The 49ers have prided themselves on sticking together in the locker room despite going 10-22 in Kyle Shanahan’s first two seasons as coach. Team chemistry has not been a problem while Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have turned over most of the roster since taking the reins.
But Year 3 of Shanahan’s tenure will come with increased pressure and expectations. San Francisco mostly received a pass for going 4-12 in 2018 because franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a season-ending knee injury three weeks into the season.
The expectation is Shanahan will guide the 49ers toward playoff contention next season with his system firmly in place paired with an upgraded roster.