More than coach and player: 49ers' Kyle Shanahan considers Deebo Samuel a friend

When thinking about Kyle Shanahan and Deebo Samuel, you normally refer to the creative methods that Kyle Shanahan utilizes his star receiver and the playmaking ability of Samuel to execute those play calls.

However, there's much more to the relationship between the two than just the electrifying performances on Sundays, which Kyle Shanahan alluded to in his daily presser Wednesday.

Deebo Samuel has always been an animated and vibrant individual, most notably through his energy on the field and leading up to games on Sundays, so it's no surprise that the head coach and receiver are able to easily connect on a daily basis.

"[We talk about anything]," Shanahan stated. "Deebo's a real easy guy to talk to. He's not doing much on special teams during [practices], so he usually just comes over, and we chit-chat a little bit. Sometimes it's about how he's feeling, about the practice. Sometimes [it's] about the team we're playing. Sometimes it's about his family."

Samuel recently welcomed a son, Tyshun Raequan Samuel Jr., to the world, sharing an adorable picture of the two together with his Instagram followers.

"He has a little boy that is already holding a—I think he's three weeks old—and he's already holding his bottle by himself. So, [Deebo]'s just convinced he's going to be a top pick in the draft, so he's very proud.

What's special about the connection between Shanahan and Samuel is that not only do they maintain a professional relationship, but one on a personal level as well.

"Deebo's an awesome guy to talk to. I'm his coach. I consider him a friend, though, also."

The duo will look to replicate their 2021 success when the 49ers take on the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the playoffs Sunday, which takes place at AT&T Stadium at 4:25 ET.

Written By: