Kyle Shanahan tried to play down the emotion leading into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins. However, it was clear the game was personal for the San Francisco 49ers head coach.
Kyle was the Redskins offensive coordinator under his father. Together they won an NFC East division title in 2012 during the rookie season of Robert Griffin III. However, after Griffin suffered a torn ACL on his already injured knee in the NFC Wild Card game, their tenure faltered.
Firmed into a battle for control with owner Dan Snyder, Mike and his staff, including son Kyle, were fired following a 3-13 season in 2013.
When asked earlier about his favorite memory from his time in Washington, Kyle said coaching with his father. He was asked what was the worst part as a follow-up. Kyle responded “Everything else.”
After stints as offensive coordinator in Cleveland and Atlanta, Kyle landed the head coach job with the 49ers. In his second season, his team is 6-0 in first place of the tough NFC West.
Meanwhile, the Redskins fired Mike’s replacement, Jay Gruden, after a 0-5 start. After the 49ers’ win, the Redskins are now 1-6 on the season, heading towards another rebuild.
