As the 2025 NFL season looms on the horizon, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is shedding light on Christian McCaffrey’s recovery following a tough 2024 season. After a debilitating Achilles injury sidelined McCaffrey, the team’s star running back, the 49ers are hopeful for his return to full health. Shanahan, in his latest comments at the league’s annual meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, struck an optimistic tone, reassuring fans and analysts alike.

McCaffrey’s Health: A Key Focus for Shanahan and the 49ers

Shanahan expressed his confidence in McCaffrey’s recovery, saying, “Christian’s healthy, he’s doing great.” This update is a welcome relief for a franchise that saw its Super Bowl hopes dashed in the previous season due in large part to McCaffrey’s untimely injury. With the 49ers struggling in 2024, this comeback could be the spark they need to regain their position as NFC contenders.

While McCaffrey’s recovery is a major focus, Shanahan also hinted at the team’s plans to bolster their running back corps, particularly after the departures of Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell. “We got Isaac in there, working. [We’re] pumped to get Patrick [Taylor] back, and we’ll see if we add someone in the draft. But you’d like to add one every year,” Shanahan noted. The 49ers will have 11 picks in the upcoming draft, including the 11th overall pick, providing them with ample opportunity to improve depth behind McCaffrey.

49ers’ Potential Moves in the 2025 NFL Draft: RB Depth on the Radar

With McCaffrey on track for a comeback, the 49ers are not resting on their laurels. Shanahan’s comments suggest that the team is keeping a close eye on the draft, possibly adding another weapon to their backfield to provide additional support and competition for McCaffrey. The inclusion of incoming sophomore Isaac Guerendo, as well as the anticipated return of Patrick Taylor, will give Shanahan more options, but a draft pick could provide an extra boost to their plans for 2025.

Shanahan Reunites with Robert Saleh: A New Era for the 49ers Defense

In another significant development for the 49ers this offseason, Kyle Shanahan has also made a high-profile move to strengthen the team’s defense. After a dismal defensive performance in 2024, which saw the 49ers struggle in key areas like red zone defense, Shanahan made the bold decision to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The decision came just one year after Wilks took over the role, following the team’s Super Bowl LVIII loss.

Shanahan’s replacement choice was a familiar one: Robert Saleh, who served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. This marks the return of a coach who was integral to the team’s defensive success during his initial tenure. Shanahan shared his excitement about reuniting with Saleh, stating, “Whatever we discuss with all of the coaches, I discuss it with coordinators more than anything. That was one of the main reasons, or more exciting reasons for me to get Robert back.” Shanahan praised Saleh’s deep understanding of X’s and O’s, noting that he is “good at X’s and O’s and how well he runs his side of the ball.”

The Importance of Familiarity: Shanahan and Saleh’s History Together

Shanahan’s remarks highlight the trust and familiarity he has with Saleh. Reflecting on their time together, he added, “Going through this with Robert once before… we did a pretty good job. We learned a lot going through it, and he’s only learned that much more going through it again on another staff.” The 49ers head coach is banking on this experience to reinvigorate a defense that struggled under Wilks in 2024. With Saleh back in the fold, there’s a sense of renewed optimism surrounding the 49ers’ defensive prospects heading into the 2025 season.

49ers’ Spring Camp: Key Dates and Expectations for 2025

Looking ahead, the 49ers will kick off their spring camp on April 21. This marks an important date for the team as they prepare for the new season with key personnel changes, including the return of Saleh and McCaffrey’s expected comeback. The team’s performance in the camp will provide further clarity on how well the offseason moves—both in terms of player health and coaching changes—will impact their prospects for 2025.

A Renewed 49ers Squad in 2025

As the 49ers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, the health of Christian McCaffrey and the return of Robert Saleh to the defensive fold are two key factors that will define their future. With the upcoming draft offering more opportunities for improvement and a spring camp on the horizon, the 49ers are poised for an exciting 2025 season. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how McCaffrey’s comeback unfolds and whether Saleh can bring a much-needed defensive resurgence. The 49ers are determined to return to championship contention, and with these updates, the path forward looks promising.