After abysmal back-to-back seasons in 2015 and 2016, the San Francisco 49ers secured their head coach of the future when they hired Kyle Shanahan.
Shanahan’s arrival marked the end of the uncertainty the franchise faced once Jim Harbaugh’s contract wasn’t renewed following the 2014 campaign. In 2015, Jim Tomsula was over his head and was let go after leading the team to a 5-11 finish.
Things got even worse in 2016. The 49ers hired Chip Kelly and finished the season with a disastrous 2-14 record.
Shanahan’s arrival brought some credibility to the franchise. However, everyone knew it would be a difficult task for Shanahan since departing general manager Trent Baalke left the cupboard almost completely bare of talent.