How the San Francisco 49ers Stopped Being Losers (Update)

Freakonomics Radio

05-02-2024 • 1 hr 3 mins

They’re heading to the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. But back in 2018, they were coming off a long losing streak — and that’s the year we sat down with 49ers  players, coaches, and executives to hear their turnaround plans. It’s probably time to consider the turnaround a success.

  • SOURCES:
    • Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders; former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Al Guido, president of the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Kyle Juszczyk, fullback for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Bob Lange, senior vice president of communications for the Philadelphia Eagles; former vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • John Lynch, general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice-president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Victor Matheson, economist at College of the Holy Cross.
    • Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Malcolm Smith, former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Joe Staley, former offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the New York Jets; former defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.
    • Jed York, C.E.O. of the San Francisco 49ers.