Kyle Shanahan reveals ‘personal’ rivalry with Raiders goes back to 3rd grade

Four games into the 1989 NFL season, Mike Shanahan was fired by the Raiders after a 1-4 start.

Kyle Shanahan, who was in third grade at the time, came home to unexpectedly find his dad sitting on the couch. That’s when the Raiders’ rivalry became a big deal for the 49ers head coach.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with his father, Mike Shanahan, after winning the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers beat the Packers 37-20. Getty Images

“Well, it’s different ‘cause it changed throughout my whole life. It used to be huge, they fired my dad when I was in third grade,” Shanahan said.

“I’ve never come home from school and seen my dad sitting on the couch before, and I still remember that day coming home and he’s sitting on the couch on like a Wednesday.”

“I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ That’s in third grade, so you take that personally.”

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. AP Photo/Justine Willard
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox

More than 30 years later, Shanahan and his squad took on the Raiders at Levi’s Stadium Sunday. San Francisco earned its seventh win of the season with a 38-17 victory.

Shanahan is the franchise’s record-holder for most games coached after he surpassed legendary 49ers head coach Bill Walsh last month.

And while Mike Shanahan’s tenure with the Raiders didn’t work out, he is a revered NFL head coach known for his revolutionary offensive design and back-to-back Super Bowl titles with the Broncos.

He is also a member of the Broncos Hall of Fame.

His son may one day surpass him and be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A singular Super Bowl titie will all but cement that.

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