Since 2019, the Niners have missed just two years of postseason play. This season, after a disappointing and injury-riddled campaign, and in 2020.
It's not something John Lynch and Co. should get used to, however, as the standards in San Fransisco are much higher.
That said, we can only assume the front office is already making its short list of players and position groups that need the most attention in either April's NFL Draft or free agency this offseason.
Changes have already happened in the dismissal of special teams coach Brian Schneider and defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen as both groups underperformed this year.
Regarding the defense, Robert Saleh is still available after his termination as coach of the New York Jets, and he should be the favorite to return. But other options are out there.
One name that stands out is Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend, whose promotion to defensive coordinator somewhere seems eminent.
If Shanahan wants a new name, that's one direction he could go.
The offensive line needs attention, too. An upgrade of the offensive line is always on the wish list of every team every offseason, and with good reason. The unit can almost single-handedly dictate what kind of season a team's quarterback will have. Look for the team to upgrade here through the draft.
Speaking of quarterbacks, where to the 49ers stand on Brock Purdy? Clearly they trust him and think he's a good fit for Shanahan's offense. But does that mean they'll pay market value for him? We don't know yet. Even if they pay Purdy, they may decide on a backup. That could come in the form of Tanner Mordecai who's already on the roster, or it could be someone in the draft.
Finally (not finally, but for this piece, finally), what should the team do with Jake Moody?
Moody posted an embarrassing 70.6 field goal percentage in his second season and finds himself on the hot seat. Was his poor season due to last year's ankle sprain? Can he recover in 2025?
These are questions the front office needs to figure out asap. More than likely, Moody will see competition this offseason that extends into the preseason before a decision is made either way.
