Dennis Erickson was the new head coach after Steve Mariucci was fired which resulted in a search that lasted four weeks.
[1] The 49ers failed to surpass their 2002 record and finished the season 7–9 by losing six close games, and the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.
It was the final season that noted 49ers Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst, Tai Streets, Derrick Deese, Ron Stone, and Jeff Garcia spent with the team.
The game was close in the second quarter, with the 49ers leading 10–7, however, the Bears' defense gave way to the 49ers' offense who scored 39 unanswered points.
The Bears were also plagued with turnovers; the team lost two fumbles and quarterback Kordell Stewart tossed three interceptions.
The 49ers scored a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter with a pass to Terrell Owens.
In overtime, the Rams' Jeff Wilkins kicked a 28-yard (26 m) field goal to win the game, the team overcoming their four turnovers.
However, the defense was unable to stop the Seahawks' 2-minute drill as Seattle's team drove into field goal range and scored the game-winning field goal off the foot of kicker Josh Brown and on the final drive of the game, Garrison Hearst fumbled the ball away at their own 43-yard-line to seal the loss.
The 49ers led the entire game and statistically dominated on both sides of the ball, both scoring often and forcing turnovers.
The game was close throughout, being tied up in the fourth quarter off a one-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
In that game, kicker Owen Pochman missed two field goals and an extra point, and would be replaced by Todd Peterson for the rest of the season.
The Steelers offense came together in the second half to put some points on the board, statistically leading the 49ers, however it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Despite forcing Brett Favre into throwing three interceptions, the 49ers offense could only manage 192 total yards, a majority coming off the performance of their two star players, Garrison Hearst and Terrell Owens.
The 49ers were plagued with turnovers, quarterback Jeff Garcia throwing four interceptions, one of which was returned 29 yards (27 m) for a touchdown by Ray Lewis.
at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point 3rd Quarter The last game of the season, the 49ers hosted division rival Seattle Seahawks.