NFL rule change might help San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan more than you think

The outlawing of the hip drop tackle wasn't the only rule change made by the NFL on Monday at the annual league meetings.

Among three changes adopted by the league, the NFL agreed to take up a proposal by the Detroit Lions that ensures teams will receive a third challenge if they win at least one of their first two. Previously, coaches had only received a third challenge if they won both of their two allocated challenges.

On the surface, that might not be seen as such a big deal for the San Francisco 49ers, given Kyle Shanahan has developed a reputation as a head coach who struggles with challenges.

But reputations aren't always deserved, and a quick look at Shanahan's record with challenges indicates the rule change could be a big help to him and the Niners going forward.

Indeed, per Pro Football Reference, Shanahan has challenged the call on the field 37 times since being hired by the 49ers in 2017.

He has won 21 of those challenges and lost 16, giving him a success rate of 56.7 percent.

Shanahan challenged only three plays last season, winning one. However, the rule change could well embolden him to be more aggressive in doing so from 2024 onwards and, considering his surprising record, the easier path towards a third challenge may help him and the 49ers more than many may think.