49ers’ Brock Purdy opens up on Kyle Shanahan’s impact on his career

The San Francisco 49ers are 4-0 after a gritty 24-14 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. While the offense didn't run smoothly in all four quarters, it stepped up when it mattered most to put the visiting Broncos away.

Quarterback Brock Purdy has been playing at an MVP level through the first four games of the 2026 season. He finished Sunday's game 19-of-30 for 218 yards, two touchdowns, and a 107.4 passer rating. It marked his fourth consecutive game with a passer rating of at least 105.6, highlighting the consistency he has brought to the 49ers' offense.

Purdy's emergence as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks is even more remarkable considering how his career began. No one thought much of the selection when the 49ers drafted him with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan quickly saw potential in the young quarterback and trusted him when injuries thrust him into the starting lineup as a rookie.

That decision changed Purdy's career trajectory and helped establish him as the 49ers' long-term answer at quarterback.

On Sunday, Shanahan coached his 167th game with the 49ers, moving past the great Bill Walsh for the most games coached in franchise history. Speaking to CBS Sports Bay Area after the game, Purdy was asked about Shanahan reaching the milestone.

Rather than focusing on the achievement itself, Purdy opened up about what Shanahan has meant to him throughout his career.

"He's the man," Purdy said. "I wouldn't be here today without him, and for his trust and belief in me, and developing me, and everything. So, he's my coach. I'm always going to be grateful to play for him, and hopefully, we can go and do great things together."

The relationship between Shanahan and Purdy has become one of the most important partnerships in the 49ers' recent history. Shanahan's offensive system has helped Purdy develop into an efficient, aggressive passer, while Purdy's ability to process the game has elevated the offense.

Now, with the 49ers sitting at 4-0, the two will look to keep their momentum going against a very familiar foe.

The 49ers aim to remain unbeaten, but they have another challenging task ahead. Next week, they will travel to Lumen Field to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

"Yeah, we're excited," Purdy said. "Got to watch this film, grow, get better as a team, and have a great week of preparation, and go to Seattle."

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