49ers Still in the Spotlight During Super Bowl Week in the Bay
SANTA CLARA - The 49ers may have had their Super Bowl dreams dashed by the Seahawks in a blowout just a week ago, but the franchise won’t be fading quietly into the offseason. With the big game set for Feb. 8 between Seattle and New England, the Bay Area - and the 49ers - will still be front and center during Super Bowl week.
From coaching changes to award season, community events, and a little bit of star power, here are 10 things for 49ers fans to keep an eye on as the Super Bowl circus rolls through town:
1. Defensive Coordinator Search Heating Up
Kyle Shanahan is about to hire his fifth defensive coordinator in five years - a stretch that speaks to both the churn and the high standards in Santa Clara. Once the team wraps up interviews with minority candidates, don’t be surprised if Shanahan looks inward.
Gus Bradley and Daniel Bullocks are both in-house options who know the system. Another name to watch: Raheem Morris.
He and Shanahan go way back to their Tampa Bay days, when Shanahan first broke into the NFL. While this offseason likely won’t bring the same sweeping staff changes as last year’s overhaul, some reshuffling is definitely on the horizon.
2. Pro Bowl Games Come Indoors to San Francisco
Yes, you read that right - the Pro Bowl Games are headed indoors. Specifically, to Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Kyle Juszczyk, fresh off the season-ending loss, was surprised to learn he’ll be competing there in flag football and other skills events. He’ll be joined by fellow 49ers Pro Bowlers Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Luke Gifford, Jon Weeks, and George Kittle.
Kittle, by the way, is recovering from Achilles surgery, but that didn’t stop him from getting in a little golf with teammates last weekend.
3. Awards Season Spotlight on McCaffrey and Shanahan
Christian McCaffrey is in the thick of awards season with a trophy case that’s already overflowing - and more could be on the way. He’s up for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, and the Salute to Service Award at the NFL Honors on Thursday night.
He’s already locked up the Bart Starr Award, the PFWA’s Comeback Player of the Year, and both the Len Eshmont and Bill Walsh team honors. He’s also a finalist for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Year, which could bring a $15,000 donation to the SF-Marin Food Bank.
Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, is a finalist for AP NFL Coach of the Year - the first time he’s reached that stage in his nine seasons as a head coach.
4. Hall of Fame Hopes for 49ers Legends
Two iconic 49ers running backs are on the doorstep of Canton. Roger Craig is a Seniors finalist, while Frank Gore is up as a first-ballot candidate.
Gore’s competition includes big names like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jason Witten. The Hall of Fame class will be revealed Thursday night at NFL Honors, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
5. “The Rise of the 49ers” Docuseries Debuts
For fans craving a dose of nostalgia, AMC and AMC+ will air a four-part docuseries chronicling the 49ers’ dynasty years - from the 1980s through the early ‘90s. Titled The Rise of the 49ers, the series features rare NFL Films footage, including Bill Walsh’s locker room speeches and behind-the-scenes moments.
Executive produced by Bay Area native Tom Brady, the series includes interviews with legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Steve Young, and former owner Eddie DeBartolo. It airs Sunday and Monday at 6 p.m.
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6. Brock Purdy Goes from QB1 to Coach
Brock Purdy won’t be suiting up for the Super Bowl, but he’ll still be on the sidelines - this time as a captain and coach. He’ll take part in the Toyota Glow-up Classic, a glow-in-the-dark flag football game featuring Bay Area high school girls. The event runs Feb. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Super Bowl Experience inside Moscone Center.
7. George Kittle Hosts the Party of the Week
George Kittle’s presence will be felt all week long, starting with the Tight Ends & Friends party he’s hosting alongside his wife, Claire. The event, in partnership with Sports Illustrated and Tight End University (his joint venture with Travis Kelce), is set for next Thursday night in San Francisco. Expect Kittle’s trademark energy and charisma to be on full display - both at the party and throughout the week.
8. McCaffrey’s Off-Field Hustle
Off the field, Christian McCaffrey is expected to make appearances promoting While On Earth, the apparel brand he co-founded. Look for him at the Sport Beach Clubhouse near Moscone Center on Feb. 5 and 6 as he continues to build his post-football business portfolio.
9. 49ers in the Broadcast Booth
Fred Warner, who impressed as an ESPN studio analyst last year, is expected to lend his voice to NBC’s Super Bowl coverage. His former teammate Richard Sherman, now a regular on Prime Video, is also likely to pop up across multiple platforms to break down the game - especially with his original team, the Seahawks, in the big one.
10. Youth Football Takes Center Stage
The NFL’s Play Football Family Festival lands at MacDonald High School - just a few miles from Levi’s Stadium - on Feb. 7.
The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include appearances from 49ers players, Super Bowl team mascots, and cheerleaders. It’s a great chance for local families to get in on the Super Bowl festivities and connect with the game at the grassroots level.
The 49ers may not be playing for a Lombardi Trophy this year, but they’ll still be everywhere during Super Bowl week - on stage, on screen, and in the community. From award shows to youth events, from nostalgia-filled documentaries to glow-in-the-dark football, the red and gold will remain front and center in the Bay Area spotlight.