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So what’s next for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023?

By Russell S. Baxter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers screams while running onto the field prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers screams while running onto the field prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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For the third time in four seasons, the San Francisco 49ers reached the NFC Championship Game. Are there major changes ahead for this talented club?

After some early issues, including the loss of their starting quarterback in the second game of the season, the San Francisco 49ers rebounded from a 3-4 start by winning their final 10 games.

Kyle Shanahan’s club captured the NFC West by four games and in the process swept their three division rivals. There were playoff victories over the Seahawks and Cowboys before a lot went wrong at Philadelphia in the NFC Championship Game.

What’s Next for the San Francisco 49ers?

For the first time since 1984, this franchise allowed the fewest points in the league. Meanwhile, the 49ers surrendered the fewest total yards per game in the league under defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Of course, he is now the Houston Texans’ newest head coach.

San Francisco has built quite the defensive unit with All-Pros such as relentless end Nick Bosa (NFL-high 18.5 sacks), and linebacker Fred Warner (team-best 130 tackles), and aggressive safety Talanoa Hufanga. However, how will this group perform under a new coordinator?

Biggest Offseason Concern?

A look at the club’s quarterback situation indicates some uncertainty. Then again, it’s not anything that Shanahan hasn’t dealt with since his debut as head coach in 2017.

Trey Lance’s 2022 season lasted less than five quarters thanks to an ankle injury, but he is expected to be ready to go this spring and OTAs. Brock Purdy suffered a serious elbow injury in the NFC title game. Well-traveled Josh Johnson is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March. Likewise, nine-year veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who apparently is not in the 49ers’ plans going forward according to Shanahan (via NFL.com’s Nick Shook).

Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have built quite a force in the Bay Area. Then again, it’s somewhat odd when you realize that in the team’s six years under their control, the 49ers have either lost at least 10 games and missed the playoff or gone all the way to the NFC title game (and the Super Bowl in 2019). However, this could be the duo’s most challenging offseason to date.