49ers: Top 15 Head Coaches in Franchise History

San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 Head Coaches in Franchise History

December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (center) stands in front of defensive back L.J. McCray (31) and defensive back Marcus Cromartie (47) for the national anthem before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 18, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes mascot holds a sign “Thank you Buck Shaw” after the final game at Buck Shaw Stadium before the Earthquakes move to a new stadium for the 2015 season. The San Jose Earthquakes tied Vancouver FC 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Buck Shaw

Years as 49ers Head Coach: 1946-1954

Winning Percentage: .645

San Francisco’s first head coach can’t be left off this list. The late Buck Shaw served as 49ers head coach from 1946 through 1954 and took the team into the playoffs in 1949. The year before, Shaw posted a 12-2 record with the 49ers back when the team played in the All-America Football Conference.

Before helming the Niners, Shaw served as head coach of the Santa Clara Broncos as well as the Cal Bears (one should note this author is a graduate of SCU).

Santa Clara named its own football stadium, and current soccer facility, after Shaw.

Shaw took over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958 and eventually won an NFL championship in 1960. He passed away in 1977.

Next: Dick Nolan