Is Kyle Shanahan Too Controlling?

Kyle Shanahan comes across as a laid back dude, but he's the opposite.

He's the ultimate micromanager. He trusts no one. And if he could do every job and play every position himself, he would.

Everyone who works for Shanahan says they like his style, but they have to say that. Otherwise they wouldn't work for him anymore. And although he's had lots of success doing things his way, he hasn't won a Super Bowl yet. In fact, he has lost three of them.

So is Shanahan too controlling?

Consider this. He doesn't let his quarterbacks audible at the line of scrimmage, which means they can't change the play call no matter what. So if the defense shows a blitz the 49ers can't pick up, the quarterback can't do anything about it. He simply has to run the play. That was a big issue for the 49ers in the Super Bowl they gave up nine unblocked rushers to the Chiefs.

In addition, Shanahan micromanages the defense. First, he hired Steve Wilks, then he didn't let him choose any of his position coaches, then he forced him to run a scheme he didn't know, then he told him where to call plays, then he routinely overruled his play calls during games and then he scapegoated him at the end of the season.

Finally, Shanahan has cameras and microphones installed in every meeting room so he can watch them as they're going on and hear what the coaches and players are saying at all times.

He's big brother.

So yes, Shanahan is too controlling. Andy Reid is much better at delegating and empowering his assistants and players, and Reid is the gold standard.

Shanahan needs to chill out.