NFC West Division Title 1970s Era

Three straight NFC West titles right after the merger.

After the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the San Francisco 49ers won the first three NFC West titles, in 1970, 1971 and 1972. They are the only franchise to have won its first three division titles after the merger.

Quick Facts

Titles: 1970, 1971, 1972
Coach: Dick Nolan

Lore & Background

Under coach Dick Nolan, named NFL Coach of the Year for 1970, the 49ers opened that season 7-1-1. After the 1970 season they moved from Kezar Stadium to Candlestick Park.

Reader's Guide

The 49ers have been division champions 22 times between 1970 and 2023.

The third title came in 1972, when they won five of their last six games. Each of those seasons ended against the Dallas Cowboys, who beat them in the 1970 and 1971 NFC Championship Games and in the 1972 divisional playoff.

More in Honours & Records

NFC Championship 2012 Jerry Rice All-Time Receiving Yards Record Joe Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Joe Montana Career Passing Yards Record (at retirement)Ronnie Lott Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Steve Young Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction 7 NFC Conference Championships Steve Young Single-Season Passer Rating Record 18-Game Regular Season Winning Streak 5 Consecutive NFC West Division Titles (1988–1992)22 Consecutive Seasons with a Winning Record (1983–2004)Joe Montana Three Super Bowl MVP Awards

Elsewhere in San Francisco 49ers

1950 NFL Entry · Club History Super Bowl XVI · Club History Dwight Clark · Legendary Players Charles Haley · Legendary Players 2012 NFC Divisional Playoff vs Packers · Iconic Matches Arizona Cardinals · Great Rivalries

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