Kyle Shanahan’s Parents: Meet Mike Shanahan and Peggy Shanahan, 49ers HC’s Coach Dad and Motivational Mom

Kyle Shanahan is on his way to Super Bowl LVIII, hoping to break a years-long drought. If the 49ers head coach were to achieve the goal, he would be etching history—not just for himself. Kyle’s win on February 11 would make him and his father, Mike Shanahan, the only father-son duo to win the Super Bowl as head coaches.

Before the game begins and the evening nears a possible record, here’s a look at Kyle Shanahan’s father and mom, Peggy, who helped mold the 49ers HC for who he is today.

Kyle Shanahan’s influential parents

Mike and Peggy met in the 1970s while studying at Eastern Illinois University. Though it wasn’t love at first sight, the two soon knew they wanted to be by each other for the rest of their lives. “We didn’t date that long, and I think the reason we did get married so quickly was because he was going to start coaching,” Peggy recalled. As of now, the couple has been married for 48 years and has three kids. In the process, Peggy came to be recognized for her philanthropic activities and for designing their $22 million home in Colorado. Beyond that, she has stayed off the limelight, often for cheering on her son and husband while adorning their team colors.

Mike had been an NFL aspirant back in college. The former Denver Broncos head coach even held a considerable presence as a quarterback at college. However, suffering a near-fatal injury stopped Mike’s NFL dream as a player. Nonetheless, he initially found his way to coaching college football teams. Ten years later, he coached the wide receivers at the Denver Broncos. He then caught the eyes of the Raiders, 49ers, and then the Redskins. The latter of the lot in 2011 was where Mike and Kyle Shanahan coached together.

A figure to look up to

Kyle Shanahan has often revealed Mike to be someone reliable throughout his career. “I took everything from my dad… You guys see my son up here all the time, and that’s how I was… I respect the hell out of him,” Kyle says. His time working with Mike for the Redskins added more onto the 49ers HC forward, though Peggy thought it was a “crazy idea.” Getting to ask questions or getting questioned, the 44-year-old learned along the path.

Also Read: Super Bowl LVIII News: Kyle Shanahan Highlights 5 Key Threats That 49ers Face Against Kansas City Chiefs Rematch in Las Vegas

Years into the journey from assistant coach to Super Bowl stage, Peggy and Mike have seldom missed out on being in the stands. “The best of both worlds,” Mike says of having the opportunity, and Sunday might just as well prove to surpass them all.

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