Ranking 49ers Teams over Last 10 Years by Strength

10 of 11

December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh addresses the media in a press conference after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: The 2011 Niners

On January 7th, 2011, after what seemed like an eternity, the 49ers and former head coach Jim Harbaugh agreed to a five-year deal worth $25 million.

“It’s the perfect competitive challenge,” Harbaugh said after agreeing to become the 49ers’ 18th head coach. “I look forward to coaching against John Harbaugh, Bill Belichick and the many great coaches in the NFL.

Harbaugh brought a new culture to a team and fan base desperate for a winning season. The 49ers weren’t known for anything but winning. And win they did. The Niners won a total of 14 games in 2011.

Unfortunately, the Niners lost their most important game in 2011. They lost the NFC title game. Had they won, and the New England Patriots still advanced to the Super Bowl, they would have dominated New England, as evidenced by their 31-3 lead one year later and the fact that the they prevailed in Foxborough by a score of 41-34.

But, as history writes, the infamous Kyle Williams fumble will live on in the minds of 49ers’ fans everywhere.

Bottom Line

Until San Francisco brings home a Lombardi Trophy, it doesn’t get better, for me at least, than 2011. From Harbaugh’s hiring, to Justin Smith’s forced fumble on Eagle’s wideout Jeremy Maclin, to Smith’s game clinching deflection of an Eli Manning pass, 2011 was magical. A magical season with a disappointing end, keeping it from No. 1, on this list of 49ers seasons.

Next: No. 1, the 2012 Niners