Oddsmakers are taking notice. After the win over Chicago, Shanahan holds the second-best odds (+150) to win AP Coach of the Year, per BetMGM, trailing only New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel (+120).
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, Shanahan's Week 18 counterpart, owns the next-best odds at +700.
What's driving Shanahan's surge? The 49ers are enjoying a late-season surge, and the coach has a reputation as a top offensive mind, as evidenced by his offense's recent performances. San Francisco's offense produced 440 total yards against Chicago, and the team has scored at least 42 points in its last two games and at least 37 in each game since the bye week.
Shanahan's 49ers have navigated a season filled with injuries yet still sit at 12-4. The team's ability to stay competitive and maintain a six-game win streak while overcoming adversity underscores the work of Shanahan and his staff, strengthening his case for Coach of the Year.
A win over Seattle could further boost the 49ers' Super Bowl chances in a season with no clear NFC favorite.
In the AFC, Vrabel has led the Patriots to a 13-3 record—including winning 12 of their last 13 games—and an AFC East title. New England enters Week 18 as the conference's No. 2 seed, behind the Denver Broncos.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recovering from injuries after car accident
San Francisco 49ers veterans are reporting to training camp on Saturday, with the team's first practice scheduled for Sunday. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan will have a limited role at the start of camp as he recovers from injuries sustained in a recent car accident. The... -
Brock Purdy, Pat McAfee and the price of success: When is someone really worth the money?
Not that long ago, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was going through contract negotiations. Many weighed in on how much he was worth, and many decried how much cap space his new contract would use up. One writer claimed Purdy is not elite. Chris Simms suggested the... -
New details revealed about 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan's serious car accident
New details have surfaced about the car accident that left San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan with multiple injuries, including a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, and 40 stitches to his face. Shanahan also suffered a severe concussion, limiting his... -
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan nearly lost an eye in car accident, says Chris Simms
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has taken a more hands-off approach to the start of training camp as he recovers from injuries sustained in a recent car accident. While none of the injuries were life-threatening, Shanahan suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs,...