It’s Year 3 of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era in San Francisco, and according to a report the two San Francisco 49ers leaders are working through some friction.
In his post-draft notebook, Bleacher Report draft insider Matt Miller reported Shanahan is having some trust issues with Lynch’s personnel decision-making.
“According to sources in the team’s scouting and coaching staff, the two aren’t in lock step as far as the vision of the offseason and the future of the franchise. The coach, Shanahan, wants to scheme and develop players while not being bothered with the player evaluation process, but more and more he finds himself involved while not trusting the decision-making of Lynch—a former media analyst after his Hall of Fame playing days but not someone with a scouting background.”
This really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Both men are under intense pressure to deliver a winner. The first two years of their tenure went poorly in terms of wins and losses (10-22). But much of that could be explained away by injuries and a talent deficiency.
Heading into the 2019 season, however, Shanahan is on a short list of coaches who could be on the hot seat. We have to believe Lynch is in the same boat.
Owner Jed York has thrown his full support behind both men. But at some point they have to deliver a playoff berth, and hopefully more.
Given the way Lynch has spent big money in free agency the past two offseasons, the time is now.