Following a dream 5-0 finish to the 2017 season, the 49ers certainly look like one of the more desirable teams that could be featured on next year’s Hard Knocks documentary series. Only six teams fit the criteria to be selected for the show (which follows a team through training camp and the preseason) heading into 2018.
Teams can be exempt if they fall under three categories:
1) They have a first-year head coach in place
2) They have a playoff berth in the past two seasons
3) They have appeared on Hard Knocks in the past 10 years
Along with the 49ers, the Broncos, Browns, Chargers, Ravens, and Redskins are all eligible based on that criteria, and can be selected by the league to participate, though any team can be featured if they so desire.
Though the 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo would likely be the league’s first choice of that group, 49ers beat writer Matt Maiocco has heard that both John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan are not interested in participating in the series, as they “have issues with certain behind-the-scenes staples of the show.” The league could technically force San Francisco to participate, though that is unprecedented.
49ers owner Jed York would probably love the exposure, and it will be interesting to see how discussions between York and Lynch manifest themselves if the team is ultimately chosen to participate.
The show is scheduled to debut in roughly eight months.