Kyle Shanahan Aims to Reduce Christian McCaffrey’s Heavy Workload After 2025 Season

The San Francisco 49ers are entering the offseason with a clear focus on preserving the long-term health of their most important offensive player. All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey carried one of the heaviest workloads in the NFL during the 2025 season, serving as the centerpiece of the team’s offense from start to finish.

McCaffrey finished the year with 413 total touches, a figure that underscored both his durability and the 49ers’ reliance on him amid roster challenges. His production remained elite despite the demanding volume placed on him throughout the year.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that while McCaffrey’s effort and resilience were critical to the team’s success, the level of usage is not something the organization wants to replicate moving forward. The emphasis now is on finding ways to reduce that burden.

As San Francisco evaluates its offensive structure for the upcoming season, balancing McCaffrey’s impact with overall roster depth has become a key priority.

1. Shanahan Reflects On Heavy Usage

Shanahan described McCaffrey’s 2025 campaign as one of the most impressive individual efforts he has ever witnessed, particularly in terms of consistency and toughness across a full 17-game schedule. He praised the running back’s ability to remain available week after week despite the physical demands. He noted that McCaffrey often had to shoulder an expanded role due to injuries and instability at the wide receiver position, which increased his involvement in both the run and passing game. That dual responsibility made him central to nearly every offensive sequence. According to Shanahan, McCaffrey’s durability under those conditions was remarkable, especially given the volume of contact and weekly workload. However, he emphasized that such a situation is not ideal for sustained success. The head coach made it clear that while McCaffrey handled the responsibility admirably, the team views that level of usage as an outlier rather than a standard going forward.

2. Plans To Reduce Offensive Dependence

Looking ahead, Shanahan expressed a desire to lighten McCaffrey’s workload to ensure he remains fresh throughout the season. The goal is to preserve his effectiveness by limiting unnecessary exposure to physical wear and tear. He stressed the importance of other offensive players stepping into larger roles to help distribute touches more evenly. That includes increased involvement from both the passing game and complementary run options. Shanahan acknowledged that McCaffrey is unlikely to welcome any suggestion of reduced playing time, given his competitive nature and desire to remain on the field. Still, he framed the plan as being in the player’s best long-term interest. The coaching staff’s focus will be on creating a more balanced offensive structure that does not rely so heavily on a single player for production.

3. Elite Production Despite Heavy Workload

Even with the demanding usage, McCaffrey delivered one of the strongest statistical seasons of his career in 2025. He recorded 1,202 rushing yards on 311 carries, along with 17 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, he remained a major factor as well, adding 924 receiving yards on 102 receptions. His versatility continued to make him one of the most difficult offensive weapons for opposing defenses to contain. His performance earned him AP Comeback Player of the Year honors, further highlighting his impact following earlier injury concerns. The award reflected both his production and his ability to stay on the field throughout the season. Despite the individual success, the 49ers’ internal discussions have shifted toward sustainability, ensuring McCaffrey’s workload is managed more carefully in future campaigns.