49ers news: Kyle Shanahan jumps into top 5 of NFL head coaches

While he has his critics, the 49ers’ head coach just jumped into the top five of all NFL head coaches entering 2023, according to one league analyst.

Yes, it is possible to both criticize San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan while also being fully glad he’s atop the command structure.

No, you don’t have to choose between unconditionally praising him or wanting him fired yesterday.

Regardless, it’s not up to you or anyone else not named CEO Jed York. And York’s subconscious that might involve wanting to “mutually” part ways with Shanahan at some point down the line probably just took another hit.

That’s because Shanahan continues to ascend in the ranks of top head coaches around the league.

This time, one notable analyst has the Niners’ head coach within the top five entering 2023.

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan a top 5 head coach? This NBC Sports analyst thinks so

NBC Sports analyst Patrick Daugherty just compiled his ranking of all 32 head coaches heading into the new NFL year.

While Shanahan wasn’t No. 1, he did finish at No. 5 and rounded out the top five that went in this order:

1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
2. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
3. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
4. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
5. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Of the selection, Daugherty noted the following:

"It took a little time, but the system works. After failing to eclipse six wins in three of his first four seasons, Kyle Shanahan has now made the NFC Championship Game in three of the past four. This, even as his quarterback plans keep finding new and exciting ways to go up in smoke."

Indeed, Shahanah probably would like to have some consistency at quarterback, especially after deploying three different starters — Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy — over the course of 2022.

Read More: Famous Niners players who jumped ship and joined Raiders

A year prior, Shanahan made it to No. 7 on Daugherty’s list for 2022, so it’s safe to say the head coach’s stock value is on the rise, which won’t appease his critics.

Because you’re wondering, of those head coaches who are returning to action in 2023 and aren’t in their first year, Garoppolo’s new head coach with the Las Vegas Raiders, Josh McDaniels, came in last place at No. 27 overall.

Everyone else underneath is of the first-year variety.

Hat tip to 49ers Webzone for the find.