HH. BREAKING: “That hit today? It was intentional, 100%.” — 49ers Coach Erupts After Controversial Loss to the Bills

BREAKING: “That Hit Today? It Was Intentional, 100%.” — 49ers Coach Erupts After Controversial Loss to the Bills

In a heated postgame press conference that has already set the sports world ablaze, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan unleashed his frustration following a controversial 27–23 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. The coach accused Buffalo defenders of intentionally targeting his quarterback during a pivotal moment that may have altered the outcome of the game.

The incident in question occurred late in the fourth quarter, with the 49ers trailing by just four points and driving deep into Bills territory. Quarterback Brock Purdy dropped back to pass when Bills linebacker Matt Milano delivered a high, late hit that left Purdy clutching his shoulder in visible pain. No flag was thrown on the play, and Purdy was forced to leave the field for evaluation, derailing San Francisco’s final drive.

Moments after the game ended, Shanahan didn’t hold back. “That hit today? It was intentional, 100%,” he told reporters. “You can call it aggressive football all you want, but when your quarterback gets hit that late — with no call — it’s unacceptable. It’s not football; it’s reckless.”

The fiery comments sparked immediate debate across social media and among NFL analysts. Some defended the Bills’ physical style of play, while others echoed Shanahan’s concerns about inconsistent officiating and player safety. Video replays appeared to show Milano lowering his helmet and making late contact with Purdy’s upper body — a move that typically draws an unnecessary roughness penalty under current NFL rules.

Despite the controversy, Buffalo’s defense played a strong game, holding the 49ers’ high-powered offense to just 23 points. Bills head coach Sean McDermott defended his player after the game, insisting the hit was not malicious. “Matt plays hard, but he plays clean,” McDermott said. “I reviewed the play — it looked like a bang-bang situation to me. That’s football.”

Still, Shanahan’s reaction underscores growing frustration within the 49ers organization over officiating inconsistencies this season. San Francisco has been flagged for roughing-the-passer penalties multiple times this year, while similar hits on Purdy have often gone uncalled. “We’re just asking for fairness,” Shanahan said. “If you’re going to protect quarterbacks, protect all quarterbacks — not just certain ones.”

Teammates rallied around their coach’s comments, with veteran tight end George Kittle calling the hit “dirty” and saying the lack of a flag “completely changed the game.” Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk added, “It’s tough when your leader gets taken out like that, and there’s no accountability. We fight for every yard, and it feels like the rules don’t fight for us.”

On the other side, Bills players expressed disappointment that their hard-fought victory was being overshadowed by controversy. Quarterback Josh Allen, who threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, emphasized respect for his opponents. “I’ve got nothing but love for Coach Shanahan and the Niners,” Allen said. “But I know Matt. He’s not that kind of player. We play fast, we play physical — but never dirty.”

The NFL is reportedly reviewing the play as part of its routine postgame evaluation process. League sources told ESPN that disciplinary action, such as a fine, could be possible if the hit is deemed excessive or avoidable.

As emotions continue to run high, this incident reignites the ongoing debate about how the NFL enforces its roughing-the-passer rules. Critics argue that the penalties are inconsistently applied, leaving players and coaches uncertain about what’s considered legal contact.

For Shanahan and the 49ers, however, the issue goes beyond officiating — it’s about protecting their quarterback and ensuring a level playing field. “We’ll send the tape to the league,” Shanahan said sternly. “But honestly? We all saw what happened. You don’t need to slow it down in slow motion to know that hit wasn’t clean.”

As of Monday morning, Purdy’s status remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation. The 49ers, now 6–3, will look to regroup before facing the Seattle Seahawks next week — but the fallout from this controversial loss will likely linger well beyond this weekend.