Kyle Shanahan spent just two seasons in Atlanta as the Falcons' offensive coordinator (2015–2016) before becoming the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. During that time, he helped elevate quarterback Matt Ryan's game to MVP-level, cementing their short but impactful partnership as one of the most successful and entertaining in franchise history.
Ryan, who was already a respected Pro Bowl quarterback before Shanahan's arrival, reached new heights in 2016, throwing for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns while leading Atlanta to Super Bowl LI.
This week, speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Ryan reflected on what it was like working with Shanahan during that pivotal stretch.
"I loved playing for Kyle," Ryan said, per Nick Avila of NBC Sports Bay Area. "He is demanding, but that's what you want. You want somebody who's going to push you to be the best version of what you're capable of, and I always felt like Kyle did that for me in the two years that we were together."
Whenever Ryan speaks about Shanahan, it's with high regard. Now, Shanahan is coaching Brock Purdy, who is fresh off signing a massive five-year, $265 million contract extension with the 49ers. Like Ryan, Purdy led his team to a Super Bowl early in his career, reaching the big game in just his second NFL season. And like Ryan's heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl LI, Purdy's Super Bowl debut ended in disappointment.
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Still, Ryan believes that Purdy is in great hands, will only continue to improve under Shanahan's guidance, and possesses a vastly underrated skill set.
"I think his ability to throw the football over the middle of the field, that's huge for them and fits within the scheme and what they do," Ryan said. "He's a really good athlete; I think underrated, in terms of mobility, but also accuracy on the run. The ability to be accurate in the intermediate passing game, moving around -- that fits with how Kyle wants to run the football."
Shanahan is known for being meticulous and demanding, particularly when it comes to quarterback play. He prides himself on designing schemes that get his playmakers open, but his offense requires quick processing and precision, traits that both Ryan and Purdy possess.
"[He] pushed me a little bit out of my comfort zone in certain spots because he believed in me in certain ways, and I think that helped me grow as a player," Ryan said. "But, I think you want your head coach demanding and you want, you know, your coaches, position coaches, coordinators demanding the best of those guys, and their track record speaks for itself. They've had a lot of success."
Now, Shanahan and Purdy are focused on taking a retooled roster and rebounding from their disappointing 2024 season that saw the 49ers finish 6-11 and last in the NFC West. You can bet Matt Ryan will be quietly rooting for his former offensive coordinator in 2025.