Kyle Shanahan will spend training camp watching from the sidelines after a two-car accident on July 14 left the San Francisco 49ers coach with a concussion, broken nose, broken ribs, and an injured hand.
The crash happened in Palo Alto. Shanahan was hospitalized, though the other driver was not. Police found no evidence of impairment from either driver, and no citations were issued.
The injury forces the team into uncharted territory just as camp opens. General manager John Lynch announced Saturday that Shanahan may walk the practice field but will not direct drills or run meetings while he undergoes concussion protocol.
"This is about his well-being," Lynch said. "We're going to take the time necessary."
Assistant offensive line coach Chris Foerster will run the show for the opening stretch, working alongside coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris, and Brant Boyer. Foerster has been part of the 49ers system since 2019 and previously worked with Shanahan in Washington.
Lynch offered no firm timeline for Shanahan's return but signaled the team expects him back well before the September 11 season opener in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. The Niners' first practice kicks off Sunday.
Rams coach Sean McVay, who shared a coaching staff with Shanahan in Washington from 2010-13, said he had spoken with his counterpart and was relieved everyone involved was safe.
"Most importantly, I know he's got an incredible perspective on it all," McVay told reporters. "Kyle is a stud. I have as much respect for him as anybody."
Shanahan is in his 10th season steering San Francisco's offense-first system, one of the NFL's most respected designs. Under his leadership, the 49ers have reached two Super Bowls (following 2019 and 2023) and won two NFC title games. He carries a 91-72 regular-season and playoff record with the franchise, third all-time in franchise wins.
Last season, Shanahan guided the Niners to a 12-5 record and a playoff victory while managing a bruised roster, finishing fifth in Coach of the Year voting.
Author James Rodriguez: "The timing is brutally rough for a team that has championship ambitions, but at least Shanahan appears to be headed toward a full recovery without long-term damage."
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