Kyle Shanahan’s head coaching debut was a frustrating one.
In addition to losing 23-3 in front of a home crowd at Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers also committed 10 penalties for 74 yards and failed to convert on fourth down three separate times. The first of those instances came on a fourth and 4 late in the second quarter, shortly after the 49ers had shifted momentum with a incredible Jaquiski Tartt interception at the Panther’s goal line. San Francisco ultimately failed to convert when quarterback Brian Hoyer was sacked on the play, leading to a Carolina field goal that gave the visitors a 10-0 lead.
On Monday, Shanahan said he regrets the decision not to punt, knowing it would’ve been difficult for the Panthers to drive the length of the field at the end of the game.
“Looking back at all of them, the first one is the one I regretted, when it was fourth and 4,” Shanahan said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think there was about three and a half minutes left (in the first half). We were down seven. Tartt just made an unbelievable play on a pick. I thought we were moving the ball pretty well and came up short there on third down, and I just, I believed we were going to get it. I had a lot confidence that we would and it just didn’t work out. But, definitely looking back on that, I wish I did punt because I think it would have made it a lot harder for them to go 90 yards.”
The new head coach also lost his cool later in the game, when he went bonkers on official Hugo Cruz, who penalized the 49ers for delay of game after failing to hear Shanahan call a timeout. Shanahan said he would like to apologize to Cruz, who shouldn’t be blamed for not hearing Shanahan.
“And if he (Cruz) was here, I would apologize to him now,” Shanahan said. “He’s trying to do his best just like I am. I was just frustrated. I wanted a timeout and I yelled it as loud as I could three times and he just didn’t hear me. I was mad at him for it. It’s not his fault. He’s focused on the game, too. Hope he has no hard feelings towards it.”
— Manvir Mundra ? (@ManvirMundra) September 10, 2017
Shanahan and the 49ers will try to right the ship — but should have their hands full — when they head to Seattle to face the Seahawks this Sunday.