Although Kyle Shanahan has yet to earn a Super Bowl ring, he consistently relies on excuses and scapegoats to explain his shortcomings. Each year, he finds a new target to blame for his team’s failures.
In 2017, Shanahan inherited the worst roster in the NFL and was granted a one-year grace period to turn things around, so no scapegoat was necessary.
However, in 2018, Shanahan pointed the finger at Taylor Swift when the 49ers lost their chance at a Super Bowl victory. Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury, which occurred on slippery Arrowhead Field grass, was attributed to the recent resodding that had taken place after Swift’s concert.
In 2021, the 49ers were poised to win the Super Bowl, but Jaquiski Tartt’s inability to catch an easy interception in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game resulted in a loss to the Rams.
The following year, the 49ers had high hopes again, but Brock Purdy’s injury was caused by third-string tight end Tyler Kroft’s failure to block Haason Reddick, resulting in another loss.
In 2023, the 49ers were once again expected to win the Super Bowl, but backup right guard Spencer Burford made a crucial mistake and Steve Wilks allowed a long touchdown drive in the big game. Additionally, the team whose star tight end is dating Taylor Swift seemed to have a vendetta against Shanahan, resulting in yet another loss.
