Nathaniel Hackett and Kyle Shanahan are fortunate sons. Without their famous fathers, would either coach be where they are in the NFL today? via markkiszla
“I have so much respect for Kyle. He’s awesome,” said Hackett, who will match wits against Shanahan in prime time Sunday, when the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers remind us how powerful a role nepotism can play in the coaching ranks. “He’s a coach’s kid, which you’re always a little biased for any coach’s kid.”The current head coaches of the Broncos and Niners grew up in the sport.
Back in January, when Hackett was introduced as the 18th man in franchise history to be entrusted with winning games for the Broncos, he saluted his father and cited family history as a major factor in his preparation for the job. With the Denver crowd mocking Hackett by counting down the play clock and Shanahan feeling heat in San Francisco after an awkward transfer of power at quarterback, these are head coaches in their early 40’s still trying to prove they’ve done more than ride famous fathers’ coattails to sweet gigs on the sideline.
Despite taking the Niners to Super Bowl LIV, where he lost to Patrick Mahomes, Bieniemy and the Chiefs, the pressure has begun to build during Shanahan’s sixth season in San Francisco. With Jimmy Garoppolo as starting quarterback, the 49ers have a 35-16 record. Without him in the lineup, the record suggests Shanahan might be among the worst coaches in the league.