Kyle Shanahan discusses Jimmy Garoppolo becoming the 49ers’ leader and previews matchup against Titans

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area earlier this week for an interview which aired on Saturday night. He touched on a number of topics as his team prepares to host the Tennessee Titans at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

Clips of the interview with Matt Maiocco were posted on the network's Twitter account and can be viewed below.

Shanahan discussed the 49ers facing three teams who are fighting for playoff positions. San Francisco is treating these final games like playoff matchups.

"It's very important to win these games," Shanahan said.

Shanahan discussed the 49ers' improved defense over the past five games and what has contributed to it.

Tackle Trent Brown will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury. Zane Beadles will replace him. Shanahan believes Beadles is valuable to the 49ers.

The head coach also discusses the loss of Brown and the decision to end his season early.

"I think they've gotten a lot better in these last few weeks," Shanahan said of the 49ers' interior offensive line.

What does the offensive line need to do against the Titans' defensive line on Sunday?

Shanahan discussed the leadership that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has brought to the 49ers.

"Truly, the quarterback is usually the CEO of the building," Shanahan said. "You've got to act a certain way. You've got to be positive. People look to you a lot, and I think he's done a very good job with that. We've been impressed in that manner."

What went into the decision to bring out a giant boombox as players walk out to the football field on game days? Shanahan shares why the new pre-game ritual has become so important to the players on the team.

"I'm hoping we can play better," Shanahan said of the 49ers' return to Levi's Stadium and playing in front of a home crowd again. "I'm expecting us to play better."

All videos courtesy of @NBCS49ers on Twitter.