There are literal and figurative interpretations of “blowing your lid,” but the 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan successfully embodies both.
The NFL is known for its strict gameday attire policies: Coaches aren’t allowed to wear suits, only athletic gear, sweatpants, sweatshirts, et al. Players’ uniforms are inspected before every game.
Shanahan, who’s known for wearing snapback, flat-brimmed hats on the sideline, isn’t a fan of this year’s officially approved offerings. Now, it’s leading to a small bit of “beef” with the league.
The coach explained why on the “Murph & Mac” show:
I have such beef with them (the NFL) right now. It’s a tough issue going on. They won’t let me pick out my own [hat]. They won’t let me wear any one that’s from a [previous] year, so I can’t wear like an older one. I’ve got to wear the new ones that they give this year. Unfortunately, there’s none I like wearing. Hopefully, we can figure it out or wait until Salute to Service. … It’s just deals. I don’t want to go too hard and get fined or anything but trust me, trust me, I’m upset about it.
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As Shanahan alludes to, the league and its equipment suppliers — in the case of headwear, New Era — put out new gear every year, so the NFL likely wants its latest, shiniest toys to be on display.
The famed hat that Shanahan wore in 2020 (as seen in our feature image above) was created in conjunction with New Era, but was retired after a bad season and some superstitious stuff got in the way.
In any case, Shanahan will have a new look for the 2022 season if he can’t figure out his hat game appropriately.
The Shanahat is dead. Long live the Shanahat.
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