49ers: San Francisco's new regime change is already changing the culture

With the hiring of new head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch, the San Francisco 49ers have hit the reset button, not only to improve the product on the field, but to change the culture throughout the organization. If the early returns are any indication, the team is headed in the right direction.

When San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York hired head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch, it became abundantly clear Lynch was dedicated to changing the losing culture that plagued the team throughout the last two seasons.

In a media conference (h/t Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman), Lynch said as much, stating “We’re going to strive to create a culture where everyone works together. That’s been a strength of mine.”

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During the past few months, both Shanahan and Lynch have been true to their word.

With former 49er greats Jerry Rice and Steve Young having already made rounds at the 49ers facilities this offseason, this regime is embracing the organization’s rich history.

Perhaps it’s in part because Lynch played the game, and understands sustained success has more to do with chemistry and culture than talent alone.

Or perhaps it’s because Shanahan watched his dad, former 49ers offensive coordinator and two-time Super Bowl winning coach (with the Denver Broncos) Mike Shanahan, find success with two different organizations.

In fact, Kyle Shanahan displayed some of those traits during the draft in his dealings with tight end Vance McDonald. As the 49ers were in the midst of the 2017 NFL Draft, the team received calls on McDonald’s availability.

While disclosing to the media that McDonald was, in fact, discussed in trade scenarios, Shanahan’s candor and honesty were a bit surprising. But it was what came next that had McDonald singing his praises. McDonald was at his brother’s wedding when his cell phone rang with coach Shanahan on the other end.

“He’s been in a draft room for 48 hours at that point, so I’m sure he’s worn out and he’s calling me on his way home, and the first thing I told him is ‘Man, there’s not a lot of coaches that would do this. So I’m sure you’re worn out.’ We were kind of joking. He just wanted to fill me in.”- Vance McDonald

“He’s been in a draft room for 48 hours at that point, so I’m sure he’s worn out and he’s calling me on his way home,” McDonald told ESPN”S Nick Wagoner.

“And the first thing I told him is ‘Man, there’s not a lot of coaches that would do this. So I’m sure you’re worn out,’ We were kind of joking. He just wanted to fill me in.”

But it is not only the apparent honesty and straight-forwardness that has the players excited.

Shanahan’s previous success working with quarterbacks Brian Hoyer, Rlll, Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan has not only given him experience and credibility, but also a keen understanding of the complexities and nuances of football that perhaps some coaches lack.

Offensive lineman Joe Staley sounded giddy talking to reporters about Shanahan’s knowledge of both the offensive and defensive plays while in team meetings breaking down plays.

Staley has been through the disappointment and failure the past few seasons. So for him to say how much fun football is again to a 10-year vet speaks to the affect Shanahan is having on the players already.

And while the team may have a ways to go before they can compete for playoffs and championships once again, the mood in the huddle and throughout the organization seems to have taken an upswing in momentum.

Staley is seeing and feeling the difference, on the field and off.

“Just the energy’s back in the building. The excitement level, attention to detail. This might sound kind of bad, but I’m enjoying football again.”

Next: 5 most winnable games for the 49ers iin 2017

No, Joe, to 49er fans everywhere, that doesn’t sound bad at all.

New San Francisco 49ers regime is already changing culture

By Robert Smith | Jun 28, 2017