SANTA CLARA — Kyle Shanahan helped the 49ers win their last Super Bowl, though his contribution to the 1994 champs remains overshadowed in NFL history.
That team is better remembered for the likes of Steve Young and Jerry Rice. But, hey, somebody had to be the ball boy.
“He loved being around,” said Gary Plummer, a linebacker on that team recalled. “Keeping footballs dry at practice, always hustling. Paying attention to everything. Being seen and not heard. His dad taught him well.”
That boy is in line to be introduced as The Man this week when Shanahan, 37, as formally announced as the 21st head coach in 49ers history.