The San Francisco 49ers are facing a rough patch this season, having lost back-to-back games and dropping three of their last five contests. With their record now at 5-6, the team’s playoff chances appear to be slipping away week by week. This has led to growing speculation about whether head coach Kyle Shanahan is on the hot seat, as many wonder if he can lead the team back to winning ways.
Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel, however, isn’t buying into the rumors. Speaking on his podcast, “Cleats and Convos With Deebo Samuel,” the Pro Bowler came to his head coach’s defense on Tuesday, emphasizing Shanahan’s successful track record with the team and dismissing any notion that his job should be in jeopardy.
“You can’t show me a losing season that he’s had since I’ve been here,” Samuel said confidently when asked about Shanahan’s current standing. Samuel was quick to point out that Shanahan’s tenure in San Francisco has been marked by deep playoff runs and consistent success, even when the odds were stacked against them.
“First year, Super Bowl. Second year, I mean COVID hit. Year after that, NFC Championship. Year after that, NFC Championship again. Last year, Super Bowl. So it’s like, why are you saying he’s on the hot seat? At the end of the day, we’re 5-6 right now, but we’ve got like six, seven games ahead of us,” Samuel stated, passionately defending Shanahan’s impact on the 49ers.
Deebo’s defense of Shanahan was not just about the past accomplishments but also a show of belief in their current team. He acknowledged that while the 49ers have faced their fair share of struggles this season, there’s still a lot of football left to be played.
Samuel highlighted the team’s resilience and expressed his confidence that they have what it takes to bounce back and finish the season strong.
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The 49ers have certainly had a rollercoaster of a season. Injuries have played a major role in their struggles, as several key players, including Samuel himself, have missed time. Despite these setbacks, the team has managed to remain competitive in most of their games.
Shanahan’s offensive scheme, which has been praised for its creativity and adaptability, has allowed the 49ers to stay in contention even when the odds have not been in their favor.
One of the key criticisms facing Shanahan, however, is his inability to get over the final hurdle and secure a Super Bowl victory. The 49ers have come close on multiple occasions, reaching the Super Bowl in Shanahan’s first year with the team and falling short again in the NFC Championship in subsequent seasons.
The expectation was that the 2024 season would be different—that the 49ers, armed with a talented roster, would finally capture the elusive title. But injuries and inconsistent performances have made that journey far more challenging.
Things are not going to get any easier for the 49ers, as they are set to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 13—a matchup that will be a true test of their resilience. The Bills, with their high-powered offense and stout defense, represent one of the toughest challenges on the 49ers’ schedule.
If the 49ers are to keep their playoff hopes alive, they’ll need to put together a complete performance, and Shanahan’s leadership will be crucial in guiding them through the adversity.
Despite the challenges, Samuel remains optimistic about the 49ers’ prospects. He expressed unwavering support for Shanahan, praising his ability to bring out the best in his players and his knack for making the necessary adjustments when the team needs it most.
Samuel made it clear that the locker room still has faith in their head coach, and he believes that Shanahan is the right person to lead them back to the playoffs.
“At the end of the day, it’s about how you finish, not how you start,” Samuel said. “We know what we’re capable of. We have the talent, we have the coaching, and we have the belief. We just need to put it all together, and I trust Coach Shanahan to get us there.”
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with players like Deebo Samuel rallying behind their head coach, the 49ers still have a fighting chance.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Shanahan and his team can turn things around and make a push for the postseason. For now, Deebo Samuel’s message is clear: Kyle Shanahan is not on the hot seat, and the 49ers are far from done.
