San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan suffered a concussion and other injuries in a two-car collision earlier this month, limiting his participation as the team opened training camp on Saturday.
The accident occurred on July 14 in Palo Alto, California. Shanahan was taken to hospital, while the other driver was not hospitalised. Palo Alto police Lieutenant Nicholas Martinez said there was no evidence of impairment and both drivers cooperated with officers. No citations were issued.
General manager John Lynch confirmed Shanahan sustained a concussion, broken nose, broken ribs, and an injured hand.
"Kyle is doing good," Lynch said. "He's got some bumps and bruises. He did suffer a concussion in the accident, has some lingering effects from that concussion."
Lynch said Shanahan is following the same concussion protocol required of players, with doctors determining when he can return to full duties. Shanahan may be present on the practice field when drills begin on Sunday, but will not run practice or team meetings until cleared.
"He's a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that," Lynch said. "This is about his well-being. We're going to take the time necessary."
Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Chris Foerster will lead the team alongside coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris, and Brant Boyer during Shanahan's absence. Foerster has been with the 49ers since 2019 and previously worked under Shanahan in Washington.
Lynch did not provide a timeline for Shanahan's return but expressed confidence he would be ready before the season opener on September 11 in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rams head coach Sean McVay, who worked alongside Shanahan in Washington from 2010 to 2013, said he has spoken with Shanahan since the crash. "Any time something like that happens, it shakes you up a little bit," McVay said. "Kyle is a stud. I have as much respect for him as anybody... I'm hoping he's going to have a great recovery."
Shanahan enters his 10th season as 49ers head coach, widely regarded for his offensive expertise. Under his leadership, San Francisco reached two Super Bowls (following the 2019 and 2023 seasons) and two NFC Championship Games (2021, 2022). He holds a 91-72 record between regular season and playoffs, ranking third in franchise history behind George Seifert (108) and Bill Walsh (102).
The 49ers posted a 12-5 regular-season record last year, winning a playoff game, with Shanahan finishing fifth in AP NFL Coach of the Year voting. The 49ers' ownership group also controls Como 1907 in Serie A.
Sources
- [AP News — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hurt in a car crash, limited as training camp opens](https://apnews.com/article/49ers-kyle-shanahan-accident-0e60c95ecd0802097a4560325ca25f28)
