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

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.

RESOURCES: • " 49ers Overreactions: Have Shanahan, Lynch Built Team That Can Last? • " by Matt Maiocco ( NBC Sports, • 2023). • “ Jimmy Garoppolo Leads a 49ers Resurgence • ,” Victor Mather, The New York Times • (December 29, 2017). • “ Why American Sports Are Organized As Cartels • ,” Tim Worstall, Forbes • (January 14, 2013). NFL History - Super Bowl Winners • ( ESPN • ).

EXTRAS: • " When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? • " by Freakonomics Radio • (2023). • " How Does Playing Football Affect Your Health? • " by Freakonomics, M.D. • (2023). • " Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? • " by Freakonomics Radio • (2022). • " The Hidden Side of Sports • ," series by Freakonomics Radio • (2018-2019). • " An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl • ," by Freakonomics Radio • (2017).

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