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