San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan is highly respected for his offensive strategies in football. He attempted to bring aboard one of the greatest defensive coaches in NFL history to the 49ers team this year.
Shanahan shared on “The TK Show Podcast” hosted by Athletic columnist Tim Kawakami that he proposed a job to former New England coach Bill Belichick after Belichick left the Patriots this offseason, following his six Super Bowl victories.
“I did. I reached out to him,” Shanahan said. “He has such a deep love for football that you never know what he… I can’t believe he’s not currently a head coach of a team. I know what I would do if I owned a team, so it’s surprising to me, and the last thing you want to do is offend someone like Bill Belichick.
But I know he simply loves the game, so I presented him with options, whatever he wanted to do.”
After departing the Patriots, Belichick interviewed for a head coaching position with Atlanta, which ultimately hired Raheem Morris. He did not receive any other head coaching offers and will serve as a TV analyst this season.
The 49ers sought a new defensive coordinator this offseason after letting go of Steve Wilks. Shanahan mentioned that he proposed the position to Belichick before promoting Nick Sorensen to the role.
“I asked him, ‘Would you consider it?’” Shanahan recalled. “He was very gracious and thankful, but he politely declined.”