San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will work on a limited basis as the team opens training camp after suffering significant injuries in a mid-July car crash near his Northern California home.
The accident happened July 14 when Shanahan’s vehicle collided with an SUV. Sources familiar with the situation said he broke his nose, three ribs and a hand. He also needed more than 40 stitches in his face and sustained a severe concussion.
Paramedics took Shanahan to a local hospital, where he spent much of the day before being released. The other driver was not hurt, according to Palo Alto Lt. Nicholas Martinez.
Martinez said neither drugs nor alcohol played a role and both drivers cooperated with officers. No citations were issued.
“Consistent with our standard release of information procedures in such cases, we do not release information regarding the cause of the collision, or which party may have been at fault,” Martinez said.
The 49ers confirmed the crash in a statement Saturday and described the injuries as non-life-threatening.
“San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers. Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care,” the team said.
“Assistant Head Coach Chris Foerster along with team coordinators will handle head coach responsibilities during this period.”
Shanahan has been recovering at home and is reported to be healing well. Doctors will not clear him for full participation until his concussion symptoms resolve. Training camp practices begin Sunday morning.
The coach told his assistants about the crash on Tuesday. Players have been learning the news gradually. General manager John Lynch is scheduled to speak with reporters Saturday.
This will be Shanahan’s 10th season leading the 49ers, matching Bill Walsh for the longest head-coaching tenure in franchise history. He enters the year with 82 regular-season wins, third-most in team history. Eleven more victories would move him past Walsh for second place on that list.
The 49ers open the regular season Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Shanahan’s limited role early in camp comes at a busy time for a staff preparing for an international opener and another competitive NFC West race.
Foerster, the longtime offensive line coach and assistant head coach, will step up alongside the coordinators to keep daily operations moving. The arrangement is temporary while Shanahan continues to recover.
Details of the crash remain limited beyond the official statements. Authorities have not released further information on fault or specific circumstances, following their usual practice in such cases.
Shanahan, 46, has built a reputation as one of the league’s top offensive minds since taking over in 2017. His teams have reached multiple NFC Championship games and two Super Bowls. The offseason wreck adds an unexpected challenge as the club begins preparations for the 2026 season.
Team officials have expressed gratitude to emergency responders who handled the scene and hospital staff who treated the coach. No timetable has been given for when Shanahan might resume full duties, though the focus remains on his steady recovery from the concussion and broken bones.
The 49ers organization emphasized that the injuries were serious but not life-threatening, allowing Shanahan to remain involved in a restricted capacity from the start of camp. Players and staff are expected to rally around the coaching group as practices get underway.
