“The Playcallers”: A Deep Dive into the Coaching Family of Kyle Shanahan
The Athletic has recently released a captivating narrative podcast series called “The Playcallers,” which delves into the clash of offensive and defensive systems, coaches, and players within the NFL’s youngest coaching family. One prominent figure in this family is San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. As 49ers fans, here’s what you should listen for in this five-episode series, available on “The Athletic Football Show” podcast feed and other podcast platforms.
Shanahan’s One-Track Mind
Kyle Shanahan’s father, Mike Shanahan, was a member of the renowned Bill Walsh coaching tree. The decision to merge Mike Shanahan’s West Coast passing concepts with Alex Gibbs’ outside zone run scheme had a profound impact on the sport. In “The Playcallers,” Kyle Shanahan reflects on his upbringing, where he witnessed the highs and lows of his father’s NFL career. He developed an unwavering dedication to football, even prioritizing practice over academics during his college years. This one-track mind has shaped Shanahan’s approach to coaching and playcalling.
Climbing the Ranks
Shanahan’s journey in the coaching world began with a quality control job in Tampa Bay. He credits his time there for his growth as a coach, particularly sneaking into defensive meetings to expand his knowledge. He then progressed through the coaching ranks in Houston and Washington, where he gained a reputation for pushing assistant coaches to their limits. Shanahan’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to challenge others have become defining characteristics of his coaching style.
Evolving His Father’s Offense
“The Playcallers” also sheds light on Shanahan’s early days of transforming his father’s offense to suit the modern NFL. The series explores the rookie season of quarterback Robert Griffin III and the tumultuous end of the Shanahans’ tenure in Washington. Dysfunction and disconnect plagued the organization, leading to their departure. Additionally, the podcast delves into the explosive Atlanta Falcons’ offense in 2016 and its heartbreaking collapse in Super Bowl LI. These experiences shaped Shanahan’s evolution as a playcaller and strategist.
Kyle Shanahan’s Playcalling Identity
Shanahan’s identity as a playcaller is intricately woven into the offense he runs. “The Playcallers” delves into how he grapples with control, weighs risk versus safe decisions, and strives to differentiate himself in a league saturated with concepts from his coaching family. Shanahan candidly discusses his personal growth as a coordinator and head coach, acknowledging his inclination towards risky decisions and the need to temper them as he matures. Understanding Shanahan’s playcalling philosophy provides valuable insight into his coaching approach.
The Pursuit of Advantages
The series concludes with an exploration of the ripple effect caused by the rise and clashes within this coaching family. It examines how teams hire coaches and how schemes and philosophies are rapidly evolving in today’s NFL landscape. The pursuit of advantages drives this group of coaches, who constantly seek innovative ways to gain an upper hand. As a copycat and cyclical league, the NFL is ever-changing, and “The Playcallers” offers a glimpse into the dynamic nature of the sport.
In conclusion, “The Playcallers” is a must-listen for San Francisco 49ers fans eager to gain a deeper understanding of their head coach, Kyle Shanahan. This five-episode series provides valuable insights into Shanahan’s upbringing, coaching journey, playcalling identity, and the broader impact of his coaching family. Tune in to “The Athletic Football Show” podcast feed or your preferred podcast platform to immerse yourself in this captivating exploration of the NFL’s youngest coaching family.