How can George Kittle improve on his record-breaking season?

Kyle Shanahan gave the 49ers tight end an answer: Kittle can make strides as a route runner. During a recent 30-minute phone interview for this story, Kittle addressed Shanahan’s offseason improvement plan for him.

“Coach Shanahan said that out of all the tight ends he’s ever had, I do a lot of things really, really well,” Kittle said. “But I’m still third (among that group) in route running. So that’s one of the challenges he gave to me. And that’s certainly one thing I’ll focus on this offseason.”

Kittle’s 2018 season included 88 catches for 1,377 yards, the most yards by a tight end in NFL history. However, Kittle pointed to a catch he didn’t make - because of a poor route he ran - to illustrate where he can improve.

In the 49ers’ 33-30 loss at Green Bay in October, quarterback C.J. Beathard threw a late-game interception to set up the Packers’ game-winning drive. Beathard’s pick came in a 3rd-and-3 situation when Green Bay brought an all-out blitz. Beathard hurled a deep pass to Marquise Goodwin that was intercepted by Kevin King.

“When C.J. threw the interception at the end of the game, Shanahan was more mad at me for my route,” Kittle said. “It was (3rd-and-3) and I had a five-yard stick route. I ran it at four yards. He told me ‘Hey, just run it at two (yards). It’s a zero blitz. You probably would have caught it and run for 15 yards.’ So that’s the type of stuff he sees and -- in the back of my head -- I don’t even realize it until he tells me.”

Shanahan coached three tight ends who went to at least one Pro Bowl during their career in his nine seasons as an offensive coordinator: Houston’s Owen Daniels, Washington’s Chris Cooley and Cleveland’s Jordan Cameron.

That trio could be included on Kittle’s offseason video stream.

“Luckily, I have a great film staff and they hook my iPad up with all the film of every tight end in the NFL this year,” Kittle said. “Plus there’s some guys from old Shanahan tapes. So I’ll be able to watch their stuff and hopefully pick up a couple things that I can add to my game.”

Starry eyed: Kittle has developed friendships with a group of NFL players this offseason that includes Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Those connections were first made at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, where Kittle made his first appearance in the all-star game.

“On the first night we had a mandatory meeting at 7 p.m. so I walked downstairs and the first person I saw was (Broncos pass-rusher) Von Miller and he said what’s up,” Kittle said. “I was just kind of bouncing back and forth between guys and it was kind of like ‘Holy cow, there are some - there a lot of superstars in here.’ Just a lot of guys I’ve watched my entire life.

“I walked in with (Ravens guard) Marshal Yanda, who also played at Iowa. He’s got 12 years on me. Seeing guys like that just makes you appreciate where you’re at and the opportunity that I had.”

Chip off old block: Kittle’s dad, Bruce, was an offensive tackle at Iowa, who was a co-captain on their 1981 Rose Bowl team.

So George made sure to tell his dad about an exchange he overheard at his first Pro Bowl practice.

“There were a couple defensive linemen and they were talking about how tight ends don’t block,” Kittle said. “But one guy said ‘Well, unless you’re Kittle because he’ll put his hands on you’. I appreciate that because if known for that, I’m OK. I’m up for the physicality.”

Bland answer on Brown: Kittle caused a minor stir on Dec. 31 by connecting with disgruntled Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown on Twitter.

As a result, he fielded an endless array of questions about Brown during his parade of interviews on radio row during Super Bowl week in Atlanta.

Kittle acknowledged he quickly developed a stock response: “Yeah, you know what’s coming: So it’s ‘Hey, you need to talk to Mr. Lynch and coach Shanahan. I stand behind their decisions.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch