"I don't understand how to answer that" - Kyle Shanahan stunned by 49ers reporter's question in press conference

Having retained most of the core that went to the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl in the last two seasons, Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers were expected to remain the team to beat in the NFC this year. However, that hasn't been the case.

They are 6-10 heading into the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals and are destined to finish bottom of the NFC West standings for only the third time since Shanahan took over as the head coach in 2017. The 45-year-old is just about done with the season and seemingly can't wait for the campaign to end and avoid bizarre questions in press conferences.

During his media availability on Wednesday, Shanahan was asked by Grant Cohn of SI whether he was frustrated with his performance as the team's head coach. He scoffed at the question before responding:

“I don’t understand how to answer that question. I work as hard as I can at my individual performance. So I am frustrated with our season, and I’m responsible for everything. So, I think you can figure that out.”

49ers still have faith in Kyle Shanahan

After the 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention, there were questions about whether Kyle Shanahan had already peaked as a coach and had taken the franchise as far as he possibly could. There were murmurs about the team and the head coach parting ways and starting afresh in 2025.

However, the 49ers have no such plans. When The San Francisco Standard's Tim Kawakami asked owner Jed York whether the team was consider firing Shanahan or general manager John Lynch in the offseason, he responded:

“[Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch] are not going anywhere. You can write that, for sure. They’re not going anywhere.”

The head coach and general manager will be relieved to have the unwavering support of the owner. However, the duo has the monumental task of maximizing the team's potential in the 2025 season.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has only one year left on his incredibly team-friendly rookie deal. Once the cost of his new contract, which could range between $40-60 million per year, kicks in at the start of the 2026 season, they won't be able to retain the slew of stars they currently boast and will have to part ways with a few.

Next season will be the 49ers' final chance to win a Super Bowl with their star-studded roster and if they blow that opportunity, Shanahan and Lynch's future in San Francisco could be in jeopardy.