The 1973 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 24th season in the National Football League and their 28th overall. They began the season hoping to improve on their previous years' output of 8âÂÂ5âÂÂ1, and looking to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. However, the team finished 5âÂÂ9 and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in four years. After the season, quarterback John Brodie retired after 17 years in the NFL, all with the 49ers.