, in Sherman’s view, makes the entire debate pointless.
The stance carries weight because of what Shanahan has built in San Francisco. Since taking over in 2017, Shanahan has turned the 49ers into a perennial contender. Multiple NFC Championship appearances and two Super Bowl trips have cemented his reputation as one of the league’s top play-callers. NBC Sports even ranked him No. 3 among NFL head coaches entering 2026.
Shanahan has yet to win a Super Bowl. That gap continues to define outside perception. Elite coaches are judged by rings. That’s the standard across the NFL.
The 2025 season showcased Shanahan’s value more than any trophy could. San Francisco battled through major injuries to key players like Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa, yet finished with a 12-5 record. Few coaches maintain structure under that level of attrition, which saw Bosa sidelined with a torn ACL in September and Purdy missing significant time.
That resilience matters inside league circles. Front offices prioritize stability, offensive innovation, and adaptability. Shanahan checks all three boxes. Firing him after one down year would risk handing a proven system to a rival overnight.
Shanahan is not just safe unless the 49ers completely collapse. He is still one of the most valuable coaching assets in football.