How Kyle Shanahan Runs his Offense | Film Breakdown

Kyle Shanahan is among the few coaches in the league to reform how the modern offense is run. Using heavy amounts of pre-snap motion, and different zone runs or pulling players, has allowed him to catapult to one of the most renown coaches in football. A true student of the game, he consistently watches his own film, to find out his tendencies, and pivot off of them, right when the time is right to counter the defense. Let's break down some of his best plays this year.
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Pre-Snap Motion - • What is Wrong with the...
6:19
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Music | DJ Freedom - Today's Plan

[@shrimpsquad3956]

The quality of these videos makes it seem like this guy should have like at least 50K subscribers

[@HarrisonsHuddle]

Even if I don't get a lot of views, these kind of comments makes the effort I put in the video's worth it. I appreciate it!

[@2WheelsdownN]

Congrats 👏

[@davidking4672]

Agreed. This is one of the best breakdowns I’ve seen in a while

[@The9-5Bowler]

AT LEAST

[@logancharles3612]

Kyle Shanahan very underrated and he have no weakness to his game at all. He is an wizard on the offense. He is my favorite coach in the NFL and I hope he win a Super Bowl in the future, and one day be a future HOF!!!

[@KristenMichelle728]

you deserve more recognition. these videos are amazing!

[@pezgallo2406]

Another great job. I have been waiting for this one. You have the gift, brother…keep it up.

[@viciousv81]

This is great stuff. Please don’t stop your breakdowns. I’m definitely liking and subscribing.

[@eliraplee04]

I’ve really taken inspiration to Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The play designs in his and also Sean McVays offenses are unbelievably well drawn up and then there ability to find talent that fits their scheme even if it isn’t the most talented player ever is just icing on the cake.

[@dark-starchemistryfabricat2405]

I love the Art of Misdirection type of Nuances… Getting Linebackers to take the bait, pre-snap motion, shifting, setting edges and Pulls, Making a trick play seem set like every other run play…. He just WEARS defenses down to a Nub with that type of stuff, they start blundering and feeling like they cant get anything right because they never have any idea whats coming next lol I bet its psychologically taxing as hell….

[@JR-ii5de]

Commenting because you referenced your Mac Jones video. I'm a huge Pats fan but I love all your content. This one is great too. Kyle Shanahan gets a ton of praise but it's never broken down like this. You have a great way of simplifying things for the fanatic laymans (oxymoron?) like me. Keep it up

[@googleisskynet7312]

I've been watching Kyle for the last five years, and I can say with great confidence that Kyle gets in his own way. He preemptively pivots away from what's working before the other team even proves to him that they can stop it. Ultimately I think this is his greatest weakness. You could say he's being proactive, but oftentimes his proactivity ends up being premature, and thus detrimental. He's plays 4D chess with himself while the other coach is barely able to compete in 3D. The other coach will be scrambling to figure out how to stop the wide zone and then Kyle goes away from it to something that isn't as effective before the other coach even commits to stopping the wide zone. It must be infuriating to the players. I know it infuriates me as a fan.

[@cmc5394oparva]

Kyle's definitely his daddy's son. Mike Shanahan's biggest flaw was that he could get way too clever for his own good and make the most counterintuitive play calls, and I see a lot of that in Kyle, too. I think both of them believe they're staying ahead of their opponents' decision cycle when they do some of this stuff to try and make the other team adapt to their play-calling, but never quite got the whole "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" aspect of things, either. With that said, I do think that overall, Kyle is just as good of a coach as his dad was, and if he had a legit Hall of Fame QB like Mike had Elway, they'd do a lot of damage together.

[@tjanderson5892]

Idk. There’s a lot of other things he focusing on. His WR1 may need touches or else he won’t block. QB wants to take a shot but his TE hasn’t gotten a look all game and is over chipping DEs. All stuff good play callers are considering I honestly don’t see the issue tho. He’s masterful imo and it’s been only injuries that’ve prevented him from a SB as a HC. He has a great feel for what his guys do well. Trusting his players lets him study def tendencies. He’ll see somethin he likes and not bring a similar look until 3 drives later. His lack of QBs have forced him to get really innovative and I’ve personally never seen him get in front of skis callin games since he was as an OC for AtL.

[@googleisskynet7312]

​@@tjanderson5892 There are, of course, a lot of variables, including human variables. But you can't tell me Kyle is overly concerned with spreading the ball around and making sure everyone get touches. For years, he's been paying Kyle Juszczyk, a guy who could be the best move TE in the game, top dollar to lead block on almost every run play. Kittle, who is an elite receiver, is blocking all the time too. Same thing with Aiyuk. Certain players disappear every game or for multiple games at a time in this system. Kyle doesn't care about these guys' egos. But I don't really care that much about that as long as their offense is putting up points. My biggest gripe with Kyle is that he goes away from things that work before it's necessary or even beneficial, and oftentimes he does it at the most inopportune times. It seems like choke artistry at times. He's had issues with injuries, sure, but that's football. Every team has that. There are times when I think it would behoove him to simplify his approach. Go with the hot hand. Pound the ball. Bleed the clock. Twist the knife and retain a lead in big games. Stop beating himself. He's got one of the best rosters in the league. He should trust that his players can win individual matchups and let them win the game instead of trying to scheme some elaborate 4D chess victory.

[@ThePM00R3]

😢

[@ThePM00R3]

😢

[@carlb3450]

Shanahan has a beautiful design in the passing game. The way they flood threaten a defenders assigned zone and put him in conflict with his reads/rules/keys alone isn't the best passing game but when the running game comes out of the same exact formations and utilizing wr as rb and rb as wr and te as rb that attacks rules, creates mismatches and at the same time exposes coverage. Brilliant young coach. And then the stretch runs zone scheme with a patient back theres going to be a backside breakdown almost every play.

[@joaquingalvan6645]

as a rams fan, watching them play the 49ers angers me more than any other opponent due to the fact that every play looks the same yet they can never stop it. it’s crazy how such small differences in every play can have such an effect on a defense

[@SimoNemo7]

This is going to be so fun to watch now with CMC. Shanahan can line up D. Samuel at RB, CMC in the slot and Kittle out wide just to mess with the Defense. Looking forward to Aiyuk, Jennings, Wilson/Mitchel, Juszczyk and company

[@calvinpruett3835]

Thanks for putting this together well done.

[@emmanueloduntan3286]

3:41 as a Packers Fan I really appreciate the homage😂😂😂🏈🏈🏈🔝🔝🔝

[@kimberlee9608]

Hey man, these videos are GREAT! What got you with the Mac Jones video riding tf out of the algorithm is you put out the PERFECT video at the PERFECT time! The quality of these are proof that you’ll get another one to line up in the same way! BTW I’d love to see how some of these other rookie qbs taken before Mac are looking on film 🙃 Ohh and your “reaction” intercuts are AMAZING!

[@duel2803]

always great to watch when you scheme guys open

[@kill3r_tech423]

This was a great video! I honestly can't believe that you have less than at least 10k subscribers.

[@mango_man1355]

Insane quality. Herea hoping the almighty algorithm picks up on you soon

[@Wuncler]

6:45 that same play but a QB keep to the outside is a TD. Love the content!

[@floresgt3]

Hey brother. This is really good breakdown. Thank you. Played sports my whole life and as you get older you start getting concepts like chess. Great detail and concept explanation about scheme. Your sound can use some work. Filter the background music by taking the frequency that your voice is out of the background music. Your voice will stand out. If that’s too complicated I can be your sound engineer when it makes sense as overhead for your business.

[@maxiii423]

been waiting for this all day :D

[@lumineer_3]

Just a Texans fan here watching our future offense scheme 🫡🫡🆙

[@lumineer_3]

@@basdfef4775 you do know we don’t even have our first round pick next year? We have the browns 😂😂 research before you talk 🗣️

[@MagicMetalMoney]

You deserve more views. Great content! I’m learning a lot in each of your vids. Never even heard of an orbit motion before lol

[@erics607]

It's a motion primarily used in the Wing T or Triple Option offense. Shanahan is essentially running a new age version of the Wing T without lining up in the traditional Wing T alignment. I saw a clinic from a high school coach who runs the Wing T, and he showed a staple play "the buck sweep" being run out of an empty set. I was really confused how they would run it since there was no RB in the backfield. The linemen ran their buck sweep blocking, the RB went in jet motion to the opposite side, the QB faked a bubble screen, and then the QB took off running as the RB picking up 30 yards.

[@stevegatoloai2179]

Just his ability to utilize his players in certain positions is just amazing.

[@Rohit1890]

Great stuff! Shanahan actually got his first OC gig in Houston under Gary Kubiak. Believe it was in '08.

[@scottjosephs8268]

Great videos! Really like your breakdown of the film. Where do you get the footage to use?

[@executewtf3922]

U need more subs ur channel is criminally under rated

[@LlLYEVE]

You was right on shanahan having a new qb just had the wrong name😂

[@TheBigFishNetwork]

Great content man. I learned alot from your breakdown of Shanahan's west coast scheme. I like the "New VARIATIONS of the West Coast", however, I prefer WALSH'S VERSION of the West Coast better. It creates more deception because Walsh ran alot of plays OUT OF THE SAME FORMATION. A FAR or NEAR formation can turn into a singleback 3 WR set or 5 WR set if your splitbacks have good route running ability (80s Roger Craig, Wendall Tyler, Tom Rathman), (90s Ricky Watters, Dexter Carter, William Floyd) In a FAR, NEAR, WEAK, STRONG or SPLITBACK SHOTGUN SET, teams had to worry about so many possible threats. On top of that Jerry Rice IS MOTIONING TO THE SLOT PRESNAP!!!! Great work man.

[@eliraplee04]

I’m only in high school and I’m still learning a lot, but would I be right to say that McVays scheme models Walsh’s system a little more than Shanahan’s does due to his ability to run various different plays out of the same formation and make them look the same? I know McVay doesn’t have many high end pass catching backs, but I think his offense still provides a similar versatility

[@bubba2229]

Thanks. Watching this because Evan Lazar says it looks like the Patriots may be going to the Shanahan style this year.

[@keithworthing7038]

It's a fun breakdown. Good work man

[@weston88doe]

Just got a new subscriber here. Keep up the great work brother.

[@JustisHype]

Kyle is a good play caller and his offense puts alot of pressure on defenses to stay disciplined however it's success all depends on the personnel

[@modulo3664]

Yes even Vince Lombardi's ghost felt that Trent Williams block

[@jackiekinner3826]

Love your vids. I’m from England and am still learning the game and these are a great way to do that. So thanks.

[@HarrisonsHuddle]

Glad you like them!

[@markbethell551]

Great video and presentation...I also never knew about an orbital. Fantastic content.

[@moejoe1451]

These run concepts are the same as the Baltimore Ravens. Which makes this offense so effective is that their passing concepts combined with their run game makes them difficult to stop.

[@Brandon904.]

I love these detailed videos! 🔥

[@Justbmore]

Pretty good content. Got my subscription

[@mgentles3]

Shanahan was OC for the Houston Texans from 2008 ro 2010. He began his career there in 2006 with promotions in '07 and '08. He was the youngest coordinator in the league. Head coach, Gary Kubiak, had been OC under Kyle's father, Mike Shanahan. Kyle left the Texans to coach under his dad. Having Arian Foster and Ben Tate as RBs in those years made the offense work exactly as intended. Now that Ryan, who played in Houston and is now the head coach, brought Slowik from SF with him, that offensive system is back. If the talent can live up to the scheme, Houston is on its way up.

[@mgentles3]

@@basdfef4775 I wish! Intelligence is a great asset and it would be nice to have more. Artificial? Well, if I was artificial, I'd probably find a better body...one that would allow me to wear a belt without squishing my boobs. Hard to do at 72.

[@briandedora6151]

These videos are awesome

[@davidking4672]

Great video dude.

[@MyLilTony93]

“Banished him to the shadow realm” 😂 Not today Yugi boy!

[@Izzythedestryr]

Arthur smith does a lot of these same things but he's not often aware of his own tendencies so the pacing of his play calling is off at times.

[@ThePadi94]

Future with Trey Lance😂

[@anacorreia8058]

Lmaooo! I just had to check the comments when I heard him say that. So clueless

[@lookingforwhiteprivilege9330]

People really thought Lance and Sermon were the future of the Niners. Things can change so fast.

[@HarrisonHollers]

Superb name! You are certainly a genius!

[@phillyinsiderpodcast]

I believe the wide zone toss with the lead blocked in motion is called “zorro”. Great stuff. Big fan of the wind back runs too.

[@mitch_the_-itch]

"Jimmy gets hurt too much, we need to trade him." "Trey Lance has a much bigger upside because he can run." Trey goes out for year in 2nd game while running the ball for two yards. Mostly because he can't throw...

[@MadisonNelson-r5q]

You need to watch more of him coach.

[@meoutthispiece9015]

Great job 👍👌

[@PRHILL9696]

Kyles offense sure fails when it really counts in the big games, three times now!

[@the.real.ipatch]

well done dude. 👍 searching `Shanahan offense` this was the first video. 🥳, trying to understand why my cowboys keep sucking ass against Shanahan style offenses. coming from a noob here. 🤦‍♂

[@Weenus075]

Lil Yu-Gi-Oh reference in there. I like it

[@connoravila5332]

Hoping you could do a Mike Mcdaniel video and how Tua’s strengths fit with the scheme

[@kellybolduc1716]

it wont work tua"S is the problum thats why the will be 3 in div

[@connoravila5332]

@@kellybolduc1716 nah bro, Flores had no offensive bag. The West Coast offense is literally perfect for Tua

[@DJCrankDC]

6:29 you mention a previously posted video about motion. Please share the link when you reply. Thanks

[@dawsondemontiney1247]

Who would've thought Brock Purdy would be the guy these last few years!!!

[@jamesroulstonmooney759]

Really great analysis man. Where do you get the stats?

[@HarrisonsHuddle]

I get them from SIS Datahub!

[@DanielPhillip-z5f]

Loved 😍🤩 your video 📸📸😮😮

[@MVPURDYSZN]

Now with McCaffrey he's been able to become even more creative having that guy in the backfield that can also play receiver deebo does it to but people know the balls going his way when he's back there that's the cool thing about McCaffrey he's always back there so it's jot like you know if it's going to be a run or pass play or if he's even going to get the ball just more misdirection

[@anacorreia8058]

And Purdy

[@salemworld86]

Can you do a film breakdown for yesterday's Patriots & Bills game?

[@simsch_1410]

I dont understand anything from football but it Sounds cool

[@SkyDreamer222]

"after Williams banishes him to the shadow realm" 🤣

[@lifeaintbadshorts]

His offense is always changing though.

[@BonifordBurnett]

Complex shit splendid!

[@barclaypierre740]

what is the best offensive system? is it smashmouth, air raid,run and shoot, west coast,spread etc...?

[@jruth77]

Every system has its benefits and weaknesses! A lot of teams don’t truly run one system, rather they take ideas from each system, but implement them into the scheme each coach learned under

[@barclaypierre740]

@@jruth77 thx, in that case who runs the best one, the Patriots, the raiders with McDaniels?

[@jruth77]

@@barclaypierre740 offensive systems, I gotta hand it to mcvay or shanahan strictly based on their play designs and creativity

[@barclaypierre740]

@@jruth77 thx

[@regissanders2409]

Madden IQ +10 after watching this video

[@kyohahn5239]

I bit off more than I can chew with this😢. So many terms I don't understand. I grew up a hockey fan, now trying to understand football and this made me feel like an idiot

[@kyohahn5239]

Additionally, are there videos like this on andy reid and belichick I can watch?

[@AddyRothTV]

I hope Matt Canada sees this video

[@steazyisland7616]

🔥🔥 continent I’m down 4L

[@DaleMoore-z9n]

I wonder if his offense still includes throwing the ball in the Superbowl when all he had to do was hand it off twice, kick a FG and win the Superbowl.

[@reynaldopadilla7420]

Fly Motion = Ball fake to a WR/Fly Back that is in motion pre-snap and ball is snapped just as they are crossing QBs face

[@runningdrew6654]

Are hope your ready to shift gears on this Niner content . Seahawks are going to be a real PROBLEM moving forward!

[@Dr.Taylor200]

Ppl don’t understand if the niners had half the talent of some teams they would destroy the league

[@andre1987eph]

Upgrade your mic

[@jamesparker9754]

I hope the 49ers fire, so Nick Saban can pick him up as an offensive coordinator. Because the one we got now is trash.

[@12secta81]

His offensive play calling that lost two Super Bowls is especially interesting.

[@markgraham2312]

A lot to talk about. First, Shanahan is an excellent play designer. Second, Shanahan is a terrible play caller. Third, it is very easy to analyze plays that work. Fourth, the success of Shanahan's plays again the Rams has largely to do with the Rams being a terrible tackling team and Shanahan's destructive approach to playing the Rams. Fifth: The Vikings are a terrible tackling team, also. Sixth: The play at 7:30 is not an RPO. [Please don't use the acronym RPO, it makes you sound like a grade school loser]. Seventh: The play at 7:56 was thrown behind the receiver by Garopollo. A correctly thrown ball would likely have been intercepted. Eighth: Shanahan largely relies on luck. Ninth: Your analysis is very good, especially with respect to motion. Finally: Shanahan is not his father and is a loser, had always been a loser, and will always be a loser. His inability to keep players healthy is legendary. LEGENDARY. And the buck stops with this loser coach. Kyle Shanahan is the greatest choke coach of all time. And that is saying something. As long as he is the head coach of the 49ers, they will be losers.

[@lee399]

Too "smart" for his own good. He never got all the pieces of his offense working in the SB. Kittle barely touched the ball, and Deebo didn't get runs or bubble screens. He kept running plays that #69 from the Chiefs was blowing up. Kept trying to force the ball to Deebo on deep routes. Deebo is a slash and YAC player.

[@roemellobell]

His offense is easy run run run run run run and pass once in awhile that's it

[@CoachBru999]

I’m sorry, but this guys commentary is way off, he called oz, power, he says that shannahan created these blocking schemes or plays? This is fake news. There’s nothing special with what I see here, love that he pick no gain as highlights

[@shanewininger]

I agree that Shanahan is an excellent play caller, but he's never won the big game, so why does everyone talk so much about him!

[@delmontegreenbeans]

This is why Running backs value have been downgraded.

[@wubranch1]

Did he adjust in the Superbowls he lost?

[@I_like_turtles_67]

And people are blaming him for Trey Lance getting hurt lol. They should've never drafted Trey in the first place. Jimmy G was their best option and the York family are idiots. When it comes to picking a quarterback. They took Colin over Alex Smith.

[@thameekstaninjahman8337]

Trey Lance isn't cut out for the 49ers way