Shanahan changes tune on Australia trip — SkimNews
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- Kyle Shanahan shifted from frustration voiced at March league meetings to a "loose and jovial" tone at Monday's press conference in Melbourne, saying, "This is the right time to be here, it's the right place to be."
- Shanahan explained his March objections were about losing a home-field advantage, noting 49ers fans typically "take over" SoFi Stadium for Rams games.
- Christian McCaffrey praised the experience after attending an AFL game at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, calling the people "unbelievable" and the food and coffee "incredible."
- Shanahan repeatedly joked about time zone confusion, saying, "We're technically in the future from where we're from, and the Rams are in the present," since Los Angeles hasn't departed for Australia yet.
- Shanahan consulted his father Mike Shanahan, who coached the Broncos for a 1999 preseason game against the Chargers in Sydney, but noted the Week 1 stakes against a division rival carry far more scrutiny.
- The 49ers are adjusting to a 17-hour time difference from the Bay Area, with players exploring the city while the coaching staff has largely remained at the hotel.
Why it matters: The Week 1 matchup marks the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia, a milestone in the league's international expansion. Shanahan's reversal — from March frustration to Monday enthusiasm — suggests on-the-ground experience is winning over coach resistance. A division-rival opener in a foreign country also raises the competitive stakes considerably compared to past preseason international games.
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