Who Won the Super Bowl in 1989? 49ers vs Bengals

By Sarah Miller · January 21, 2040

Who Won the Super Bowl in 1989?

The San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl XXIII, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16 on January 22, 1989. The game took place at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida, and was highlighted by Joe Montana's legendary game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes, culminating in a pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds remaining.

Super Bowl XXIII: A Historic NFL Showdown

Super Bowl XXIII marked one of the most dramatic finishes in NFL history. As the championship game for the 1988 season, it featured the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals facing off against the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. This matchup was notable not only for its close score but also for the intense rivalry and high-stakes performance under pressure.

Key Highlights of Super Bowl XXIII

Final score: San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
Date: January 22, 1989
Venue: Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Florida
MVP: Joe Montana, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
Winning coach: Bill Walsh (his final game before retirement)
Deciding play: 92-yard drive led by Montana in the last 3:10 of the game
Game-winning touchdown: 10-yard pass from Montana to John Taylor

The Road to Super Bowl XXIII

Both teams had strong seasons leading up to the big game. The 49ers finished the 1988 regular season with a 10-6 record and advanced through the playoffs by defeating the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. The Bengals, led by quarterback Boomer Esiason, posted an 12-4 record and beat the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills to reach the Super Bowl.

Why This Game Stands Out

It was Bill Walsh’s final game as head coach of the 49ers, capping a legendary career.
Joe Montana earned his third Super Bowl MVP award, solidifying his legacy as a clutch performer.
The 92-yard game-winning drive remains one of the most iconic in NFL history.
This victory gave the 49ers their third Super Bowl title in nine years (after XVI and XIX).

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final Score
San Francisco 49ers	0	10	3	7	20
Cincinnati Bengals	3	7	6	0	16

Table data source:1, 2

The scoring progression shows how tightly contested the game was, with neither team dominating any quarter. The 49ers trailed 13–10 at halftime and 16–13 entering the fourth quarter. Their ability to score 7 unanswered points in the final quarter—especially the decisive touchdown with 34 seconds left—demonstrates exceptional composure under pressure. This late-game execution is often cited as a hallmark of Montana’s greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl XXIII (1989)

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 1989?

Joe Montana, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, was named Super Bowl MVP. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winner to John Taylor with 34 seconds left.

Where was Super Bowl 1989 held?

Super Bowl XXIII was played at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida, which later became known as Hard Rock Stadium. It was the fifth Super Bowl hosted at that venue.

What was the final score of the 1989 Super Bowl?

The final score was San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16. The 49ers secured the win with a touchdown in the final minute of the game.

Did the 49ers win the Super Bowl in 1989?

Yes, the San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl XXIII on January 22, 1989, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16. It was their third Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Who coached the 49ers in the 1989 Super Bowl?

Bill Walsh coached the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII. This victory marked his final game as head coach, ending a Hall of Fame career that included three Super Bowl wins.