Kyle Shanahan car accident limits 49ers coach as camp opens
Kyle Shanahan will be limited at 49ers training camp after a July 14 crash left him with facial injuries, broken bones and a concussion.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will be limited when training camp begins after a Kyle Shanahan car accident on July 14 left him with multiple injuries, ESPN reported Saturday.
Shanahan was hurt in a collision with an SUV near his Northern California home during the team’s summer break, according to ESPN, which cited sources familiar with the situation. The 49ers later confirmed that Shanahan suffered non-life-threatening injuries and will take part in team activities on a limited basis while he recovers.
According to ESPN’s report, Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, needed more than 40 stitches in his face and suffered a severe concussion. Paramedics took him to a local hospital, where he spent much of the day before being released, ESPN reported.
What happened to Kyle Shanahan?
Palo Alto lieutenant Nicholas Martinez told ESPN that Shanahan collided with an SUV on July 14. Martinez said the other driver was not injured.
Martinez also told ESPN that drugs and alcohol were not involved, both drivers cooperated with police and no one was cited in the crash. He said police do not release the cause of such collisions or identify which party may have been at fault under their standard information procedures.
Shanahan has been recovering at home and is believed to be healing well, according to ESPN. Doctors, however, have not cleared him for all activities because he must be free of concussion symptoms first, ESPN reported.
Who will run 49ers camp while Shanahan is limited?
Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster will take on some of Shanahan’s duties and help lead the team, according to ESPN. The 49ers said Foerster and the team’s coordinators will handle head-coaching responsibilities during this period.
The team said Shanahan and the organization thanked the first responders involved for their care. ESPN reported that Shanahan told his assistant coaches about the crash Tuesday, with players gradually learning the news before the team confirmed it Saturday.
General manager John Lynch is scheduled to speak to reporters at 1 p.m. PT Saturday, according to ESPN. The 49ers are set to hold their first practice of 2026 training camp Sunday morning.
What does this mean for the 49ers?
For now, the 49ers have described Shanahan’s status as limited rather than absent. The durable question for fans is whether a concussion affects coaching work: medical clearance depends on symptoms resolving, and Shanahan will not be cleared for all activities until doctors are satisfied those symptoms have cleared, according to ESPN.
The 2026 season will be Shanahan’s 10th with San Francisco, matching Bill Walsh for the longest head-coaching tenure in franchise history, ESPN reported. Shanahan has 82 regular-season wins with the 49ers, third in team history, and ESPN noted that 11 victories this season would move him past Walsh for second.
San Francisco opens its season Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, according to ESPN’s schedule information.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.