The day after the Super Bowl is always filled with overreactions and hot takes, and this year is no different. One piece of information that has come to light is that some of the San Francisco 49ers players were not aware of the different playoff overtime rules. While it is the responsibility of the players to know the rules, it ultimately falls on the coaching staff to ensure that everyone is clear on overtime procedures.
Losing to a great team is one thing, but losing due to a lack of preparedness is a major error for a coaching staff. This falls squarely on the shoulders of head coach Kyle Shanahan. For those who already had negative opinions about Shanahan, this news will only strengthen their argument.
The NFL overtime rules can be complex, especially in the playoffs. However, it is crucial for coaches to have their teams ready for any scenario that may arise, especially in a playoff game and particularly on Super Bowl Sunday. Shanahan is known as a meticulous coach, but he has been accused of “overthinking” at times and missing small details. Not knowing the overtime rules cost him a championship.
This situation brings to mind a similar incident involving former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb in 2008. After a game against the Cincinnati Bengals ended in a tie, McNabb expressed that he didn’t know ties were a possibility in the NFL. This lack of knowledge reflects poorly on both the player and the coaching staff.
The NFL playoff overtime rules may be relatively new, but that is no excuse for Shanahan not having his team prepared for all possible outcomes. Attention to detail is what separates good coaches from the greatest of all time. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has ascended to that all-time great level over the past five years, while Shanahan still has a long way to go before being considered in that conversation.
This doesn’t mean that Shanahan will never reach that level, but he is on a worrying track. Reid himself lost his first Super Bowl as a head coach and it took him a while to bounce back. He has since won three out of four Super Bowl appearances with the Kansas City Chiefs. Shanahan has time to improve, but starting 0-2 in Super Bowl appearances is a tough pill to swallow.
In the end, it is crucial for coaches to ensure that their players are aware of all the rules and regulations, especially in high-stakes games like the Super Bowl. Lack of preparedness can cost teams championships, and it is a mistake that cannot be overlooked. Hopefully, this situation serves as a lesson for Shanahan and his coaching staff to be more diligent in the future.
