One would imagine that there is not a lot that can surprise Kyle Shanahan, the stoic 3 x NFC Champion head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. A man who has dealt with everything from injuries to trade requests to Super Bowl heartbreaks. In fact, cruelly, the only thing the man has not experienced is the feeling of hoisting of the Lombardi Trophy itself.
Yet, it seems that recents events have managed to surpass that barrier, as the former AP Assistant Coach of the Year had a fairly startled reaction to the news of Robert Saleh’s firing as head coach of the New York Jets, earlier on Tuesday, per Adam Schefter.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on today’s firing of his former DC and Jets HC Robert Saleh: “I sent him a text, but I haven’t gotten to talk to him. And yeah, I was pretty shocked. That stuff throws you off, especially when they’re competing for first in the division this week and I…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2024
Shanahan Taken Aback By Saleh Dismissal, “That Was Pretty Surprising”
Kyle Shanahan and former assistant coach, Saleh, are known to be very close friends having worked with each other from 2017 to 2020, where the former Jets head coach served as Shanahan’s defensive coordinator.
Obviously no one likes to see their friends being let go from another organization, especially under what may have potentially been murky circumstances.
Kyle Shanahan Yet To Speak To Old Friend Saleh About Firing
Yet, it is telling that Shanahan’s first reaction is not about spreading condolences or wishing him a quick turnaround, but that he genuinely – like many fans and media alike – did not see it coming.
READ MORE: Robert Saleh Allegedly Fired For Wearing Lebanese Flag, Claims UFC Champion
Shanahan stated, per Schefter:
“I sent him a text, but I haven’t gotten to talk to him. And yeah, I was pretty shocked. That stuff throws you off, especially when they’re competing for first in the division this week and I think they’re up there on defense and have got a pretty good team and a chance to have a hell of a year. So that was pretty surprising.”
And one can argue that it is justified or not: You can point to the 3 miserable years prior, where Saleh failed to register a winning season; or conversely note that the now ex-head coach fortified what was previously one of the league’s worst units, into a consistently top 5 defense, and that no coach could have done much better at the mercy of Zach Wilson.
Regardless of the side one takes, Shanahan’s reaction is very telling – and it may well not be long before we see the two reunited.
For Additional Content
Hello there. If you enjoyed this article (or, really, even if you didn’t). Please go and follow me on Twitter @danielarwas for more NFL breaking news, updates, and “special edition” previews.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply.
