Roddy White's final NFL season overlapped with Kyle Shanahan's first year as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator. The former wide receiver has often been critical of the now–San Francisco 49ers head coach, blaming Shanahan for pushing him down the depth chart—and, ultimately, out of the league.
Following the Falcons' infamous Super Bowl LI collapse, White made headlines by saying he was glad he wasn't part of that team, even suggesting he might have physically confronted Shanahan for letting a massive lead slip away.
Eight years later, White appears to have softened his stance—at least when it comes to Shanahan's work in San Francisco.
White gives Shanahan credit for his success with the 49ers
Since taking over in 2017, Shanahan has transformed the 49ers into consistent contenders, guiding them to two Super Bowl appearances. However, both opportunities ended in heartbreak, including a crushing overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2023 season.
A disappointing 6-11 record in 2024 prompted a roster reset this offseason. San Francisco parted ways with several veteran contributors while restocking with young talent. Of course, it's no coincidence that quarterback Brock Purdy was due a significant pay raise, eventually earning a five-year, $265 million contract extension.
White believes the 49ers missed their best chance to win a championship while Purdy was still on his rookie deal.
"With the talent they had and with Brock Purdy on a rookie contract, they had a really open window but just couldn't get over the finish line, and right now they're in a little bit of a transition," White told Vegas Insider.
White calls Shanahan one of the NFL's best offensive minds
White, who once blamed Atlanta's offensive struggles in 2015 on Shanahan, now views him differently.
"Kyle Shanahan is still one of the best play callers in the league, though," White admitted. "The way he sets things up and can orchestrate offenses is really good. The 49ers just had bad timing, in my opinion."
Although White questions whether the 49ers can reach the playoffs this season amid a competitive NFC, he maintains that Shanahan is a "great offensive mind" who does an outstanding job teaching his players.
Be careful what you wish for
For frustrated fans calling for change, believing the 49ers could find another coach capable of putting them over the top, White offered a word of caution.
"They might not have won a Super Bowl, but the success they've had with him as head coach has been remarkable," White said. "He'll continue to be a really good coach, so some 49ers fans who doubt him might have to be careful what they wish for, because I don't know if they'll be able to find someone better who'll give them better results than what they've already had in recent years."