Fred Warner has only played for one coach in his professional career, but he is positive that he’s playing for the best one in the NFL.
The 28-year-old linebacker spoke with KNBR’s Greg Silver & John Dickinson on Monday and detailed his experience playing for Kyle Shanahan and even compared him to one of the most renown coaches in NFL history.
“I think Kyle’s the best in the business,” Warner said. “I’ve always said it’s not a matter of if but when winning that ring, honestly, with him. I hear stories about how guys being around Bill Belichick how much they learn in their team meetings about how detailed he was and teaching them things.
“And I feel like, obviously, I’ve never been in a Bill Belichick meeting but the way that Kyle breaks down the tape in our meetings it has to be similar, you know because I’m learning so much in his team meetings over the years where I’m able to kind of add different things to my game.”
FRED WARNER ON KYLE SHANAHAN:
“I’ve always said it’s not a matter of if, but when — winning that ring.”
“I’ve never been in a Bill Belichick meeting, but the way that Kyle breaks down the tape in our meetings — I feel like it has to be similar.” pic.twitter.com/j8qBrMA2Wl
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 5, 2025
In their first eight seasons as coaches, Shanahan has the edge over Belichick when it comes to Super Bowl appearances, making two to Belichick’s lone one; the difference being the championship ring has eluded the former whereas the latter took home a Lombardi Trophy.
As for personal success, Warner has amassed four All-Pro selections, as well as four Pro Bowl nods during his time with Shanahan and the 49ers.
If it’s only a matter of time before a ring comes for Shanahan and the 49ers, why not make it sooner rather than later.
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