A clip of Kyle Shanahan sounding fed up with a certain reporter has made the rounds on social media. The reporter has since responded.
Shanahan held a press conference Friday ahead of the 49ers’ Week 11 contest against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Sports Illustrated reporter Grant Cohn asked Shanahan a question about 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s freedom to change plays if Purdy sees something from the defense pre-snap.
Cohn tried to push the question further, which Shanahan did not appreciate.
“When you have a cerebral quarterback like Brock who’s been in your system for a few years, do you put more and more on his plate pre-snap or do you adjust your philosophy…,” said Cohn before getting interrupted.
“Have I not answered the questions that your article is already written on?” Shanahan responded with a wry smile. “Am I not giving you the right quotes?”
The 49ers coach followed up by saying Cohn doesn’t “understand” what he’s asking about. Shanahan added that he does give Purdy double and triple play calls at times, and Purdy’s seldom use of hand signals does not mean he has no freedom to adjust the offense.
Cohn responded on Saturday, claiming Shanahan’s play calls for Purdy merely give the QB an “illusion of choice.” Cohn called Shanahan “arrogant” and compared him to a chef at a Michelin-star restaurant who doesn’t want his dishes (plays) altered in any way.
My take on Kyle Shanahan’s response to my question. pic.twitter.com/WDoD6gzp6L
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) November 16, 2024
Purdy has so far had a relatively similar statistical season in 2024 compared to his breakout campaign in 2023. Through nine games this year, the third-year pro has thrown for 2,454 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
