Established: 1946
Home Field: Candlestick Park – San Francisco, California
Owner(s): John York
General Manager: Scot McCloughan
Head Coach: Mike Singletary
The 49ers were established in 1946 as a charter member of the All-American Football Conference (AAFC). Their name pays homage to the gold-seekers that flocked to California during the Gold Rush in 1949. They joined the NFL in 1950 and currently play in the NFC West.
While the 49ers were strong competitors in the AAFC, they weren’t quite as successful after merging with the NFL in 1950. In fact, it wasn’t until 1957 that they posted an 8-4 winning record. Despite their ‘57 season, the 49ers continued over the next 15 years with only mediocre success. Things began to look up for San Francisco after winning their first divisional title in 1970, but it wasn’t until new head coach Bill Walsh was hired and the team acquired legendary QB Joe Montana that the team started to develop into the dynasty they are known as today.
Throughout the 80s, San Francisco consistently made it to the playoffs with 1981 marking the first of five Super Bowl Championships. Their success continued through the 90s. In 1993, Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the 49ers continued with their success under the leadership of replacement QB Steve Young. Young helped the team achieve their fifth Super Bowl Championship in 1994. The 49ers remained as consistent competitors in the NFL until 2002. Since then, the team has entered a rebuilding period.
Championships
League Championships
Super Bowl: 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994
Conference Championships
NFC: 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994
Division Championships
NFC West: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993,
1994, 1995, 1997, 2002
49ers Trivia
- The creation of the “West Coast Offense” as it is known today is generally credited to 49ers coach Bill Walsh.
- During his career, star 49ers QB Joe Montana led his team to 31 fourth quarter come-from-behind victories.
- In 1994, the 49ers met up with the Kansas City Chiefs. It was to be a showdown between Joe Montana (playing for the Chiefs) and his former teammate and replacement Steve Young (playing for the 49ers). The Chiefs won 24-17.
