About this episode
They’re heading to the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. But back in 2018, they were coming off a long losing streak — and that’s the year we sat down with 49ers players, coaches, and executives to hear their turnaround plans. It’s probably time to consider the turnaround a success. SOURCES: Jimmy Garoppolo , quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders; former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Al Guido , president of the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Juszczyk , fullback for the San Francisco 49ers. Bob Lange , senior vice president of communications for the Philadelphia Eagles; former vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers. John Lynch , general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. Paraag Marathe , president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice-president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers. Victor Matheson , economist at College of the Holy Cross. Kyle Shanahan , head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Malcolm Smith , former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. Joe Staley , former offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. Solomon Thomas , defensive tackle for the New York Jets; former defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers. Jed York , C.E.O. of the San Francisco 49ers. RESOURCES: " 49ers Overreactions: Have Shanahan, Lynch Built Team That Can Last? " by Matt Maiocco ( NBC Sports, 2023). “ Jimmy Garoppolo Leads a 49ers Resurgence ,” Victor Mather, The New York Times (December 29, 2017). “ Why American Sports Are Organized As Cartels ,” Tim Worstall, Forbes (January 14, 2013). NFL History - Super Bowl Winners ( ESPN ). EXTRAS: " When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee? " by Freakonomics Radio (2023). " How Does Playing Football Affect Your Health? " by Freakonomics, M.D. (2023). " Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million? " by Freakonomics Radio (2022). " The Hidden Side of Sports ," series by Freakonomics Radio (2018-2019). " An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl ," by Freakonomics Radio (2017). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.