Kyle Shanahan says he wanted Tom Brady as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers before the 2023 season.

There had been reports that if Brady decided to return for another season, the Niners would have pursued him.

"Yes, I was serious about it," Shanahan said of his desire to add Brady.

Shanahan also confirmed that he had a conversation with Brock Purdy about Brady possibly being the starter in 2023.

"As we talked, I'm looking at Brock, and he's got his arm in a sling, and I really am not sure I've got a quarterback who's going to be ready for the start of the 2023 season," Shanahan said. "That started all of this."