Kyle Shanahan Shocks with Response to Coach of the Year Buzz: “The Next Win Is What Matters”
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Kyle Shanahan Shocks with Response to Coach of the Year Buzz: “The Next Win Is What Matters”
SAN FRANCISCO – As praise for Kyle Shanahan floods sports outlets, with many ESPN and NFL Network analysts pegging him as the frontrunner for the 2025 Coach of the Year award, the 49ers’ head coach opted for calm defiance over pride. His response delivered a message that left fans stunned.
In a press conference following a 20–10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, Shanahan was asked if he felt proud to be in the running for the individual accolade. He paused for a few seconds, gave a slight smile, and said:
“I hear people talking about it a lot, and honestly, I don’t think about it much. The 49ers’ wins matter more than anything. Individual awards mean nothing if the team doesn’t win. The most important thing – and it will always be that way – is the next game, is us going out on the field and proving we’re still ourselves. I don’t care how many people say I deserve the award. If we lose, all the praise is meaningless.”
The quote went viral on social media, shared by major outlets like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. Many 49ers fans dubbed it “pure Shanahan style” – cold, pragmatic, and laser-focused on winning.
Amid a grueling injury list, with Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy sidelined, Shanahan has kept the team’s spirit intact. Under his guidance, Mac Jones, Kendrick Bourne, and Christian McCaffrey are rediscovering their form, helping the 49ers maintain their NFC West lead with a 5–2 record.
Reporter Cam Inman (Bay Area News Group) commented: “Shanahan never chases the spotlight. He just wants his team to win, and that’s exactly why he’s steering the 49ers toward a special season.”
With rare discipline and strategic vision, Kyle Shanahan is proving that a coach’s true legacy lies not in personal accolades – but in how he ensures his team never stops believing in victory.
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