Kyle Shanahan talks About Old Beef with Kansas City Chiefs Before the Super Bowl

In the aftermath of their 2020 Super Bowl defeat against the Chiefs, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been vocal about the obstacles his team faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mandated move from California to Arizona disrupted their preparations, as they found themselves practicing football in a hotel environment.

Shanahan emphasized the difficulties of dealing with COVID-related restrictions during their temporary stay, describing it as being in “nice jail cells.” The team, forced to adhere to NFL rules, faced challenges in meals, meetings, and even gathering in the lobby during their month-long hotel stay.

The abrupt shift in circumstances, coupled with the lack of a proper offseason and meetings due to the pandemic, left the 49ers unprepared for the 2020 season. The subsequent 6-10 record reflected the team’s struggle to overcome these challenges.

However, in 2021, the 49ers successfully navigated through the lingering effects of COVID, achieving a 10-7 record and securing three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances. Now, with their sights set on a Super Bowl victory against the Chiefs, the team aims to conclude their recent streak with a triumphant return to the championship stage.