In the lead-up to the NFC Championship Game showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions, head coach Kyle Shanahan exuded optimism about his team's chances to advance to Super Bowl 58. Confidence even. That confidence might have diminished slightly when the Lions jumped to a 17-point lead before halftime.
Fortunately, the 49ers orchestrated a stunning comeback, ultimately clinching a 34-31 victory and earning the right to stand on the stage for the George Halas Trophy presentation—precisely where Shanahan had predicted.
Before the kickoff, microphones captured a moment of pre-game assurance between Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. The confident head coach told Lynch, "See you on stage, man."
All Lynch could do was laugh and say, "I like it."
"See you on stage, man."
Talking to John Lynch, #49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was confident ahead of the NFCCG.
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) January 31, 2024
The 49ers now set their sights on Super Bowl 58, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11 at Allegiant Stadium.