49ers coach Shanahan to serve limited role at training camp following crash

The San Francisco 49ers have officially reported to training camp to begin building the foundation for the 2026 campaign, but the team will operate with a modified coaching structure. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, 46, will participate in team activities on a limited basis while he recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident on 14 July near his Northern California home.

In a statement released on Saturday, the 49ers organisation confirmed that Shanahan suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the collision. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster, alongside team coordinators, will handle the bulk of head coach responsibilities during Shanahan’s recovery period. The organisation expressed gratitude to first responders for their efforts and care.

According to reports from ESPN, Shanahan sustained significant injuries including a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, and a severe concussion. He required more than 40 stitches to his face and was transported by paramedics to a local hospital, where he was released on the same day. The accident involved a collision with an SUV.

Palo Alto Police Lt. Nicholas Martinez confirmed that the other driver involved in the crash was uninjured. Law enforcement investigations determined that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the incident, and both drivers cooperated with police. Shanahan has been recovering at home and informed the coaching staff of the accident on Tuesday.

Shanahan has not yet been cleared by doctors for full coaching duties and will remain limited until his concussion symptoms subside. He enters his 10th season as the 49ers’ head coach, having compiled an 82-67 regular-season record and led the team to two Super Bowl appearances since his hiring in 2017. The 49ers finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5 record before a divisional round exit against the Seattle Seahawks.