There have been many worse years for the San Francisco 49ers but the worst of them all has been the 2004 season which saw them producing the poorest results.

A series of poor decisions, both atop the organization and from within, thwarted any chance of success and set the course in motion for the most disastrous season in 49ers history.

The Worst San Francisco 49ers Team in History

It all began in 2000 when Ed DeBartolo Jr. sold the team to the York family and John York became the new CEO of the franchise. San Francisco would then have a number of up-and-down moments over the next couple of years.

The San Francisco 49ers issue of friction had started to develop between York and head coach Steve Mariucci, who had taken over the position after George Seifert retired in 1997.

The issue became worse after  2002, when York had 49ers general manager Terry Donahue part ways with Mariucci following the season, despite the former head coach’s successes with the team.

The 2004 year was a mess as some key players in the team left including wide receiver Rashaun Woods, guard Justin Smiley, cornerback Shawntae Spencer, defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga and punter Andy Lee.

Broken down after the players left, the team did not last long as they soon became a mess and were unable top perform as they were supposed to have done.