Richard Sherman Defends 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan's Job Security

Former 49ers star says Shanahan is a top-5 NFL coach who won't be on the hot seat even if team misses playoffs in 2026

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:54pm by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric planes in 49ers red and gold representing the intense action and competition on the field.Richard Sherman's unwavering support for Kyle Shanahan reflects the 49ers coach's standing as one of the NFL's elite, even if the team falls short of the playoffs.San Francisco Today

In a recent podcast, former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman strongly defended head coach Kyle Shanahan's job security, saying Shanahan would not be on the hot seat even if the 49ers miss the playoffs in 2026. Sherman called Shanahan a top-5 NFL coach who would be highly sought after by 15-20 other teams if the 49ers were to fire him.

Why it matters

Shanahan's job status is a perennial topic of discussion among 49ers fans and media, but Sherman's comments provide a veteran player's perspective on Shanahan's standing within the league. As one of the NFL's most respected coaches, Shanahan's job appears safe barring a complete collapse, underscoring the 49ers' high expectations and Shanahan's track record of success.

The details

In the latest episode of his podcast, Richard Sherman was asked if Shanahan's job would be in danger if the 49ers missed the playoffs in 2026. Sherman dismissed the notion, saying Shanahan would "be on an iceberg" and that 15-20 other NFL teams would "love Kyle Shanahan as their head coach" if the 49ers were to fire him. Sherman praised Shanahan's coaching ability, noting his consistent success in keeping the 49ers competitive even when dealing with significant injuries to key players.

  • In a recent podcast episode

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the NFL.

Richard Sherman

A former All-Pro cornerback who played for the 49ers and is now a respected NFL analyst and podcast host.

Jed York

The owner of the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“If Kyle Shanahan misses the playoffs this year, would he be on the hot seat? Absolutely not, absolutely not. He wouldn't even be close. He'd be on an iceberg; he'd still be on an absolute iceberg.”

— Richard Sherman, Former 49ers Cornerback

“There's a reason people think about him and hold his name in such high regard. I know he hasn't had success in winning the Super Bowl. His team is always in the running. You know they're always going to be a factor, even this year where you lose your top three, four best players throughout the season, you lose your quarterback for almost half the season, he still put out a competitive team.”

— Richard Sherman, Former 49ers Cornerback

What’s next

The 49ers will look to bounce back in the 2026 season after missing the playoffs in 2025, with Kyle Shanahan's job security firmly intact despite the team's recent struggles.

The takeaway

Richard Sherman's strong defense of Kyle Shanahan's coaching abilities and job security underscores the 49ers' high expectations and Shanahan's reputation as one of the NFL's elite coaches. Even if the 49ers miss the playoffs in 2026, Shanahan's job appears safe as he continues to keep the team competitive despite significant injuries.