49ers Finally Have Hope for the First Time Since Jim Harbaugh Era

The San Francisco 49ers struck rock bottom in 2016, but the aftermath of this season has led to a new head coach in Kyle Shanahan and a new wave of hope permeating through the Niners fan base.

Plenty of things could still go wrong for the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. And yet the wave of disasters that struck the franchise between 2015 and 2016 have ultimately led to a new era of hope for a jaded and frustrated fan base.

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Yes, it’s the first time many fans have felt good about the Niners since the “mutual” parting of ways with former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Of course every offseason typically ushers in hope for every NFL team. Heck, the hapless Cleveland Browns have the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft as well as a ton of cap space.

Yet the Niners are right there too. They have a great deal of cap space and the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. And they can count on, arguably, the best head coaching candidate from the offseason joining the ranks.

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is poised to become the next San Francisco head coach. He’s talented.

Just ask Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan:

True, CEO Jed York and Vice President of Player Personnel Paraag Marathe certainly don’t have the best reputation within the fan base.

Yet, perhaps, they got it right this time. And they should receive credit for it.

Our good friend Al Sacco over at 49erswebzone.com broke it down even further:

"So in the end, York go it right by extending an offer to Shanahan, who may be the best offensive coordinator and play caller in the NFL right now. Under his direction in 2016, the Atlanta Falcons finished first in points, second in yards (third in passing, fifth in rushing) and broke the 30 point mark 11 times during the regular season. The 49ers haven’t scored 30 points in 33 games."

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True, the Niners are nowhere near close to being an elite team. That’s a long ways away. But, for the first time in a while, San Francisco fans can feel pretty good about the prospects for a turnaround.

Next: Identifying 5 Cornerstones on the 49ers Roster

The process has started, and that’s music to the Faithful’s ears.

The 49ers Have Hope Again for the First Time Since the Jim Harbaugh Era

By Peter Panacy | Jan 21, 2017

The San Francisco 49ers struck rock bottom in 2016, but the aftermath of this season has led to a new head coach in Kyle Shanahan and a new wave of hope permeating through the Niners fan base.

More from Niner Noise