1989 San Francisco 49ers season

The 1989 San Francisco 49ers season was the team's 44th season in the National Football League and first under head coach George Seifert. After going 14–2 in the regular season, the 49ers completed the season with a dominant playoff run, outscoring opponents 126–26, earnng their fourth Super Bowl victory.

1989 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coachGeorge Seifert
(1st season)
General managerJohn McVay and Carmen Policy
(Since 1983)
OwnerEddie DeBartolo, Jr.
(Since 1977)
Home fieldCandlestick Park
Results
Record14–2
Division place1st NFC West
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs (Vikings) 41–13
Won NFC Championship (Rams) 30–3
Won Super Bowl XXIV (Broncos) 55–10
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

In 2007, ESPN.com's Page 2 ranked the 1989 49ers as the greatest team in Super Bowl history.[3]

This was the season where the 49ers added the black trim on the SF logo on the helmets which lasted until the 1995 season and the final season the team wore screen printed numbers on jerseys.

Quarterback Joe Montana had one of the greatest statistical passing seasons in NFL history in 1989. Montana set a then-NFL record with a passer rating of 112.4,[4] with a completion percentage of 70.2%, and a 26/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. In the playoffs, Montana was even more dominant, with a 78.3% completion percentage, 800 yards, 11 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 146.4 rating. Cold Hard Football Facts calls Montana's 1989 season "the one by which we must measure all other passing seasons."[5]

Offseason

NFL Draft

Round Pick Player Position College
1 28 Keith DeLong LB Tennessee
2 56 Wesley Walls TE Mississippi
3 84 Keith Henderson RB Georgia
4 112 Michael Barber WR Marshall
5 122(Choice from L.A. Raiders) Johnnie Jackson DB Houston
5 Choice to L.A. Raiders
6 167 Steve Hendrickson LB California
7 Choice to San Diego
8 Choice to L.A. Raiders
9 251 Rudy Harmon LB LSU
10 279 Andy Sinclair C Stanford
11 289(Choice from L.A. Raiders) Jim Bell RB Boston College
11 307 Norm McGee WR North Dakota
12 319(Choice from L.A. Raiders) Antonio Goss LB North Carolina
12 Choice to L.A. Raiders

[6]

Training Camp

The 1989 San Francisco 49ers season held training camp at Sierra College in Rocklin, California.

Personnel

Staff

1989 San Francisco 49ers staff
Front office
  • Owner/President – Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.
  • Executive Vice President/General Counsel – Carmen Policy
  • Vice President/General Manager – John McVay
  • Administrator of Football Operations – Neal Dahlen
  • Director of College Scouting – Tony Razzano
  • Director of Pro Personnel – Allan Webb - Laufa Leiato

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Physical Development Coordinator – Jerry Attaway

Roster

1989 San Francisco 49ers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad



Rookies in italics
57 active, 1 inactive, practice squad

[7]

Pre season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Score Record Stadium Attendance Time Network Local TV
1 August 5, 1989 Los Angeles Rams (at Tokyo, Japan) L 1316 (OT) 01 Tokyo Dome 43,896 7:00 PM PDT ESPN
2 August 12, 1989 at Los Angeles Raiders W 377 11 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 36,739 6:00 PM PDT KPIX-TV
3 August 19, 1989 Denver Broncos W 3517 21 Candlestick Park 58,641 6:00 PM PDT CBS
4 August 23, 1989 San Diego Chargers W 1714 31 Candlestick Park 54,471 6:00 PM PDT KPIX-TV
5 September 1, 1989 at Seattle Seahawks L 1728 32 Kingdome 58,641 6:00 PM PDT NBC

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time.

Game officials

Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay
1 Los Angeles Rams (at Tokyo, Japan)
2 at Los Angeles Raiders
3 Denver Broncos (9) (27) (72) (59) (4) (58) (122) Bill Fette
4 San Diego Chargers
5 at Seattle Seahawks (43) (100) (37) (25) (52) (29) (96) Royal Cathcart

Regular season

The 49ers offense was just as dominating as it was during the previous regular season. Quarterback Joe Montana threw for 3,512 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions, giving him what was then the highest passer rating in NFL history (112.4). Montana also rushed for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns, and earned both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Wide receiver Jerry Rice had another outstanding season, catching 82 passes for 1,483 yards and 17 touchdowns. Running back Roger Craig was the team's leading rusher with 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns, and he recorded 49 receptions for 473 yards and another touchdown.

But other stars on the 49ers offense began to emerge, enabling the team to spread the ball around. After being used primarily as a punt returner during his first 2 seasons, wide receiver John Taylor had a breakout season, catching 60 passes for 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also returning 36 punts for 417 yards. Tight End Brent Jones recorded 40 receptions for 500 yards. Fullback Tom Rathman had the best season of his career, rushing for 305 yards and catching 73 passes for 616 yards. Even Montana's backup, quarterback Steve Young had a great year, throwing for 1,001 yards and 8 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions, while also rushing for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns. With all of these weapons, San Francisco's offense led the league in total yards from scrimmage (6,268) and scoring (442 points). The 49ers Defense was ranked #3 in the NFL. Three starters from the Defense made the 1989 All-Pro Team: (Ronnie Lott, Don Griffin, and Michael Walter)

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Score Record Stadium Attendance Time Network National Radio
1 September 10, 1989 at Indianapolis Colts W 3024 10 Hoosier Dome
60,111
10:00 AM PDT CBS
2 September 17, 1989 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 2016 20 Tampa Stadium
64,087
1:00 PM PDT CBS
3 September 24, 1989 at Philadelphia Eagles W 3828 30 Veterans Stadium
66,042
10:00 AM PDT CBS Mutual
4 October 1, 1989 Los Angeles Rams L 1213 31 Candlestick Park
64,250
1:00 PM PDT CBS Mutual
5 October 8, 1989 at New Orleans Saints [8] W 2420 41 Louisiana Superdome
60,488
1:00 PM PDT CBS Mutual
6 October 15, 1989 at Dallas Cowboys W 3114 51 Texas Stadium
61,077
10:00 AM PDT CBS
7 October 22, 1989 New England Patriots (at Stanford)[9] W 3720 61 Stanford Stadium
51,781
1:00 PM PDT NBC
8 October 29, 1989 at New York Jets W 2310 71 Giants Stadium
62,805
1:00 PM PST CBS
9 November 6, 1989 (Mon) New Orleans Saints W 3113 81 Candlestick Park
60,667
6:00 PM PST ABC CBS
10 November 12, 1989 Atlanta Falcons W 453 91 Candlestick Park
59,914
1:00 PM PST CBS
11 November 19, 1989 Green Bay Packers L 1721 92 Candlestick Park
62,219
1:00 PM PST CBS
12 November 27, 1989 (Mon) New York Giants W 3424 102 Candlestick Park
63,461
6:00 PM PST ABC CBS
13 December 3, 1989 at Atlanta Falcons W 2310 112 Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
43,128
10:00 AM PST CBS
14 December 11, 1989 (Mon) at Los Angeles Rams W 3027 122 Anaheim Stadium
67,959
6:00 PM PST ABC CBS
15 December 17, 1989 Buffalo Bills W 2110 132 Candlestick Park
60,927
1:00 PM PST NBC Mutual
16 December 24, 1989 Chicago Bears W 260 142 Candlestick Park
60,207
1:00 PM PST CBS Mutual

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time. (UTC–7 and UTC–8 starting October 29)

Season summary

Week 1 at Indianapolis Colts

Week One: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 3 10 10730
Colts 3 7 01424

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis

Game information

Week One proved to be a struggle for the Niners as Joe Montana led five scoring drives putting the Niners ahead by 23-10 entering the fourth, but Chris Chandler ran in a touchdown early in the fourth and a 58-yard touchdown bomb to Jerry Rice was answered by a goalline fumble recovery for a touchdown by the Colts; they could get no closer than a 30-24 Niners margin.

Week 2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Two: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 6 01420
Buccaneers 3 0 6716

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

Week 3 at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 3 02838
Eagles 9 3 61028

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

Game information

The Niners fell behind 21-10 in the fourth but despite giving up a safety Joe Montana erupted, outscoring the Eagles 28-7 and throwing for 428 yards and five touchdowns in total, winning 38-28.

Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Four: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 3 7 0313
49ers 6 3 0312

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 5 at New Orleans Saints

This game was originally scheduled for Candlestick Park, but was played at the Louisiana Superdome instead because the 49ers' fellow Candlestick Park tenant, the San Francisco Giants, played host to Games 3, 4, and 5 of the 1989 National League Championship Series. The November 6 game was moved to San Francisco.

Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 3 71424
Saints 0 10 7320

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

Week 6 at Dallas Cowboys

Week Six: San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 7 71731
Cowboys 0 7 7014

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Game information

Week 7 vs. New England Patriots

This game was played at Stanford Stadium, as Candlestick Park had sustained damage in the Loma Prieta earthquake five days earlier.

Week Seven: New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 10 7320
49ers 0 17 71337

at Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

Game information

Week 8 at New York Jets

Week Eight: San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 7 13 3023
Jets 0 7 3010

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints

This game was originally scheduled for Louisiana Superdome, but was played at Candlestick Park instead, because the originally scheduled October 8 game at Candlestick Park was moved to the Louisiana Superdome.

Week Nine: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 3 3013
49ers 7 14 3731

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 3 003
49ers 7 21 10745

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Eleven: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 7 7 0721
49ers 7 7 0317

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

The Niners fell to the Green Bay Packers, what would be the final loss of the season for the Niners, as Don Majkowski ran in two touchdowns and threw a third, overcoming 325 yards by Joe Montana, who was sacked five times. The 49ers took the lead in the 4th quarter on an interception return for a touchdown, however a penalty nullified the score.

Week 12 vs. New York Giants

Week Twelve: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 7 3 7724
49ers 14 10 01034

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons

Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 6 0 71023
Falcons 0 10 0010

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta

Game information

Week 14 at Los Angeles Rams

In what many 49ers fans consider one of the greatest regular season wins in team history, the 49ers come from a 27-10 4th quarter deficit to beat the Rams 30-27. The Rams had already beaten the 49ers earlier in the year and looked poised to do it again. but the 49ers with help from John Taylor's big game, took the lead late with a Roger Craig 1 yard touchdown. John Taylor had 11 catches for an astonishing 286 yards receiving, which included a touchdown catch of 92 yards, and another touchdown catch for 96 yards. Joe Montana was 30 for 42 and passed for 458 yards.

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 10 02030
Rams 17 0 7327

at Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim, California

Game information

Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Fifteen: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 3 0 0710
49ers 0 0 71421

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Week 16 vs. Chicago Bears

Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 0 000
49ers 3 13 3726

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (7.8 °C); wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 60,207
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator)
  • Pro-Football-Reference.com [10]
Game information

Game officials

Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay
1 at Indianapolis Colts (6) Tom Dooley (101) Bob Boylston (35) Leo Miles (5) Jim Quirk (24) Roy Clymer (62) Duwayne Gandy (86) Bernie Kukar Bill Parkinson
2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (48) Gordon McCarter (117) Ben Montgomery (81) Dave Anderson (56) Ron Baynes (75) Jim Daopoulos (61) Dick Creed (93) Jack Vaughan Chuck Heberling
3 at Philadelphia Eagles (60) Dick Jorgensen (110) Ron Botchan (121) Sanford Rivers (51) Dale Orem (92) Jim Poole (20) Larry Nemmers (44) Donnie Hampton George Sladky
4 Los Angeles Rams (70) Jerry Seeman (67) John Keck (79) Aaron Pointer (65) Walt Coleman (106) Al Jury (66) Dave Hawk (113) Don Dorkowski Dave Kamanski
5 at New Orleans Saints (43) Red Cashion (100) Bob Wagner (37) Burl Toler (25) John Alderton (52) Ben Tompkins (29) Howard Slavin (96) Don Hakes Gaylord Bryant
6 at Dallas Cowboys (12) Ben Dreith (88) Dave Moss (55) Tom Barnes (41) Dick McKenzie (28) Don Wedge (16) Doyle Jackson (91) Bill Stanley Cal Lepore
7 New England Patriots (at Stanford) (33) Howard Roe (42) Dave Hamilton (8) Dale Williams (54) Jack Johnson (68) Louis Richard (102) Merrill Douglas (18) Bob Lewis Royal Cathcart
8 at New York Jets (11) Fred Wyant (57) Ed Fiffick (17) Jerry Bergman (112) Joe Haynes (36) Bob Moore (63) Bill Carollo (77) Don Orr Fritz Graf
9 New Orleans Saints (32) Jim Tunney (115) Hendi Ančićh (26) Mark Baltz (15) Bama Glass (118) Tom Sifferman (97) Nate Jones (82) Pat Mallette Bill Fette
10 Atlanta Falcons (70) Jerry Seeman (67) John Keck (79) Aaron Pointer (65) Walt Coleman (106) Al Jury (66) Dave Hawk (113) Don Dorkowski Dave Kamanski
11 Green Bay Packers (105) Dick Hantak (89) Gordon Wells (114) Tom Johnson (39) Don Carlsen (22) Paul Baetz (120) Gary Lane (76) Ed Merrifield Bill Swanson
12 New York Giants (95) Bob McElwee (30) Dennis Riggs (123) Tom White (45) Ron DeSouza (107) Jim Kearney (108) Stan Kemp (84) Bob Wortman Tom Kelleher
13 at Atlanta Falcons (14) Gene Barth (71) Ed Coukart (10) Ron Phares (74) Ray Dodez (38) Bruce Maurer (34) Gerald Austin (31) Dick Dolack Mark Burns
14 at Los Angeles Rams (48) Gordon McCarter (117) Ben Montgomery (81) Dave Anderson (56) Ron Baynes (75) Jim Daopoulos (61) Dick Creed (93) Jack Vaughan Chuck Heberling
15 Buffalo Bills (23) Johnny Grier (78) Art Demmas (87) Paul Weidner (53) Bill Reynolds (80) Tim Millis (90) Gil Mace (119) Ron Spitler Al Sabato
16 Chicago Bears (32) Jim Tunney (115) Hendi Ančićh (26) Mark Baltz (15) Bama Glass (118) Tom Sifferman (97) Nate Jones (82) Pat Mallette Bill Fette

Standings

NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
San Francisco 49ers(1) 14 2 0 .875 5–1 10–2 442 253 W5
Los Angeles Rams(5) 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 426 344 W2
New Orleans Saints 9 7 0 .563 3–3 5–7 386 301 W3
Atlanta Falcons 3 13 0 .188 0–6 1–11 279 437 L7

Playoffs

Round Date Opponent Result Score Stadium Attendance Time Network National Radio
NFC Divisional Playoff January 6, 1990 (Sat) Minnesota Vikings W 4113 Candlestick Park 64,585 1:00 PM PST CBS CBS
NFC Championship Game January 14, 1990 Los Angeles Rams W 303 Candlestick Park 64,769 2:00 PM PST CBS CBS
Super Bowl XXIV January 28, 1990 vs. Denver Broncos (at New Orleans, Louisiana) W 5510 Louisiana Superdome 72,919 2:00 PM PST CBS CBS

Notes:

a All times are PACIFIC time.

NFC Divisional Playoff

NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 0 3713
49ers 7 20 01441

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco

Game information

NFC Championship

NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Rams 3 0 003
49ers 0 21 3630

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information

Super Bowl XXIV

Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 13 14 141455
Broncos 3 0 7010

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

Game officials

Round Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Side Judge Field Judge Replay Alternates
NFC Divisional Playoff Minnesota Vikings (6) Tom Dooley (101) Bob Boylston (72) Terry Gierke (112) Joe Haynes (4) Doug Toole (108) Stan Kemp (82) Pat Mallette Bill Fette (113) Don Dorkowski
NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams (9) Jerry Markbreit (103) Rex Stuart (111) Earnie Frantz (45) Ron DeSouza (118) Tom Sifferman (47) Tom Fincken (84) Bob Wortman Tom Kelleher
Super Bowl XXIV vs. Denver Broncos (at New Orleans, Louisiana) (60) Dick Jorgensen (115) Hendi Ančićh (111) Earnie Frantz (83) Ron Blum (106) Al Jury (34) Gerald Austin (77) Don Orr Al Sabato (105) Dick Hantak
(103) Rex Stuart

Media

Pre season Local TV

Channel Play-by-play Color commentator(s)
KPIX-TV 5

Local Radio

Flagship station Play-by-play Color commentator(s) Sideline reporter (s)
KGOAM 810 Joe Starkey Wayne Walker

1990 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Number Player Position Conference
33 Roger Craig RB NFC Pro Bowlers
42 Ronnie Lott FS NFC Pro Bowlers
62 Guy McIntyre G NFC Pro Bowlers
16 Joe Montana QB, Starter NFC Pro Bowlers
80 Jerry Rice WR, Starter NFC Pro Bowlers
82 John Taylor WR NFC Pro Bowlers

[11]

Awards and records

  • Led NFC with 442 points scored
  • Led NFL, 27.6 points per game
  • Mike Cofer, Led NFL, 136 Points
  • Roger Craig, NFC Pro Bowl
  • Ronnie Lott, NFC Pro Bowl
  • Guy McIntyre, NFC Pro Bowl
  • Joe Montana, Most Valuable Player, Super Bowl XXIV
  • Joe Montana, NFL Most Valuable Player Award
  • Joe Montana, PFWA NFL MVP
  • Joe Montana, NEA NFL MVP
  • Joe Montana, NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award
  • Joe Montana, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
  • Joe Montana, Bert Bell Award[12]
  • Joe Montana, NFL Passing Leader
  • Joe Montana, NFC Pro Bowl
  • Joe Montana, Associated Press Athlete of the Year[13]
  • Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Yards
  • Jerry Rice, NFL Leader, Receiving Touchdowns
  • Jerry Rice, NFC Pro Bowl
  • John Taylor, NFC Pro Bowl
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References

  1. "1989 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. "1989 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ESPN.com: Page 2 : The Ultimate Super Rankings
  4. Broken in 1994 by teammate Steve Young
  5. "Cold Hard Football Facts: The Dandy Dozen: 12 best passing seasons in history". Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
  6. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 562.
  7. "1989 San Francisco 49ers starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
  8. Game originally scheduled to be played at Candlestick Park, but was moved to New Orleans due to the San Francisco Giants postseason game. The November 6 game was moved to San Francisco.
  9. Game played at Stanford Stadium due to damage to Candlestick Park resulting from the Loma Prieta earthquake.
  10. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 456.
  11. San Francisco 49ers 2015 Media Guide. San Francisco 49ers. p. 517.
  12. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2012-08-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. Associated Press Athlete of the Year (male)
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