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

Freakonomics Radio

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).