History of San Francisco 49ers in Timeline
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area, competing in the NFL as part of the NFC West division. Their home games are played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team's name pays homage to the prospectors of the California Gold Rush.
1910: Birth of Tony Morabito and Josephine V. Morabito
In 1910, both Tony Morabito (1910-1957) and his widow Josephine V. Morabito (1910-1995) were born.
1919: Birth of Victor Morabito
In 1919, Victor Morabito (1919–1964) was born.
1921: Birth of Louis G. Spadia
In 1921, Louis G. Spadia (1921-2013) was born.
1946: Team Inception
In 1946, the San Francisco 49ers were established and wore dark or cardinal red uniforms.
1946: Original member of AAFC
In 1946, the San Francisco 49ers, an original member of the new All-America Football Conference (AAFC), became one of the first major league professional sports teams based on the Pacific Coast.
1948: Uniform Change
In 1948, the San Francisco 49ers switched to scarlet red jerseys and gold pants, complemented by a gold helmet with a single red stripe, solid red socks, and pants without stripes.
1949: NFL Entry and Uniform Modification
In 1949, coinciding with their inaugural NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers updated their uniforms by adding three stripes to their red jerseys, gold helmets and pants, and red socks with three white stripes.
1949: Joining the NFL
In 1949, the San Francisco 49ers joined the NFL when the leagues merged.
1950: NFL inclusion
In 1950, the San Francisco 49ers eventually became part of the NFL.
1950: Joining the National Football League
In 1950, the San Francisco 49ers joined the National Football League (NFL).
1951: Initial Meeting
In 1951, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals initially met.
1953: Helmet and Pants Changes
In the 1953 season, the San Francisco 49ers wore red helmets with a gold stripe, silver pants with a single red stripe, and socks with three stripes.
1955: Unique Uniform Design
In 1955, the San Francisco 49ers sported a unique uniform design featuring white pants with a black stripe bounded by two red stripes, and shadow drop numbers on their red jerseys, with black shadow drop borders on the white numerals.
1956: White Helmet and Pants
In 1956, the San Francisco 49ers wore white helmets without stripes and white pants with a red stripe.
October 27, 1957: Death of Tony Morabito during game
On October 27, 1957, 49ers owner Tony Morabito collapsed and died of a heart attack during a game against the Chicago Bears. The 49ers won the game 21–17 after learning of his death at halftime.
1957: Road Whites Debut
In 1957, the San Francisco 49ers wore red jerseys, gold helmets without stripes, and gold pants without stripes, while debuting their first white jerseys on the road, featuring two red stripes with gold in the middle.
1958: Shoulder Stripe and TV Numbers Added
In 1958, the San Francisco 49ers' white jerseys featured a single shoulder loop stripe, and TV numbers were added to the sleeves of both home and away jerseys.
1959: Platinum Gold and UCLA Stripes
In 1959, the San Francisco 49ers switched to red and platinum gold, with white jerseys having double shoulder loop stripes reminiscent of UCLA's.
1960: "Northwestern" Stripes on Helmets
In 1960, the San Francisco 49ers added "Northwestern" red stripes to their helmets, featuring a thicker middle stripe bordered by two thinner stripes.
1960: Introduction of Shotgun Formation
In 1960, the San Francisco 49ers became the first NFL team to use the shotgun formation, devised by coach Red Hickey.
1961: Fast start with the shotgun formation
In 1961, primarily using the shotgun formation, the 49ers got off to a fast 4-1 start, including two shutouts in back-to-back weeks.
1962: Frustrating season
In 1962, the 49ers had a frustrating season as they won only 6 games that year.
1962: Helmet Design Update
In 1962, the San Francisco 49ers updated their helmet design with a white stripe bounded by two red stripes, featuring a red oval and the SF logo on the sides, a design they've largely maintained since.
1962: Iconic SF logo was established
Starting in 1962, the iconic "SF" logo within a red oval became the 49ers' logo.
May 10, 1964: Death of Victor Morabito
Victor Morabito died on May 10, 1964, at age 45.
1964: Color Change and New Pants Design
In 1964, the San Francisco 49ers changed all silver elements to "49er Gold," introducing gold helmets and beige-gold pants with a red-white-red tri-stripe.
1964: Death of Victor Morabito
Victor Morabito (1919–1964) passed away in 1964.
1965: Alternate logo created
In 1965, an alternate logo for the 49ers was created featuring a shield-shaped crest formed from the number "49", with a football and "SF" initials.
1965: Rebound season
In 1965, the 49ers rebounded to finish with a 7–6–1 record, led by John Brodie.
1966: Lou Spadia named team president
In 1966, the Morabito widows named Lou Spadia team president.
1967: 49ers defeat Raiders in exhibition game
In 1967, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Oakland Raiders 13-10 in the first exhibition game between the two teams, marking the beginning of the "Battle of the Bay".
1968: Bill Walsh Becomes Offensive Coordinator for Bengals in 1968
In 1968, Bill Walsh became the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, serving under Paul Brown.
1968: Hiring of Dick Nolan
In 1968, the San Francisco 49ers hired Dick Nolan as their head coach.
1969: Worst Record Since 1969
In 1973, the 49ers had their worst record since 1969 with a 5-9 record.
1970: 49ers defeat Raiders in Oakland
After the 1970 merger, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Oakland Raiders 38-7 in Oakland.
1970: Division Champions
From 1970 to 2023, the San Francisco 49ers have been division champions 22 times.
1970: Numeral Style Change Begins
From 1970, the San Francisco 49ers began a gradual transition from sans-serif to serifed block numerals on their uniforms.
1970: Start of Playoff Appearances
In 1970, Dick Nolan, Mike Nolan's father, led the 49ers to the first of three consecutive playoff appearances.
1970: Strong start to the season
In 1970, the 49ers started out the season with a 7–1–1 record.
1970: First divisional title
In 1970, the 49ers won their first divisional title, becoming champions of the NFC West
1970: Cowboys defeat 49ers in NFC Championship
In 1970, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, marking an early victory for the Cowboys in this long-standing rivalry.
1970: Teams placed in opposite conferences
In 1970, the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns were placed in opposite conferences, which reduced the rivalry's intensity.
1970: Best Start Since 1970
In 1976, the 49ers started the season 6-1, marking their best start since 1970.
1971: Cowboys defeat 49ers in NFC Championship
In 1971, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game for the second year in a row.
1971: Move to Candlestick Park
In 1971, the San Francisco 49ers moved to Candlestick Park.
1971: Second straight divisional title
In 1971, the San Francisco 49ers won their second straight divisional title with a 9–5 record.
1972: End of Playoff Streak
In 1972, Dick Nolan led the 49ers to the last of three consecutive playoff appearances.
1972: Third consecutive NFC West title
In 1972, the 49ers won their third consecutive NFC West title.
1972: Cowboys defeat 49ers in Divisional Playoff Game
In 1972, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Playoff Game, further cementing their dominance in the early stages of the rivalry.
1972: Alternate logo used until 1972
The alternate logo with the shield shaped crest created in 1965 was used for marketing purposes until 1972.
1973: End of NFC West Reign
In 1973, the 49ers fell to a 5–9 record, marking the end of their reign at the top of the NFC West.
1974: Numeral Style Change Continues
By 1974, the San Francisco 49ers were still in the process of changing from sans-serif to serifed block numerals on their uniforms.
1974: Drafting Wilbur Jackson
In 1974, the 49ers drafted Wilbur Jackson and finished with a 6-8 record.
1975: Bill Walsh serves as Paul Brown's offensive coordinator until 1975
From 1968 to 1975, Bill Walsh served as Paul Brown's offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals.
1975: Final Season for Dick Nolan
In 1975, the 49ers dropped to 5–9 in what would be Dick Nolan's final season as coach.
1976: Strong start, faded playoff hopes
In 1976, the San Francisco 49ers started the season strong with a 6-1 record but ultimately failed to make the playoffs.
1976: Thick Pant Stripes Introduced
In 1976, the San Francisco 49ers switched from thin stripes to very thick pant striping, and white jerseys were worn at home for most of the season.
March 1977: Sale to the DeBartolo Family and Clark's Firing
In March 1977, the 49ers were sold to Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. Despite a winning record, coach Clark was fired after one season by newly hired general manager Joe Thomas.
1977: Consecutive Games Scored
From 1977 to 2004, the San Francisco 49ers scored in 420 consecutive games.
1977: Bill Walsh Hired by Stanford University in 1977
In 1977, Bill Walsh was hired by Stanford University. He coached the Cardinal for two seasons before joining the 49ers.
1977: Notre Dame National Title in 1977
In 1977, Joe Montana led the Fighting Irish to the national title.
1977: The 49ers' 1977 Season
In 1977, the 49ers started with five consecutive losses under coach Ken Meyer. Key players like Tommy Hart, Cleveland Elam, Wilbur Jackson, and Delvin Williams had strong performances. Joe Thomas made controversial offseason moves, including acquiring O. J. Simpson and trading Delvin Williams. Jim Plunkett was released, and Meyer was replaced by Pete McCulley as coach.
1978: Bill Walsh Hired as Head Coach in 1978 Off-Season
In the 1978 off-season, Bill Walsh was hired to be the 49ers head coach.
1978: Disastrous 1978 Season
The 1978 season was a disaster for the 49ers, finishing with a 2-14 record. O.J. Simpson led the team in rushing but with less than 600 yards. Steve DeBerg, Paul Hofer and Randy Cross began their 49ers careers that year.
1979: Bobb McKittrick Joins 49ers
Bobb McKittrick, 49ers offensive line coach since 1979, also died of cancer following the 1999 season.
1979: Drafting Joe Montana in 1979
In 1979, Bill Walsh targeted Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana as an early-round pick in the draft.
1979: Bill Walsh Hired by the 49ers in 1979
In 1979, Bill Walsh was hired by the 49ers, after coaching for Stanford University from 1977.
1979: Impact of the O.J. Simpson trade in 1979
In 1979, the 49ers did not have their first draft pick due to the O.J. Simpson trade from the previous year. This was part of the fallout from the disastrous 1978 season.
1979: Franchise Low Point
In 1979, the 49ers had a previous low point in their franchise history. It is referenced as the last time before the 2004 season that the team finished last in their division, marking the end of the NFL's longest active streak for the team.
1979: 1979 NFL Draft
In the 1979 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys passed on Joe Montana and drafted Doug Cosbie due to their quarterback depth with Roger Staubach and Danny White. The 49ers then drafted Montana. The 49ers also drafted Dwight Clark in the 10th round after Walsh discovered him while scouting Steve Fuller.
1979: Worst Start Since 1979
The 2010 season started with the 49ers at 0-5, which was their worst start since 1979.
1979: Missed playoffs
The 49ers missed the playoffs for the second straight season for the first time since 1979 and 1980.
1980: 49ers' 1980 Season
In 1980, the 49ers finished with a 2-14 record. Steve DeBerg threw for over 3,600 yards, and Freddie Solomon had over 800 yards receiving. Paul Hofer led the team in rushing, while O. J. Simpson was sidelined with injuries. The 49ers started strong, winning their first three games, but lost their next eight. Walsh alternated DeBerg and Montana at quarterback.
1980: First Losing Season Since 1980
In 1999, the 49ers suffered their first losing season in a non-strike year since 1980, which was also the last time that the 49ers did not win at least ten or more games in a season.
1980: Montana Wins Quarterback Job Full-time
In Week 14 of the 1980 season, the 49ers, led by Joe Montana, completed a comeback against the New Orleans Saints, winning 38-35 in overtime. This victory secured Montana the starting quarterback job. Dwight Clark and Earl Cooper also emerged as key players for the 49ers.
1980: Missed playoffs
The 49ers missed the playoffs for the second straight season for the first time since 1979 and 1980.
1981: Beginning of 49ers Dynasty
From 1981 to 1994, the 49ers' run of five Super Bowl wins in 14 seasons solidified them as one of the NFL's great dynasties.
1981: The 49ers' Super Bowl Winning 1981 Season
In 1981, the 49ers focused on overhauling the defense, adding Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Carlton Williamson, Dwight Hicks, Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, and Fred Dean. The team finished with a 13-3 record and won Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21, marking a turnaround in the team's history. Joe Montana won MVP honors.
1981: 49ers defeat Giants in Divisional Round
In 1981, the Joe Montana-led San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 38-24 in the divisional round at Candlestick Park. The 49ers went on to win their first Super Bowl championship that season.
1981: Super Bowl Championship
In 1981, the San Francisco 49ers won a Super Bowl championship.
1981: "The Catch" in NFC Championship
In 1981, the San Francisco 49ers' Joe Montana completed a game-winning pass to Dwight Clark in the final minute of the NFC Championship game, known as "The Catch".
1982: Raiders upset defending Super Bowl champion 49ers
In 1982, the Oakland Raiders upset the defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, winning 23-17.
1982: The 49ers' 1982 Season
The 1982 season was a step back for the 49ers, finishing with a 3-6 record in a strike-shortened season. Joe Montana was a bright spot, passing for 2,613 yards in nine games.
1983: The 49ers' 1983 Season
In 1983, the 49ers finished 10-6 and won their second NFC Western Divisional Title. Joe Montana passed for 3,910 yards and 26 touchdowns. They lost to the Washington Redskins in the NFC championship game 24-21.
1984: The 49ers 1984 Season
In 1984, the 49ers had a historic season, finishing 15-1 in the regular season and winning Super Bowl XIX against the Miami Dolphins 38-16. Their entire defensive backfield was elected to the Pro Bowl.
1984: Super Bowl Win
In 1984, the 49ers won the Super Bowl. This allowed them to have the 28th overall pick in the 1985 NFL draft.
1984: 49ers defeat Giants in Divisional Round
In 1984, the Joe Montana-led San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 21-10 in the divisional round at Candlestick Park. The 49ers went on to win their second Super Bowl championship that season.
1985: 1985 NFL Season and Jerry Rice's Rookie Year
In 1985, the 49ers had the 28th overall pick due to winning the Super Bowl in 1984, and traded up to select Jerry Rice in the NFL draft. The team finished the 1985 regular season with a 10–6 record, securing a wild card berth. Despite some struggles, Jerry Rice impressed during his rookie season, earning the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year award, while Roger Craig achieved the milestone of 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards. However, the 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Giants.
1985: Record Tied in 1985
In 1985, the Chicago Bears equaled the 49ers' regular-season win record of 15-1 from 1984.
1985: Reference to 1985 Chicago Bears Dominance
In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers achieved a sustained dominance not seen since the 1985 Chicago Bears, winning 10 straight games with an average margin of victory of nearly 20 points per game.
September 15, 1986: Joe Montana Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 15, 1986, Joe Montana was placed on the injured reserve list due to a severe back injury sustained earlier in the 1986 season. Jeff Kemp became the starting quarterback for the 49ers, and the team went 4–3–1 in September and October.
1986: Montana's Return and Playoff Loss
In 1986, Joe Montana returned from a back injury on November 6 and led the 49ers to win 5 of their last 7 games, clinching the NFC West title. Jerry Rice led the league in receiving yards. Montana received the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. However, the 49ers lost to the New York Giants in the playoffs.
1986: Giants defeat 49ers at Giants Stadium
In 1986, the New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 49-3 at Giants Stadium, marking a significant victory for the Giants in the rivalry.
1987: 49ers' Elite Season and Playoff Loss
In the strike-shortened 1987 season, the 49ers had a league-best 13–2 record. Joe Montana threw 31 touchdown passes and set an NFL record. Jerry Rice had an NFL-record 22 touchdowns and was named Offensive Player of the Year. Despite being favorites, the 49ers lost in the NFC divisional round to the Minnesota Vikings. Also in 1987, owner Eddie DeBartolo stripped Walsh of the team president title and Dwight Clark retired.
1988: Three-peat Quest
Between 1988 and 1990, the 49ers were on a quest for a "three-peat", during which they set a league record with 18 consecutive road victories.
1988: Bill Walsh retired after Super Bowl win
In 1988, Bill Walsh retired after winning his third Super Bowl as the head coach of the 49ers.
1988: Super Bowl XXIII Champions
In the 1988 season, the 49ers initially struggled, but after a players-only meeting, they finished the season 10–6. They defeated the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears to reach Super Bowl XXIII, where they faced the Cincinnati Bengals. The 49ers won Super Bowl XXIII 20–16 with a late touchdown pass from Joe Montana to John Taylor, with Jerry Rice being named Super Bowl MVP.
1988: Move to Santa Clara headquarters
Since 1988, the San Francisco 49ers have been headquartered in Santa Clara.
1989: George Seifert won Super Bowl in first year
In 1989, George Seifert won the Super Bowl in his first year as the 49ers' head coach, succeeding Bill Walsh.
1989: Montana named NFL MVP
In 1989, Joe Montana had a high quarterback rating and was named NFL Most Valuable Player. Jerry Rice led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. The 49ers clinched their fourth straight division title with a 14-2 record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
1989: Black outlining added to logo
In 1989, a black outline was added to the intertwined "SF" in the 49ers' logo.
1989: Super Bowl XXIV Victory
In 1989, the 49ers defeated the Vikings and the Rams in the playoffs to reach Super Bowl XXIV, where they defeated the Denver Broncos 55-10. The 49ers set records for points scored and margin of victory in a Super Bowl, and Joe Montana was named Super Bowl MVP. They became the only team to win back-to-back Super Bowls under different head coaches.
1989: Loma Prieta earthquake effect on the 49ers
In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake impacted the San Francisco 49ers.
1989: Uniform Design Era
The San Francisco 49ers' regular uniform design from 1989 to 1995 consisted of red and white jerseys, and beige-gold pants with thick striping, with minor changes.
January 14, 1990: NFC Championship Win
On January 14, 1990, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 30–3 in the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park, advancing to Super Bowl XXIV.
1990: Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott leave 49ers
In 1990, the 49ers lost to the New York Giants. Following the 1990 season, Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott left the team and went to the Los Angeles Raiders via Plan B free agency.
1990: 49ers lose to Giants
In 1990, the 49ers started strong, winning their first 10 games and finishing 14-2. After defeating the Washington Redskins in the playoffs, they faced the New York Giants in the conference championship. The Giants defeated the 49ers 15-13, ending their attempt at a "three-peat" Super Bowl victory.
1990: Giants upset 49ers in NFC Championship
In 1990, the New York Giants upset the San Francisco 49ers 15-13 in the NFC Championship, ruining the 49ers' hopes of a Super Bowl three-peat after Roger Craig lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter.
1991: 49ers Miss Playoffs
In 1991, injuries to Steve Young and inconsistent quarterback play led to a 4–6 start for the 49ers. Despite a strong finish with Steve Bono and Young, the 49ers finished 10–6, but missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker with the Atlanta Falcons.
December 28, 1992: Joe Montana's Return
On December 28, 1992, Joe Montana returned after missing almost two full seasons due to an elbow injury. He played the second half of the game against the Detroit Lions, completing 15–21 passes for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns, contributing to the 49ers' 24–6 victory.
1992: Quarterback Controversy
In 1992, fueled by media hype, a quarterback controversy between Joe Montana and Steve Young escalated. After discussions with the owner and coach, Montana requested a trade.
1992: Cowboys win NFC Championship against 49ers
In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys won the NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. This was the first of three consecutive NFC Championship games between the two teams.
1993: 49ers defeat Giants in Divisional Round
In 1993, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 44-3 in the divisional round, securing a decisive win in the playoff series.
1993: 49ers Season Without Montana
In the 1993 season, the 49ers played their first season without Joe Montana, finishing with a 10–6 record and earning the no. 2 seed in the playoffs. They defeated the New York Giants but lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC championship at Texas Stadium.
1993: Montana Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs
Prior to the 1993 season, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs due to the quarterback controversy with Steve Young. Montana felt it was necessary to leave to avoid creating problems within the team.
1994: Throwback Uniforms for NFL Anniversary
During the 1994 season, the San Francisco 49ers wore a version of their 1955 uniforms as throwback uniforms to celebrate the NFL's 75th anniversary.
1994: George Seifert won another Super Bowl
In 1994, George Seifert won his second Super Bowl as the head coach of the 49ers.
1994: 49ers Acquire Star Free Agents and Dominate Season
In 1994, the 49ers spent heavily on free agents like Ken Norton Jr. and Deion Sanders and saw contributions from rookies. Overcoming early struggles, they finished 13-3, set a scoring record, and won Super Bowl XXIX, with Steve Young named MVP.
1994: Uniform style
In 1994, the 49ers wore the uniform style for the all-white alternate in 2018, with the letters and numerals larger and more pronounced shadows.
1994: White Pants Return
In 1994, the Niners donned white pants full-time for the 1996 season, also wearing them for the 1997 season and 1998 preseason.
1994: Super Bowl Championship
In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers won a Super Bowl championship.
1994: 49ers win NFC Championship against Cowboys
In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers won the NFC Championship against the Dallas Cowboys. This was the third consecutive NFC Championship game between the two teams, with the 49ers winning the last matchup.
1994: 49ers Advance to NFC Championship Game
In 1997, the 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38–22, advancing to the NFC championship game for the first time since 1994, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers.
1994: Throwback Uniform Design Inspiration
The San Francisco 49ers' red version of the 1994 throwback uniforms were unveiled in 2021 for use in select home games.
1995: 49ers Make Playoffs, Eliminated by Packers
In 1995, the 49ers finished with an 11–5 record, won the division, and made the playoffs, but were eliminated by the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round.
1995: NFC Divisional Game Upset
In 1995, the Green Bay Packers upset the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional game at Candlestick Park.
1995: Death of Josephine V. Morabito
Josephine V. Morabito (1910-1995), widow of Tony Morabito, passed away in 1995.
1995: End of Uniform Design Era
The San Francisco 49ers' uniform ensemble of red and white jerseys, and beige-gold pants with thick striping were worn until 1995 with a few minor changes.
1996: Gold trimming added to logo
In 1996, gold trimming was added inside the oval of the 49ers' logo.
1996: 49th Anniversary and Uniform Redesign
In 1996, the San Francisco 49ers celebrated their 49th anniversary with a commemorative jersey patch and debuted a significantly new uniform design, changing the shade of red to a deeper cardinal red with a black dropshadow effect on the jersey numerals.
1996: Regular Uniform Design
In 1996, the helmet and jersey design with the 1998 gold pants was worn as the team's regular uniforms until the end of the 2008 season.
1996: 49ers Reach Postseason, Lose to Packers Again
In 1996, the team finished with a 12–4 record and made the postseason, but were again eliminated by the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round.
January 17, 1997: George Seifert Resigns, Steve Mariucci Hired
On January 17, 1997, George Seifert resigned as 49ers head coach, and on the same day, Steve Mariucci was hired as his replacement.
1997: Last NFC Championship Appearance
1997 was the last time the 49ers had reached the NFC championship game before the 2011 season.
1997: White Pants Maintained
In 1997, the Niners maintained white pants full-time for the season.
1997: Won NFC West for the first time since 1997
In 2002, The 49ers won the NFC West for the first time since 1997, with the division-clinching game coming on a last-second touchdown pass to Terrell Owens against the Dallas Cowboys
1998: Last 2-0 start
1998 was the last time that the 49ers started the season 2-0, before the 2007 season.
1998: Switch Back to Gold Pants
For the 1998 regular-season opener, the San Francisco 49ers switched back to gold pants, using a more metallic gold rather than the previous beige-matte gold.
1998: Reference to 1998 Minnesota Vikings Scoring Record
In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers set a new record for total regular-season and post-season combined points scored. That record was almost matched by the 1998 Minnesota Vikings.
1998: DeBartolo Pleads Guilty and is Suspended
In 1998, Eddie DeBartolo Jr. pleaded guilty to a failure to report a felony charge and was suspended from active control of the 49ers for one year.
1998: Jerry Rice Returns, Hearst's Touchdown Run
In 1998, Jerry Rice returned from injury, and Garrison Hearst had a 96-yard touchdown run. Steve Young had a great season, and the team's offense was highly productive. The 49ers finished 12–4, earning a wildcard berth.
1998: Record Tied in 1998
In 1998, the Minnesota Vikings equaled the 49ers' regular-season win record of 15-1 from 1984.
1998: "The Catch II"
In 1998, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round, remembered for Terrell Owens' game-winning touchdown reception off a Steve Young pass, known as "The Catch II".
1998: Regular Uniform Design
In 1998, the helmet and jersey design was worn as the team's regular uniforms until the end of the 2008 season.
1998: Hearst's Ankle Injury
In 2001, Garrison Hearst, who had been forced to retire from football after breaking his ankle in the 1998 divisional playoffs, finally returned to the line-up after over two years of rehabilitation.
1998: Garrison Hearst ankle injury in Divisional Round
In the 1998 playoffs divisional round game, Garrison Hearst suffered an ankle break after his foot was caught in the Georgia Dome turf on the first play from scrimmage, and the 49ers lost that game 20-18 to the Falcons.
September 27, 1999: Steve Young's Career-Ending Injury
On September 27, 1999, San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Steve Young suffered a career-ending concussion in a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
1999: Steve Young Suffers Career-Ending Injury
In 1999, Steve Young suffered a career-ending concussion in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Jeff Garcia took over as starting quarterback, but the 49ers had a losing season.
1999: 49ers personnel help Browns relaunch
In 1999, former San Francisco 49ers president and CEO Carmen Policy and vice president/director of football operations Dwight Clark helped the Cleveland Browns relaunch.
2000: DeBartolo Surrenders Controlling Interest
In 2000, Eddie DeBartolo surrendered controlling interest of the 49ers to the Yorks as part of a settlement.
2000: Garcia Named Starter, Breaks Record
In 2000, Jeff Garcia was named the starting quarterback and broke a franchise record for most passing yards in one season, with 4,278 passing yards and 31 touchdowns.
2000: Occasional Meetings
Until 2000, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals would meet occasionally.
2001: 49ers Return to Playoffs, Hearst's Comeback
In 2001, the 49ers finished with a 12–4 record and a wildcard berth. Garrison Hearst returned after a severe injury and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
2001: Packers Beat 49ers
In 2001, the Green Bay Packers had beaten the San Francisco 49ers in the post-season.
2001: Defense ranked 9th
The 49ers defense went from being ranked 28th in 2000 to being ranked 9th in 2001.
2002: Last Non-Losing Season
2002 was the last non-losing season that the 49ers had, before the 2009 season.
2002: Divisional Realignment, Win NFC West
In 2002, the 49ers gained new divisional rivals and won the NFC West for the first time since 1997, finishing 10-6. They also had a comeback victory against the Giants in the playoffs.
2002: Falcons move to NFC South
In 2002, the Atlanta Falcons moved to the NFC South after realignment, ending their division rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.
2002: Realignment intensifies Seattle rivalry
In 2002, the NFL's realignment intensified the rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers as both teams were placed in the same division.
2002: Rivalry Intensifies
In 2002, the rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals intensified when both teams were placed in the NFC West division.
2002: 49ers comeback victory against Giants
In the 2002 NFC wildcard game, the San Francisco 49ers came back from a 24-point deficit to beat the New York Giants with a 39-38 victory.
2003: Turmoil and Disappointment for the 49ers
In 2003, the San Francisco 49ers season was marked by turmoil. Despite a strong start, internal conflict arose between Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens, coupled with injuries to key players, leading to a 7–9 finish and missing the playoffs. The team's performance was a significant disappointment, but Dennis Erickson was retained as coach.
2004: Consecutive Games Scored
From 1977 to 2004, the San Francisco 49ers scored in 420 consecutive games.
2004: Worst Record and Key Player Departures
In 2004, the 49ers finished with a franchise-worst 2–14 record, tying a historic low and ending their streak of not finishing last in their division since 1979. Terrell Owens was traded, and other key players like Jeff Garcia and Garrison Hearst were released due to salary cap issues. Dennis Erickson and Terry Donahue were fired.
2004: Record Tied in 2004
In 2004, the Pittsburgh Steelers equaled the 49ers' regular-season win record of 15-1 from 1984.
2005: Alex Smith Drafted
In the 2005 NFL draft, the 49ers selected Alex Smith as the first overall pick. Smith's rookie season was difficult, with only one touchdown and eleven interceptions. The team finished 4-12.
2005: Training Camp Milestone
The 2005 training camp was the last time, before 2009, that the 49ers had all drafted rookies signed and in training camp on time.
November 8, 2006: 49ers ended stadium negotiations with San Francisco
On November 8, 2006, the 49ers ended negotiations with the city of San Francisco regarding the construction of a new stadium, opting to pursue the project in Santa Clara instead. This decision effectively ended San Francisco's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2006: Trent Dilfer wears No. 12
From 2006 to 2007, Quarterback Trent Dilfer, a long-time friend of John Brodie, wore No. 12 with his permission, unofficially unretiring the number as a tribute.
2006: Gore's Record-Breaking Season
In 2006, Frank Gore set a franchise record with 1,695 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance. The team swept the Seattle Seahawks and kept the Denver Broncos from the playoffs. Despite this, the team finished with a 7-9 record.
2007: Trent Dilfer wears No. 12
From 2006 to 2007, Quarterback Trent Dilfer, a long-time friend of John Brodie, wore No. 12 with his permission, unofficially unretiring the number as a tribute.
2007: Defensive Additions and Walsh's Death
In 2007, the 49ers signed Nate Clements and Michael Lewis to bolster their secondary. They also drafted Patrick Willis, who would become Defensive Rookie of the Year. Before the season, Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh passed away. The team finished the season with a 5-11 record.
2007: New England Patriots Break Scoring Record
In 2007, the New England Patriots broke the 1994 San Francisco 49ers' record for total combined regular-season and post-season points scored.
2007: Record Broken in 2007
In 2007, the New England Patriots broke the 49ers' regular-season win record from 1984, achieving 16 regular-season victories.
October 20, 2008: Mike Nolan Fired, Singletary Appointed Interim Head Coach
On October 20, 2008, after a 2-5 start, Mike Nolan was fired as head coach. Mike Singletary was named as the interim head coach, delivering a memorable post-game interview, after which the team went 5-4, ending the season with a 7-9 record.
2008: Top 10 NFL Rivalries
In 2008, Sports Illustrated ranked the rivalry between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers No. 8 on its "Top 10 NFL Rivalries of All Time" list.
2008: End of Uniform Era
The San Francisco 49ers' helmet and jersey design with the 1998 gold pants was worn as the team's regular uniforms until the end of the 2008 season.
April 25, 2009: 49ers Draft Michael Crabtree
On April 25, 2009, the 49ers selected Michael Crabtree with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
October 7, 2009: Crabtree Signs Contract
On October 7, 2009, Michael Crabtree reached a contract agreement with the 49ers, after missing the first four games of the regular season due to a holdout. The 49ers posted an 8-8 record in the 2009 season, their first non-losing season since 2002.
2009: 9ers Dominate
Between 2009 and 2013, the San Francisco 49ers won nine of ten meetings against the Arizona Cardinals.
2009: Uniform Changes
In 2009, the San Francisco 49ers once again changed uniforms, which are very similar to the classic design, albeit with several significant changes.
2009: Offensive Coordinator Hired
In the 2009 offseason, Jimmy Raye was hand-picked by Singletary to be the offensive coordinator. He was fired in Week 3 of the 2010 season.
June 8, 2010: Measure J passed for new stadium
On June 8, 2010, Measure J, which the 49ers sponsored, passed with 58.2% of the vote in Santa Clara, allowing for the construction of a new stadium to be the future home of the 49ers. This was the first step for the 49ers stadium relocation.
December 27, 2010: Mike Singletary Fired
On December 27, 2010, the 49ers fired Mike Singletary as head coach, naming Jim Tomsula as interim head coach for the last game of the season. The 49ers finished 6-10 that season.
2010: Multiple Pro Bowl Selections
In 2010, five 49ers players went to the Pro Bowl: Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Justin Smith, and Andy Lee.
January 4, 2011: Trent Baalke Promoted to General Manager
On January 4, 2011, Trent Baalke was promoted to permanent General Manager of the 49ers, after serving as interim GM.
January 7, 2011: Jim Harbaugh Hired as Head Coach
On January 7, 2011, Jim Harbaugh was named the new head coach of the 49ers. In the 2011 NFL draft, the 49ers selected Aldon Smith and Colin Kaepernick.
August 20, 2011: Fights and shooting mark pre-season game
On August 20, 2011, the pre-season game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders was marked by fights in restrooms and stands at Candlestick Park including a shooting outside the stadium in which several were injured.
November 9, 2011: New stadium confirmed
On November 9, 2011, the team confirmed that they would build a new stadium in Santa Clara, aiming for completion by the 2014 season.
2011: Playoff Return and NFC Championship Appearance
In 2011, the 49ers re-signed Alex Smith and had a successful season, finishing 13–3 and winning the NFC West. They defeated the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Playoffs but lost to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game. The 2011 season marked a significant turnaround for the team.
2011: Record Tied in 2011
In 2011, the Green Bay Packers equaled the 49ers' regular-season win record of 15-1 from 1984.
2011: Harbaugh Hire Intensifies Rivalry
In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh, intensifying the rivalry with the Seattle Seahawks due to his feud with Pete Carroll.
2011: Giants defeat 49ers in NFC Championship
In the 2011 NFC Championship at Candlestick Park, the New York Giants won the game on a Lawrence Tynes 31-yard field goal in overtime, 20-17 after Kyle Williams fumbled a punt in the crucial minutes of the game.
2011: Kaepernick Drafted
The 49ers drafted Colin Kaepernick in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft, a year before he took over as the starting quarterback.
2011: Last Postseason Appearance Until 2011-12 Playoffs
The 49ers lost the next week to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional round in 2002, 31–6. This was the last postseason appearance for the 49ers until the 2011–12 playoffs.
April 3, 2012: Nike Uniform Debut
On April 3, 2012, an updated 49ers uniform with improved fit, and more breathable and moisture-resistant fabrics was debuted (alongside the rest of the NFL teams) by new league uniform manufacturer Nike.
April 19, 2012: Groundbreaking for new stadium
On April 19, 2012, groundbreaking for the 49ers' new stadium took place in Santa Clara.
2012: Akers' Declining Performance
During the 2012 season, David Akers started to show signs of decline, missing several field goals which led to his eventual release in 2013.
2012: Kaepernick Takes Over, Super Bowl Appearance
In 2012, Colin Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith due to a concussion, leading to a quarterback controversy. Kaepernick started the rest of the season and led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31. Kaepernick set a record for rushing yards for a quarterback in the playoffs.
2012: 49ers End Losing Streak
In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field week 1 for the first time since 1990, and again in the NFC Divisional game that same season.
2012: 49ers defeat Falcons in NFC Championship
In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers, led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, defeated the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta by a score of 28-24 in the NFC Championship.
March 6, 2013: Akers Released, Dawson Signed
On March 6, 2013, David Akers was released by the 49ers due to declining performance. Shortly afterwards, the team signed veteran kicker Phil Dawson.
May 8, 2013: Levi Strauss & Co. purchased naming rights to new stadium
On May 8, 2013, the 49ers announced that Levi Strauss & Co. had purchased the naming rights to their new stadium in Santa Clara. The deal calls for Levi's to pay $220.3 million over 20 years.
2013: 9ers Dominate
Between 2009 and 2013, the San Francisco 49ers won nine of ten meetings against the Arizona Cardinals.
2013: NFC Championship Game
In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.
2013: Playoff Berth as Wildcard
In the 2013 regular season, the 49ers finished 12-4 and entered the playoffs as a wildcard team.
2013: Death of Louis G. Spadia
Louis G. Spadia (1921-2013) passed away in 2013.
January 5, 2014: 49ers Defeat Packers in Playoffs
On January 5, 2014, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 23-20 in the playoffs.
January 12, 2014: 49ers Advance to NFC Championship Game
On January 12, 2014, the 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 23-10, advancing to their third straight NFC Championship game.
December 28, 2014: Harbaugh and 49ers Part Ways
On December 28, 2014, Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers decided to part ways after the season's final game, against the Arizona Cardinals, which the 49ers won 20-17.
2014: Cardinals Dominate
Between 2014 and 2018, the Arizona Cardinals won eight straight meetings against the San Francisco 49ers.
2014: Phil Dawson and Colt McCoy sign with 49ers
In 2014, long-time Cleveland Browns placekicker Phil Dawson and backup quarterback Colt McCoy signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
2014: Move to Levi's Stadium
In 2014, the San Francisco 49ers moved to Levi's Stadium.
January 14, 2015: Jim Tomsula hired to replace Jim Harbaugh
On January 14, 2015, Jim Tomsula was hired as head coach, replacing Jim Harbaugh. Geep Chryst was promoted to offensive coordinator, and Eric Mangini was hired as defensive coordinator.
March 10, 2015: Patrick Willis announced retirement
On March 10, 2015, All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis announced his retirement from the NFL due to repeated injuries.
April 30, 2015: Alternate Uniform Unveiled
On April 30, 2015, the San Francisco 49ers unveiled their first ever alternate uniform, consisting of black jerseys and pants with red numerals and striping. Nike logos are in gold, while the standard solid red socks will be worn.
January 4, 2016: Jim Tomsula was fired
On January 4, 2016, the 49ers fired Jim Tomsula after a 5-11 season.
January 14, 2016: Chip Kelly hired as head coach
On January 14, 2016, Chip Kelly was hired as the 49ers' head coach.
October 21, 2016: 49ers ranked worst franchise in North America
On October 21, 2016, the 49ers were ranked as the worst professional sports franchise in North America by ESPN.
December 24, 2016: 49ers defeated the Rams
On December 24, 2016, the 49ers narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Rams 22-21, ending a franchise-record 13-game losing streak.
2016: Kaepernick Started Kneeling Trend
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick started kneeling during the national anthem to protest the treatment of minorities in the United States, initiating a trend that spread throughout the NFL and caused much political controversy.
2016: Rams Return to Los Angeles
In 2016, the Los Angeles Rams' return to Los Angeles amplified the geographic animosity in their rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers.
November 1, 2018: 49ers win final regular season "Battle of the Bay"
On November 1, 2018, the San Francisco 49ers won the final regular season matchup of the "Battle of the Bay" by a score of 34-3, leaving the series tied 7-7.
November 2018: Cheerleader Kneels During National Anthem
In November 2018, a San Francisco 49ers cheerleader knelt during the US national anthem before a game against the Oakland Raiders, marking the first instance of an NFL cheerleader doing so.
2018: Cardinals Dominate
Between 2014 and 2018, the Arizona Cardinals won eight straight meetings against the San Francisco 49ers.
2018: All-White Alternate Uniform
In 2018, the 49ers unveiled a new alternate uniform, discarding their all-black alternates in favor of an all-white alternate made in the style of 1994, with larger letters and numerals and more pronounced shadows.
December 29, 2019: 49ers clinched NFC West and number one seed
On December 29, 2019, the 49ers defeated the Seahawks 26–21 in the Week 17 regular-season finale, clinching the NFC West title and the number one seed for the first time since 1997.
2019: Alternate Uniform Worn on the Road
In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers wore their alternate uniform once on the road, in their week 17 finale at Seattle.
2019: "Bang! Bang! Niner Gang!" chant popularized
In 2019, the chant of "Bang! Bang! Niner Gang!" was popularized by Bay Area rapper E-40 among San Francisco 49ers fans.
2019: NFC Championship Victory
In the 2019 season, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium, winning 37–20.
January 19, 2020: 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LIV
On January 19, 2020, the 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37–20 in the NFC Championship game, advancing to their first Super Bowl since 2012.
2020: 49ers had a 6-10 record
In 2020, the 49ers finished with a 6-10 record, which was largely attributed to the high number of injuries the team suffered.
2020: Raiders move to Las Vegas
In 2020, the Oakland Raiders began playing their home games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, effectively ending the geographic rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers.
2020: Restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic
In 2020, the San Francisco 49ers faced restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2020: Super Bowl LIV Loss
In the 2019 season the 49ers and Packers met in the 2020 NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium where the 49ers won 37–20, but went on to lose Super Bowl LIV to the Kansas City Chiefs.
2021: Red Throwback Uniform Unveiled
In 2021, the San Francisco 49ers unveiled a red version of the 1994 throwback uniforms for use in select home games.
2021: 49ers upset Cowboys in Wild Card Round
In 2021, the San Francisco 49ers upset the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round, marking what was believed to be the greatest upset in the modern era of the team's rivalry.
2021: Divisional Round
In the 2021–2022 season, the Green Bay Packers proceeded to lose to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.
January 16, 2022: 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Wild Card Round
On January 16, 2022, the 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23–17 in the Wild Card Round.
January 30, 2022: NFC Championship Loss
On January 30, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers 20–17 in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium, ending a 6-game loss-streak to the 49ers.
2022: 49ers season overview
In 2022, the 49ers overcame a slow start to finish 13-4, winning their division. Brock Purdy became the starting quarterback after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, leading the team to the playoffs. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Conference Championship Round.
2022: 49ers defeat Cowboys in Divisional Round
In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round game 19-12, continuing their winning streak against the Cowboys.
2022: New Uniform Version Unveiled
In 2022, the San Francisco 49ers unveiled a new version of the uniforms, featuring a saloon font and a 3 stripe jersey.
2022: Divisional Round
In the 2021–2022 season, the Green Bay Packers proceeded to lose to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.
January 1, 2023: 49ers take overtime win in Las Vegas
On January 1, 2023, the San Francisco 49ers met with the Raiders for the first time in Las Vegas, taking a slim overtime win with a field goal ending the game 37-34.
June 2023: Acquisition of Leeds United
In June 2023, the enterprise branch of the San Francisco 49ers completed the acquisition of English soccer club Leeds United.
2023: All-Time Series Lead
As of the 2023 season, the Seattle Seahawks lead the all-time series against the San Francisco 49ers with a record of 31–23.
2023: Division Champions
From 1970 to 2023, the San Francisco 49ers have been division champions 22 times.
2023: 49ers season overview
In 2023, Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo left the team, making Brock Purdy the starting quarterback. After a mid-season slump, the 49ers clinched the NFC West and the 1st seed in the NFC, finishing with a 12-5 record.
2023: 49ers beat Cowboys with largest win margin
In Week 5 of the 2023-24 season, the San Francisco 49ers beat the Dallas Cowboys 42-10, marking the largest win margin for the 49ers in the history of the rivalry.
March 2024: Jed York acquired principal ownership
In March 2024, Jed York acquired enough of his mother's equity in the 49ers to become principal owner. The 49ers finished the 2024 season with a 6–11 record.
April 8, 2024: As of April 8, 2024
As of April 8, 2024, this information about the San Francisco 49ers history has been compiled.
August 2024: Team Value per Forbes
According to Forbes, as of August 2024, the 49ers are valued at $6.8 billion, making them the sixth most valuable team in the NFL.
2024: All-time Series Lead
As of 2024, the San Francisco 49ers lead the all-time series against the Los Angeles Rams with a record of 78-71-3.
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