Lynch played 15 combined seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos before retiring in 2008. During that time, he registered 1,051 combined tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, per ESPN. Lynch was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion.
Following Lynch's playing career, he spent time as a commentator for the NFL on FOX. Then in 2017, Lynch became the surprising choice for the 49ers' general manager vacancy. He had no previous executive experience.
Lynch spoke of joining the 49ers and what made the iconic Bay Area organization an ideal destination. Specifically, he was asked how former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, father of current 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, set a foundation for how Lynch handles the team-building process in San Francisco.
"I think a lot of what Mike believes in goes back to Bill Walsh on how you run an organization, doing things first class," Lynch explained. "So much of the foundation of how he ran it were things that he picked up coaching for the Niners. And so, inherently, I think that's kind of what drew me to the Niners, this idea of a place that had multiple championships, but there was a blueprint as to how you go about it.
"So, I do think there's a connection. Obviously, I'm [working] with his son. I think that's been talked about at great length. That's really not how Kyle and I connected, through his dad, but I'm sure it helped."
Lynch is entering his fifth season as the 49ers' general manager. While the team reached the Super Bowl during its 2019 campaign, injuries devastated the talented roster last season, and San Francisco earned just six total wins.
Lynch is obviously busy with his duties for the 49ers, hoping to help the team rebound. Still, the organization has been doing what it can to encourage its general manager to enjoy the entire experience of entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"Yes, I'm busy with my job, but the Niners have been great," Lynch shared. "This is something that I'm going to enjoy. I've worked long and hard for it. It's taken a while. I'll work right to the Thursday where I take off (for Canton), and I thought about skipping and going in just for Sunday, but Kyle was very helpful there. 'Man, you worked long and hard for this. You go enjoy the entire thing.' So, that's why you have a great team and people who will hold down the fort when I'm gone."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch on Jauan Jennings: "We'd love to have him back"
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings' future remains uncertain. After expressing frustration over his contract last year, the team restructured the final year of his deal, allowing the fan-favorite to earn additional incentives. Jennings is set to become a free... -
Rapoport shares concerning update on 49ers LB Fred Warner's potential return
The San Francisco 49ers ruled out linebacker Fred Warner for Saturday night's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, a move that came as little surprise. While the team opened the All-Pro's practice window this week, Warner is still working his way back just three months... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Seahawks Divisional Round matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Thursday's practice, providing final updates ahead of the team's Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
49ers end-of-season press conference: John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan to speak Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, January 21, at 11:30 a.m. (PT), offering insight into the team's plans for the upcoming offseason. The availability will allow local...