1996 San Francisco 49ers season

American football team season August 2023 March 2026 San Francisco 49ers 1996 12–4 2nd NFC West Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. Carmen Policy George Seifert Marc Trestman Pete Carroll 3Com Park Won Wild Card Playoffs(vs. Eagles) 14–0Lost Divisional Playoffs(at Packers) 14–35 QB Steve YoungWR Jerry RiceDT Bryant YoungFS Merton Hanks 49ers seasons The 1996 San Francisco 49ers season was the club's 51st since its inception. In commemoration, the 49ers wore a special 50th anniversary patch. They also wore a new uniform reminiscent of the 1994 throwback uniforms with white pants and shadowed numbers, but with a darker shade of red and an updated logo. The franchise tied for first place in the NFC West with a 12–4 record, but lost the division title to the Carolina Panthers on the division-record tiebreaker (the Panthers had swept the Niners in the season). The 49ers ranked 3rd in the league in points scored and 4th in fewest points allowed. Although the team was competitive the entire season, nagging and recurring injuries to offensive players and an inconsistent running game contributed to a what was considered a disappointing season. After a 14–0 wild-card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in the divisional playoffs 35–14. This ended up being George Seifert's final season as the 49ers' head coach and also the final San Francisco season for defensive coordinator Pete Carroll, who would become the head coach of the New England Patriots the following season. Offseason The 49ers tried to sign Giants running back Rodney Hampton in the offseason (signing him to an offer sheet) but to no avail.49ers Sign Hampton To an Offer Sheet https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/03/sports/pro-football-49ers-sign-hampton-to-an-offer-sheet.html Mike Freeman Mike Freeman (columnist) March 3, 1996 The New York Times NFL draft 1996 NFL draft 1996 San Francisco 49ers 2 46 Israel Ifeanyi Defensive end USC yes 3 89 Terrell Owens Wide receiver Chattanooga yes yes yes 4 128 Daryl Price Defensive end Colorado yes 5 160 Iheanyi Uwaezuoke Wide receiver California yes 6 198 Stephen Pitts Running back Penn State 7 239 Sean Manuel Tight end New Mexico State yes 7 254 Sam Manuel Linebacker New Mexico State Personnel After concerns and criticisms of Marc Trestman's offensive play calling, in his first year, the 49ers brought back former coach Bill Walsh to act as an administrative assistant, largely to help coach Trestman orchestrate the technical side of the West Coast Offense. Staff 1996 San Francisco 49ers Owner – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. President – Carmen Policy Vice President and Director of Football Operations – Dwight Clark Director of Player Personnel – Vinny Cerrato Administrative Assistant to the Coaching Staff – Bill Walsh Head Coach – George Seifert Assistant Head Coach – Bill McPherson Offensive Coordinator – Marc Trestman Quarterbacks – Matt Cavanaugh Running Backs – Carl Jackson Receivers – Larry Kirksey Tight Ends/Offensive Line Assistant – Mike Solari Offensive Line – Bobb McKittrick Offensive Assistant – Greg Knapp Defensive Coordinator – Pete Carroll Defensive Line – Dwaine Board Linebackers – John Marshall Defensive Backs – Johnnie Lynn Defensive Assistant – Bo Pelini Special Teams – George Stewart Physical Development Coordinator – Jerry Attaway Strength Development Coordinator – Michael Barnes Roster 1996 San Francisco 49ers 11 Jeff Brohm 18 Elvis Grbac  8 Steve Young American football 35 Dexter Carter 40 William Floyd American football FB 41 Terry Kirby 20 Derek Loville 29 Anthony Lynn 44 Tommy Vardell FB 17 Mike Caldwell wide receiver 81 Terrell Owens y 80 Jerry Rice 89 Iheanyi Uwaezuoke y 49 Adrian Cooper 84 Brent Jones 85 Ted Popson 79 Harris Barton T 65 Ray Brown offensive lineman G 67 Chris Dalman G 63 Derrick Deese G 77 Tim Hanshaw G 69 Rod Milstead G 75 Frank Pollack American football T 61 Jesse Sapolu C 76 Kirk Scrafford T 74 Steve Wallace American football T 92 Roy Barker American football DE 78 Michael Brandon American football DE 96 Dennis Brown defensive end DE 90 Junior Bryant DT 56 Chris Doleman DE 95 Israel Ifeanyi y DE 91 Daryl Price y DE 94 Dana Stubblefield DT 97 Bryant Young DT 99 Daved Benefield OLB 55 Kevin Mitchell linebacker MLB 51 Ken Norton Jr. MLB 53 Tony Peterson OLB 50 Gary Plummer American football OLB 54 Lee Woodall OLB 28 Curtis Buckley SS 33 Dedrick Dodge FS 22 Tyronne Drakeford CB 36 Merton Hanks FS 31 Steve Israel American football CB 46 Tim McDonald American football SS 23 Marquez Pope CB 30 Mike Salmon American football y CB/S 27 Frankie Smith American football CB 57 Randy Kirk LS  3 Tommy Thompson punter P 14 Jeff Wilkins K 86 Sean Manuel y TE IR 88 Nate Singleton WR IR 83 J. J. Stokes WR IR 53 active, 3 inactive, 2 practice squad 19 Mark Harris American football y WR 71 Albert Reese y DT https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1996_roster.htm 1996 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster Pro-Football-Reference.com November 18, 2014 Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue 1 August 3 Denver Broncos L 17–20 0–1 3Com Park 2 August 10 San Diego Chargers W 16–13 (OT) 1–1 3Com Park 3 August 18 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 10–38 1–2 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 4 August 23 at Seattle Seahawks L 3–20 1–3 Kingdomehttps://www.profootballarchives.com/1996nflsf.html#gsc.tab=0 1996 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) Scores, Roster, Stats, Coaches, Draft Pro Football Archives June 6, 2026 Regular season After the 1995 season, concerns about the 49ers' running game loomed largely for San Francisco. The 49ers were able to sign running back Terry Kirby by the fifth week of the season, but star fullback William Floyd was still recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered the previous season. Also, the loss of cornerback Eric Davis to divisional rival Carolina was a concern. However, with 1995's number one defense and highest scoring offense, San Francisco was picked by many to win their sixth Super Bowl. The 49ers started out the 1996 season fast with dominant wins over the New Orleans Saints (27–11) and St. Louis Rams (34–0); against the Rams the 49ers scored two safeties. In the first two games, the 49ers had zero turnovers, but they had yet to throw a touchdown pass. In week 4, the 49ers faced the upstart 2–0 Carolina Panthers. Although favored to win, a groin injury to Steve Young, inconsistent run defense, and an aggressive blitzing scheme by Carolina led to a convincing 23–7 victory for the Panthers. San Francisco netted only 48 yards rushing and was only 2-of-11 on third-down conversions during the contest, and the budding bitterness of the rivalry spilled into constant jawing between Panthers receivers and the Niners secondary, notably spats between Carolina receiver Willie Green and the Niners' Merton Hanks. Despite Steve Young's absence, the 49ers were able to win 39–17 over the Falcons on three interceptions of Bobby Hebert and a team-record six field goals by Jeff Wilkins, then the Niners beat the Rams in St. Louis 28–11. However, in week seven the 49ers faced the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the previous year: the Green Bay Packers. With Steve Young on the bench, the 49ers ran an aggressive offensive and defensive scheme, building a 17–6 lead in the second quarter. But from that point on, conservative play-calling allowed Green Bay to get back in the game. With the game tied at 17 late in the fourth quarter, the 49ers faced a third and short in Green Bay territory. George Seifert opted for quarterback Elvis Grbac to fall on the ball and settle for a lead-changing field goal. However, Brett Favre led the Packers to a tying field goal at the end of regulation, and the Packers were able to win the game in overtime. In hindsight, that game was the turning point for the 49ers' season.Forty-Niners at Packers full box score and play by play from Pro Football Reference In a comeback victory over Cincinnati, Steve Young left the game due to injury, but heroically returned to lead the 49ers back from a 21–0 deficit; Young threw two touchdowns (including the first caught by mercurial rookie Terrell Owens) and ran in a third. In Houston Young connected with Jerry Rice on a quick slant, but suffered a concussion on the play; adding insult to the injury, time was out on the play due to a defensive penalty, thus the play didn't count. However, with Young and primary backup Elvis Grbac out, the 49ers were able to pull off a close 10–9 victory with third-stringer Jeff Brohm. A week later, once again the 49ers won a close game, 24–17 over New Orleans. After jumping out to a quick 10–0 lead in the first quarter against the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys, Young was again injured and finished the game on the sidelines. With the 49ers offense stagnant, the Cowboys came back to win 20–17 in overtime. Mounting frustration over the team's struggles was perhaps best showcased by a comment from Mayor Willie Brown that Elvis Grbac (who'd thrown a key interception from his nine-yard line) was "an embarrassment to mankind" after the defeat.https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mayor-Brown-s-Grbac-Gaffe-He-insults-49er-3596850.php Mayor Brown's Grbac Gaffe Phillip Matier Andrew Ross San Francisco Chronicle November 13, 1996 However, the 49ers were able to rebound, winning three straight, over the Ravens, Washington, and the Falcons at Atlanta. With many of their stars returning from injury, including Young, William Floyd, and Brent Jones, some analysts believed that the 49ers were a team to be feared again. With a 10–3 record and a one-game lead in the division, San Francisco had a chance to clinch the divisional title against the Panthers. But it was the 49ers who appeared to be a second-year franchise, making costly mistakes and penalties. Despite the 49ers gaining more yards than they did in the previous game against the Panthers (450 yards), Carolina was able to win, 30–24. Once again the Panthers jumped out to an early lead, 17–7, and scored 27 points by halftime. Although San Francisco was able to hold them to only a field goal in the second half, the lead proved to be too much; Young also was picked off twice and sacked five times. Humbled, San Francisco was able to regain their offensive composure, winning the following week in Pittsburgh 25–15, against the defending AFC champions who were in the hunt for the #2 seed in their conference. Then the 49ers easily won the regular season finale against 5–10 Detroit, earning the #4 seed and its one home-field playoff game. Steve Young's 17/23, 2 TD performance against Detroit earned him his 5th NFL passing title with a passer rating of 97.2, edging out season MVP Brett Favre. Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance 1 September 1 New Orleans Saints W 27–11 1–0 3Com Park 63,970 2 September 8 St. Louis Rams W 34–0 2–0 3Com Park 63,624 3Bye 4 September 22 at Carolina Panthers L 7–23 2–1 Ericcson Stadium 72,224 5 September 29 Atlanta Falcons W 39–17 3–1 3Com Park 62,995 6 October 6 at St. Louis Rams W 28–11 4–1 Trans World Dome 61,260 7 October 14, 1996 at Green Bay Packers L 20–23 (OT) 4–2 Lambeau Field 60,716 8 October 20 Cincinnati Bengals W 28–21 5–2 3Com Park 63,218 9 October 27 at Houston Oilers W 10–9 6–2 Houston Astrodome 53,664 10 November 3 at New Orleans Saints W 24–17 7–2 Louisiana Superdome 53,297 11 November 10 Dallas Cowboys L 17–20 (OT) 7–3 3Com Park 68,919 12 November 17 Baltimore Ravens W 38–20 8–3 3Com Park 51,596 13 November 24 at Washington Redskins W 19–16 (OT) 9–3 RFK Stadium 54,235 14 December 2, 1996 at Atlanta Falcons W 34–10 10–3 Georgia Dome 46,318 15 December 8 Carolina Panthers L 24–30 10–4 3Com Park 66,291 16 December 15 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 25–15 11–4 Three Rivers Stadium 59,823 17 December 23, 1996 Detroit Lions W 24–14 12–4 3Com Park 61,921 Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Standings Postseason 1996–97 NFL playoffs Schedule Playoff Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Game Site NFL.comrecap Wild Card December 29, 1996 Philadelphia Eagles (5) W 14–0 1–0 3Com Park Divisional January 4, 1997 at Green Bay Packers (1) L 14–35 1–1 Lambeau Field Game summaries NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (5) Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers 1996 2;text-align:center; autocollapse NFC Wild Card playoff: Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary December 29, 1996 1 p.m. PDT Eagles 0 0 0 0 49ers 0 7 7 0 3Com Park, San Francisco, California First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter SF – Steve Young 9 yard rush (Jeff Wilkins kick). 49ers 7–0 Third quarter SF – Jerry Rice 3 yard pass from Steve Young. 49ers 14–0 Fourth quarter No scoring plays Eagles Ty Detmer. 14-21, 148 yards, 0 TD, 2 Int Ricky Watters. 20 rush, 57 yards 49ers Steve Young. 14-21, 161 yards, 1 TD, 0 Int. 11 rush, 61 yards, 1 TD Bryant Young. 2 sacks Turnovers Eagles – 3 49ers – 0 The 49ers entered the playoffs as the 4th seed. Their wild card match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles featured the return of Ricky Watters to San Francisco. Many analysts believed that Watters's departure was one of the main reasons the 49ers' dominance declined, so the game was highly anticipated. The weather was very rainy and windy, but Steve Young's passes were as accurate as they were during the season. Despite both offenses moving the ball well, neither was able to score until the second quarter. With the score tied at 0–0, a long pass from Young to Jerry Rice set up Young's scamper into the endzone for a touchdown on a draw play. Although the 49ers took a 7–0 lead into half time, Young was once again injured. At the beginning of the second half, Young's throws were visibly altered. However, pain killers were effective enough for him to throw a touchdown pass to Rice before the game was over. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Young broke his ribs on the touchdown run, and the injury would force him to leave early in the first quarter the following week. Although Philadelphia was able to move the ball at times, the 49ers were able to keep them scoreless. San Francisco advanced to the divisional playoffs, and the opponent would again be the Green Bay Packers. This would be the 49ers last playoff win against the Eagles until 2025. NFC Divisional Playoffs: at (1) Green Bay Packers San Francisco 49ers 1996 2;text-align:center; autocollapse NFC Divisional Playoff: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – Game summary January 4, 1997 11:30 a.m 49ers 0 7 7 0 Packers 14 7 7 7 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin First quarter GB – Desmond Howard 71-yard punt return (Chris Jackie kick). Packers 7–0 GB – Andre Rison 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jackie kick). Packers 14–0 Second quarter GB – Edgar Bennett 2-yard rush (Chris Jackie kick). Packers 21–0 SF – Terry Kirby 8-yard pass from Elvis Grbac (Jeff Wilkins kick). Packers 21–7 Third quarter SF – Elvis Grbac 2-yard rush (Jeff Wilkins kick). Packers 21–14 GB – Antonio Freeman 0-yard fumble return (Chris Jackie kick). Packers 28–14 Fourth quarter GB – Edgar Bennett 11-yard rush (Chris Jackie kick). Packers 35–14 49ers Steve Young. 2-5, 8 yards Elvis Grbac. 19-36 125 yards, 1 TD, 3 int Packers Brett Favre. 11-15, 79 yards, 1 TD, 0 int Edgar Bennett. 17 rush, 80 yards, 2 TD Turnovers 49ers – 5 Packers – 1 San Francisco fell behind 21–0 early, but battled back to 21–14 part way through the third quarter. Special teams were decisively dominated by the Packers. To make matters worse, Steve Young only played for a few ineffective plays due to his rib injury. Neither team's offense was particularly effective in the game, with San Francisco gaining 196 total yards and Green Bay gaining 210 (including only 79 passing yards). However, costly penalties by San Francisco (6 for 42 yards, while Green Bay only had 1 for 5) and outstanding play by the Packers' special teams were the deciding factors (Green Bay averaged 43.2 yards per punt return). A muffed kickoff by Green Bay set up a 49ers touchdown, but Green Bay's Desmond Howard returned two kicks for large gains, including one touchdown. The final score was Green Bay, 35–14. With the 49ers most valuable player out, special teams errors were far too much for San Francisco to remain competitive in the game. Green Bay was the eventual Super Bowl champion, and the 49ers' season again ended in defeat against the Packers. Awards and records Jerry Rice, Led NFL, Receptions, 108 receptions NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, 0-7611-2480-2, p. 451 Jeff Wilkins, Franchise Record (tied), Most Field Goals in One Game, 6 Field Goals (September 29, 1996)NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, 0-7611-2480-2, p. 142 Steve Young, Led NFL, Passer Rating, 97.2 Rating NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, 0-7611-2480-2, p. 450 References 30em External links 1996 49ers on Pro Football Reference 49ers Schedule on jt-sw.com San Francisco 49ers Category:San Francisco 49ers seasons San Category:1996 in San Francisco