49ers' Kyle Shanahan, Fred Warner Reflect on Super Bowl Losses Before Big Game

The 49ers coaches and players make appearances on NBC's Super Bowl pregame show, discussing their past Super Bowl defeats and offering insights ahead of the big game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and linebacker Fred Warner were featured on NBC's Super Bowl 60 pregame show, providing commentary and reflections on their past Super Bowl losses with the 49ers. Shanahan discussed his experience going to nine Super Bowls, including three losses as a head coach and coordinator. Warner recalled a key play in the 49ers' Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs that had him thinking he could be the MVP, only to see the 49ers fall short. Both offered insights on the upcoming matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots, with Shanahan warning against Darnold trying to do too much and Warner highlighting the power running of Rhamondre Stevenson.

Why it matters

The 49ers have been one of the most successful franchises in the Super Bowl era, but they've also suffered some heartbreaking losses on the biggest stage. Shanahan and Warner's appearances on the pregame show provide an inside look at the emotions and experiences of 49ers players and coaches who have come so close to winning championships, only to fall short. Their commentary offers valuable perspective for fans and provides additional storylines leading into the Super Bowl matchup.

The details

Shanahan and Warner were part of NBC's five-hour Super Bowl 60 pregame show, providing commentary and insights despite the 49ers failing to make the big game this year. Shanahan discussed his experience going to nine Super Bowls, including three losses as a head coach and coordinator. Warner recalled a key play in the 49ers' Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs that had him thinking he could be the MVP, only to see the 49ers fall short. Both offered their takes on the upcoming Seahawks-Patriots matchup, with Shanahan warning against Darnold trying to do too much and Warner highlighting the power running of Rhamondre Stevenson.

  • The 49ers last won a championship following the 1994 season.
  • The 49ers have lost three Super Bowls since then, two with Warner on the field and Shanahan on the sidelines - Super Bowl 54 and Super Bowl 58.
  • Shanahan was also the offensive coordinator for Atlanta in Super Bowl 51, when the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead and fell 34-28 in overtime.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has been to nine Super Bowls, including three losses as a head coach and coordinator.

Fred Warner

A linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, who has played in two Super Bowl losses with the team.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who will be playing in his first Super Bowl.

Rhamondre Stevenson

The power running back for the New England Patriots, who could have a big impact in the Super Bowl.

TreVeyon Henderson

The leading rusher for the New England Patriots, who has 911 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season.

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What they’re saying

“You guys are making me bring up some dark Super Bowl memories. I've been able to go to nine of these. I went to six of them with my dad and three on my own. I look at it as he got blown out in his first three and then he won his next three. And I've got my three losses out of the way.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers (NBC)

“C'mon, this is torture for me. There is a moment I can vividly remember, a young Fred Warner making the biggest play in the biggest moment, an interception in the Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes. I was so jacked up, thinking, `If I get a few more tackles I might be the Super Bowl MVP. Boy, it was just so naive of me, because of course, we know where that went, and the lore of Patrick Mahomes began.”

— Fred Warner, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers (NBC)

“Expert opinion? I haven't scored a touchdown in the last two times we played them, so I don't know how good that is. But it's a grind versus these guys. You look at film, they stay (with two safeties deep) all day. It's a huge challenge. You can't stay in this defense very long and stop the run, but they do. And when you go deep, Julian Love is always there. He's the smartest safety I've seen.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers (NBC)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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