The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will face off Sunday night in Super Bowl LIV in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Super Bowl LIV will mark the seventh time the 49ers reach the big game in their franchise history and first appearance since 2012. As for the Chiefs, this marks their second time ever reaching the Super Bowl, and first time since Super Bowl IV where they defeated the Minnesota Vikings for their only championship in franchise history. 

Drastic turnaround

For the 49ers, the journey to Super Bowl LIV was filled by a complete turnaround from the past few seasons.  Just last season the 49ers only managed a 4-12 record under then second year head coach Kyle Shanahan and overall, the past four years have all consisted of double digit losing seasons prior to this year. So how did they do it? 

The 49ers huge turnaround is credited in large part by the amazing commitment from the front office and team executive John Lynch, who joined the 49ers staff back in 2017. Lynch and staff helped improve and build the 49ers roster over the years through trades, free agency, and drafting. Some of the most notable players acquired during Lynch’s tenure in the Bay Area include, ex-Seattle Seahawk cornerback Richard Sherman, 2019 second overall NFL draft pick Nick Bosa, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Years of patience led the 49ers to an ultimate breakout 2019 season where they led the NFC with a 13-3 record and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The 49ers were led by now third-year head coach Kyle Shanahan. Under Shanahan, the 49ers were able to form one of the best running games in the NFL and a more than capable passing game under quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers also created perhaps the NFL’s best and most feared defense under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, ranking second in the NFL in DVOA, a statistic that measures defensive efficiency through different defensive variables. 

Chiefs continue to grow

As for the Kansas City Chiefs, they are led by long time head coach Andy Reid. Unlike the 49ers, the Chiefs have had success over the past few seasons. Just last year, the Chiefs were a game away from reaching the Super Bowl, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots, in overtime of the AFC Championship game. 

Similar to the 49ers, the Chiefs also bring forth capability and strength on both sides of the ball. Unlike Shanahan’s team though, the Chiefs bring to the table a very explosive offense. That offense being led by 2018 NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.  Mahomes, barely in his second year as the Chiefs starter has already brought new life and then some to the Chiefs offense after replacing previous quarterback Alex Smith. 

Mahomes will be joined Sunday by teammates Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, among others of the Chiefs explosive offense, looking to put up a massive showing against the 49ers tough defense. 

A historic Super Bowl

Super Bowl LIV brings to battle the team with arguably the best defense in the 49ers and the team with arguably the best offense in the Chiefs. 

Sunday is to bring what could be a Super Bowl for the ages. Will the 49ers win their sixth Lombardi trophy in Franchise history? Will Andy Reid finally win his first Super Bowl as a head coach after over twenty years of coaching? Will the Kansas City Chiefs bring their first championship in fifty years? Find out Sunday Night starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Fox.