Damien Woody: 49ers should have sacked Kyle Shanahan along with Steve Wilks

The San Francisco 49ers dropped a bombshell by parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following a single season with the team.

In essence, it appears that the blame for the Super Bowl loss is being pinned on him, which seems unjust and inaccurate. This is why former NFL player Damien Woody heavily criticized Head Coach Kyle Shanahan for his decision-making.

During his appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Woody expressed his frustration, suggesting that Shanahan seems oblivious to the gravity of his decisions. He emphasized the importance of Shanahan taking responsibility for repeatedly coming up short in significant games.

“It just feels to me that Kyle Shanahan doesn’t get it. Where’s the accountability on his part as far as why he keeps falling short in these big moments?” Woody said.

If the Niners had lost to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game, Wilks would likely have been on the hot seat during the Super Bowl. However, the Niners’ defense performed admirably throughout the game, showcasing its strength not only in the championship match but also consistently throughout the season. Wilks wasn’t the one who opted to abandon the running game despite having a lead and the Offensive Player of the Year as his primary running back. Nor was it his decision to receive the ball first in overtime.

Wilks is likely to find a new opportunity soon, but perhaps it’s time for some challenging discussions about Kyle Shanahan to emerge within football circles.