Redskins connections playing in 49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl 54

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass in the endzone intended for wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass in the endzone intended for wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during practice for Super Bowl LIV at the Greentree Practice Fields on the campus of the University of Miami on January 29, 2020 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during practice for Super Bowl LIV at the Greentree Practice Fields on the campus of the University of Miami on January 29, 2020 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

42. . Head Coach. San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Shanahan. 1. player

This is the most glaring connection the Redskins have in the Super Bowl. And it’s not even close.

Frequently, the offensive minds that the ‘Skins have let walk out of their building have been mentioned. Sean McVay. Kyle Shanahan. Matt LaFleur. We’ve heard it all.

What is often left out of those conversations is context. Could the Redskins have kept them all at the time? And were they head-coach ready when they were in the building? Often, the answer is no (though McVay was up to the task).

But, I digress. Shanahan does have Redskins ties. He was the offensive coordinator for the team under his father, Mike Shanahan, from 2010-2013. His offense was a top-five unit just once in that time frame, in 2012 during Robert Griffin III’s excellent rookie campaign. Other than that, it was about league average.

After his time with the Redskins, Shanahan held coordinator positions with the Cleveland Browns (2014) and the Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016) before landing the 49ers head coaching gig. This season, Shanahan established himself as a very strong head coach and his offensive system and play design has certainly worked for the 49ers. There’s no doubt that he has played a role in that success.

While the Redskins may envy that the 49ers have the current version of Shanahan, the 2010-2013 version that they saw was still in his developmental stages as a coach. He got valuable experience in Washington and that has helped shape him into what he is today as he looks to earn his first Super Bowl title.

Next. Top three free agents for Redskins to sign. dark

If there’s anyone on either roster or coaching staff that I’ve missed, feel free to comment below. Otherwise, enjoy the Super Bowl and keep an eye on these familiar names during the contest if you’re looking to see some former Redskins find success.