Kyle Shanahan: 3 biggest challenges for 49ers head coach in 2020

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers dealing with the Super Bowl loss hangover

Historically speaking, it is an exceptionally tough problem dealing with a Super Bowl loss and its impact on a football team.

For example, the Rams went from Super Bowl participants after the 2018 season to missing the playoffs completely last year.

Only three teams have lost a Super Bowl and then gone on to win the next season. The 1971 Dallas Cowboys, the perfect 1972 Miami Dolphins and 2018 New England Patriots are the teams to buck this trend, but to have only three examples in over five decades is a very small hit rate.

It’s simply a very tough position to be in.

The 49ers are well placed to buck this trend. They’re young, hungry and want to make amends for the Super Bowl loss.

For Kyle Shanahan, he has to not only encourage and fuel the belief in his players, but he also must make sure his game plan remains one of the most exciting in the league and isn’t countered by opposing defenses.