Richard Sherman Defends 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan

Former 49ers star dismisses notion Shanahan could be on the hot seat in 2026

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:34pm by

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a football game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the strategic complexity of the sport.Shanahan's innovative offensive schemes and ability to build contenders have made him one of the NFL's most sought-after coaches.San Francisco Today

Former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman strongly defended head coach Kyle Shanahan, dismissing the idea that Shanahan could be on the hot seat in 2026 even if the team misses the playoffs that year. Sherman praised Shanahan's coaching acumen and said there are at least 20 NFL teams that would fire their current coach to have a chance to hire Shanahan.

Why it matters

Shanahan has led the 49ers to two Super Bowl appearances and three NFC Championship games in the last seven seasons, despite dealing with significant injuries. His innovative offensive schemes and ability to maximize talent have made him one of the most respected young coaches in the NFL. Sherman's staunch defense of Shanahan underscores the coach's job security and the high regard in which he is held around the league.

The details

Kyle Shanahan has yet to win a Super Bowl as 49ers head coach, but he has established himself as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. After successful stints as offensive coordinator with the Redskins and Falcons, Shanahan took over the 49ers in 2017 and has led the team to consistent success, including two Super Bowl appearances. Despite falling short of a championship, Shanahan has overcome major injuries to key players and maintained the 49ers as a perennial contender in the NFC.

  • Shanahan became the 49ers head coach in 2017.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to maximize talent despite injuries.

Richard Sherman

A former All-Pro cornerback who played for the 49ers in 2019 and is now a media personality, defending Shanahan's job security as 49ers head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely not. He wouldn't be close. He would be on an iceberg and if he was somehow on the hot seat then there would be 20 seats in the NFL getting hotter as his got hotter because if he ever got fired, so would they. Because there are at least 20 teams in the NFL that would fire their coach that day to have a chance to interview Kyle Shanahan to be their head coach.”

— Richard Sherman, Former 49ers Cornerback

The takeaway

Despite not yet winning a Super Bowl, Kyle Shanahan has firmly established himself as one of the NFL's top head coaches through his innovative offensive schemes, ability to overcome injuries, and consistent success in leading the 49ers to the playoffs. Richard Sherman's staunch defense of Shanahan's job security underscores the high regard in which the coach is held around the league.