Fixing the Flaws: An In-Depth Analysis of the 49ers’ Special Teams Woes and Solutions

The 2024 NFL season was a year to forget for the San Francisco 49ers, particularly when it came to special teams. Finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record, the Niners’ struggles in this critical area of the game were glaring and contributed significantly to their downfall. In fact, the 49ers finished 31st overall in special teams DVOA, according to Kyle Posey of Niners Nation. From missed field goals to poor punt coverage and a plethora of miscues, the special teams unit consistently found ways to undermine the team’s efforts. As Tom Brady, commentating for Fox, quipped during one particularly frustrating game, “Why even bother making returns at all?”. Fixing these flaws is paramount if the 49ers hope to return to contention in 2025.

A Season of Special Teams Catastrophes

The statistics paint a grim picture of the 49ers’ special teams performance in 2024. The team ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories:

Kick Return Team: Second-worst in the NFL
Field Goal Unit: Fourth-worst in the NFL
Punt Unit: Fourth-worst in the NFL
Kickoff Coverage Team: Fifth-worst in the NFL
Punt Return Team: Even the “best” unit ranked only 10th-worst in the league.

These struggles weren’t just statistical anomalies; they manifested in crucial game-changing moments. The 49ers surrendered a blocked punt against the Minnesota Vikings, a fake punt against the Los Angeles Rams, and another fake punt against the Arizona Cardinals. The coverage units allowed a kickoff-return touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks, and long returns led to injuries to key players like Jake Moody and Matthew Wright.

Jake Moody’s Rollercoaster Season

The struggles of second-year kicker Jake Moody were a major focal point of the 49ers’ special teams woes. After a promising start to the season, Moody’s performance took a nosedive following an ankle injury sustained while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return. He finished the season having made just 24 of 34 field-goal attempts, a success rate of just over 70 percent.

Moody’s struggles weren’t limited to the regular season. He also missed kicks in every playoff game, including a critical extra point in the Super Bowl. This inconsistency raised serious questions about his mental fortitude and ability to handle the pressure of the NFL.

Personnel Changes and Coaching Adjustments

Recognizing the severity of the problem, the 49ers made significant changes to their special teams unit during the offseason. The most notable move was the firing of special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, who was replaced by Brant Boyer. Boyer, who previously served as the New York Jets’ special teams coordinator for nine seasons, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for developing talent.

In addition to the coaching change, the 49ers also made several personnel moves to bolster their special teams unit. They signed linebacker Luke Gifford, cornerback Siran Neal, and safety Richie Grant, all of whom have a proven track record as core special teams players.

Brant Boyer’s “No-Nonsense” Approach

Brant Boyer wasted no time in assessing the 49ers’ special teams deficiencies and implementing a new approach. He believes the 49ers’ special teams units were soft in 2024. Boyer emphasizes the importance of physicality and winning individual matchups, stating, “At the end of the day, this is a violent game played by men. And special teams is a one-on-one matchup 90% of the time.”

Boyer’s emphasis on a more physical and aggressive style of play is a clear departure from the previous regime. He is also focused on improving the team’s fundamentals and technique, ensuring that every player is prepared to execute their assignments effectively.

Competition for Kicking and Punting Duties

The 49ers are also creating competition at the kicker and punter positions. Jake Moody will face competition for the starting kicker job, with the team bringing in veteran options to challenge him. Similarly, Mitch Wishnowsky may also face competition at punter, with the 49ers potentially looking to bring in a cheaper and younger option.

Kyle Shanahan has publicly stated that Moody will have competition to be the starting kicker next season, and there are already some interesting veteran options available. San Francisco brought in Pressley Harvin III in the preseason last year as Wishnowsky dealt with a knee injury and the former impressed.

The Wishnowsky Factor

Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky is another player who the Niners may decide to move on from in 2025. The veteran only played in nine games last season due to a back injury which forced the team to bring in veteran Pat O’Donnell. Even when Wishnowsky was on the field, his performance was not great. His average net yards per punt was the lowest of his career at 36.3, and his average yards per punt was 45.2, which was down from 47.7 in 2023.

A Shift in Mindset

Perhaps the most significant change needed for the 49ers’ special teams is a shift in mindset. In the past, head coach Kyle Shanahan has emphasized simply not wanting special teams to lose games, rather than actively seeking to gain an advantage in this area. This “don’t screw it up” mentality may have inadvertently contributed to the unit’s struggles.

However, there are indications that Shanahan is now placing a greater emphasis on special teams. The hiring of Brant Boyer, the addition of core special teams players, and the creation of competition at kicker and punter all suggest a renewed commitment to improving this critical aspect of the game.

The Road Ahead

Fixing the 49ers’ special teams woes will not be an easy task. It will require a combination of coaching, personnel changes, and a shift in mindset. However, with the arrival of Brant Boyer and the renewed emphasis on special teams, there is reason for optimism.

If the 49ers can successfully address their special teams deficiencies, they will be a much more complete and dangerous team in 2025. A reliable and effective special teams unit can provide a significant boost in field position, scoring opportunities, and overall momentum, all of which are essential for success in the NFL.