Something’s shaking up in San Francisco, and it’s not just draft buzz. The 49ers are making headlines with a surprising shift that’s bound to get fans and analysts talking. It’s a move involving one of the team’s biggest leaders, and it might just change the way the game is played—on and off the field. Let’s just say that after 16 years, some major duties are getting a fresh twist.

For the first time in 16 years, Kyle Shanahan handed over his play-calling duties, and honestly, it feels like the start of a new era. Shanahan, who’s been the offensive mastermind since 2008—whether with the Texans or the 49ers—decided to let offensive assistant Klay Kubiak take the reins. And guess what? It paid off big time.

Under Kubiak’s watch, the offense lit it up with a whopping 436 total yards. Not too shabby for his first time on the job, right? Even Shanahan was impressed, saying Kubiak did “a great job.” And it wasn’t just the head coach noticing the difference—quarterback Joshua Dobbs, filling in for Brock Purdy, felt the shift, too. Dobbs said the offense was firing on all cylinders, which is a pretty solid endorsement for the new play-caller. “I thought moving the ball throughout the day was good”

This change lets Shanahan focus on the bigger picture, like managing the whole team, while Kubiak gets his shot to shine. It’s a pretty smart move, considering Klay Kubiak’s background–he is the son of former NFL coach Gary Kubiak, so he’s definitely got the chops. Shanahan’s confidence in him shows how much trust he is putting in his staff.

It will be cool to see how the offense changes with Kubiak calling the shots. Maybe we will get some new play styles. Which might keep things exciting for a while. This shift is also a sign that Shanahan is thinking long-term. And is willing to shake things up for the betterment of the team.

This wasn’t Kubiak’s first time calling the shots, though. Shanahan had given him the same role in the pre-season, too, and he made it clear why. Shanahan said, “I think it’s important for Klay to get that experience. It’s great for his development and gives him a chance to grow in that role.” It’s a smart move, not just for now, but for building up Kubiak for bigger things down the road.

In the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers may have lost 47-24, but there were some solid offensive performances. Even with the tough result, the offense managed 436 total yards. Joshua Dobbs, filling in for Brock Purdy, threw for 326 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. Patrick Taylor Jr. ran for 109 yards, and Jauan Jennings had 85 yards and a touchdown. The offense was moving well, even though they didn’t get the win. And the 2025 season’s future may be looking bright!

Will the No.11 be a lucky charm for the 49ers?

The 49ers are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with the 11th pick, and honestly, that’s a pretty sweet spot. There is a reason for it. This No. 11 pick has some history with the Niners– I don’t know if you remember Patrick Willis. Back in ’07, they snagged him at No. 11, and he turned into an absolute legend. A Hall of Famer and a defensive beast. Safe to say, this spot delivered some big-time names before, and fans are already hyped to see what’s next.

And it’s not just the Niners who’ve struck gold at No. 11. J.J. Watt, one of the best defenders the league’s ever seen, came from this spot in 2011. Oh, and Ben Roethlisberger? Yep, a No. 11 pick back in 2004, and he brought two Super Bowls to the Steelers. So yeah, this pick has serious potential to land a total game-changer.

Now it’s all on John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to work their magic. Whether they go for a defensive stud or some offensive firepower, this pick could be a huge deal. With their track record, there’s no doubt they will make it count. Fans are already buzzing about who is gonna be the next big thing to join the squad.