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It’s pretty safe to assume that Kyle Shanahan’s father, longtime NFL head coach Mike Shanahan, has had at least some influence on the quarterback evaluation process leading up to next week’s draft. Maybe even a significant influence. Ultimately, it will be Kyle Shanahan’s decision, with input from his father, general manager John Lynch, and other team personnel.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic recently answered questions from fans and was asked about Mike Shanahan’s influence on the San Francisco 49ers’ looming decision.
“Put it this way: Earlier this month, I called Mike to talk about his quarterback philosophy in general and to discuss his 2012 quarterback search in Washington,” Barrows responded. “When he called back, the 49ers headquarters phone number registered on my phone. He was calling from Kyle’s office.”
Who knows how much time the elder Shanahan has been spending inside the team’s headquarters? Mike Shanahan still spends much of his free time reviewing game film and has weekly calls with his son to talk football. Kyle Shanahan’s offense is heavily influenced by his father’s, so it’s safe to assume that Mike Shanahan’s opinions remain highly valued by everyone inside the building.
Mike Shanahan won three Super Bowls during his time as a coach. One was as San Francisco’s offensive coordinator, winning with Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. He went on to win two more Super Bowls as the Denver Broncos’ head coach with another Hall of Famer in John Elway.
Mike Shanahan being in the building during the crucial evaluation process could be telling.
“I don’t think he was there to drop off cookies,” Barrows continued. “… So, I suspect he’s one of the people with heavy input on this decision.”
While the retired coach didn’t offer any hints on the 49ers’ current quarterback search, Barrows did reach out to four agents and sources to get their opinions on who the team might select at No. 3 overall. All four picked quarterback Justin Fields of Ohio State.
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49ers draft: John Beck shares what Kyle Shanahan seeks in a QB
By David Bonilla
21 hrs ago
Former NFL quarterback turned private coach John Beck joined KNBR on Thursday. He worked with Kyle Shanahan in Washington when the San Francisco 49ers head coach was the offensive coordinator there. The two remain close.
Beck has worked this offseason with two of the three prospects — Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State — that are the betting favorites to be the No. 3 pick by the Niners. Mac Jones of Alabama has the best odds, followed by the other two. Beck has also worked at length with Zach Wilson of BYU, who is expected to go to the New York Jets at No. 2.
Everyone is trying to figure out Shanahan’s thinking and predict who will be the 49ers’ first selection. After all, the team traded a haul of draft picks, including
Albert Breer shares a detail from Justin Fields’ pro day that may have impressed Shanahan and the 49ers
By David Bonilla
Apr 15, 2021
Justin Fields took part in a workout this week in Columbus, Ohio, in front of potential suitors, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers. That has caused the former Buckeye’s stock to rise, and he is now the favorite to be drafted at No. 3 overall by the Niners.
It was Fields’ second pro day-style workout. His first took place on March 30. However, Shanahan and Lynch were not in attendance for that one. Wednesday’s workout gave the 49ers’ brain trust its first opportunity to watch the incoming rookie quarterback.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes there is at least one aspect of the
49ers draft: John Beck shares what excites him about Justin Fields and Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Apr 21, 2021
Private quarterbacks coach John Beck has worked this offseason with both Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State, helping each draft prospect prepare for his pro-day workout in front of NFL teams. Both will hear their names called next week, and their NFL journeys will officially begin.
Fields and Lance, along with Mac Jones of Alabama, are among the top candidates to be drafted at No. 3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers. The team traded up to the spot on March 26, seeking a quarterback of the future.
Beck, who played for then-offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in Washinton, remains close with the 49ers head coach. San Francisco recommended Lance work with the private coach ahead of his second pro day and even provided Beck with a list
Silver: Cornerstone pieces make the 49ers the team to beat in 2021
By David Bonilla
Apr 16, 2021
NFL Media analyst Michael Silver has a lot of belief in the San Francisco 49ers’ chances of competing during the upcoming season. He feels head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad can bounce back from its disappointing injury-plagued 2020 campaign and has the pieces in place to become the team to beat in 2021.
“I think they’re going to come back strong,” Silver told Steve Wyche and Judy Battista on NFL Network’s Total Access. “You saw the bold move to trade up for the No. 3 pick. They’re going to get a quarterback of Kyle Shanahan’s choosing, and you’re going to have a lot of difference-makers out there on that field.”
San Francisco has put itself in a position to acquire one of the top quarterback prospects in this month’s draft. Right now, Justin Fields of
