Kyle Shanahan limited at 49ers camp after car crash
Kyle Shanahan will open San Francisco 49ers training camp on a limited schedule after suffering non-life-threatening injuries in a July 14 car crash. The head coach broke his nose, three ribs and a hand, needed more than 40 facial stitches and sustained a severe concussion, per ESPN sources. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster will handle head-coach duties while he recovers.
Key Takeaways
- Shanahan crashed with an SUV in Palo Alto on July 14 and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
- Injuries include a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, more than 40 facial stitches and a severe concussion.
- The 49ers say his injuries are non-life-threatening and he will take part in camp only on a limited basis at the start.
- Assistant head coach Chris Foerster and team coordinators will handle head-coach responsibilities during his recovery.
- Veterans report Saturday; the first practice is scheduled for Sunday, with GM John Lynch set to speak Saturday.
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the news Saturday as veterans reported for training camp, putting the head coach’s recovery timeline at the center of the club’s early camp story. For more celebrity and sports breaking coverage, follow BlasterPost Celebrity Breaking News.
What happened in Kyle Shanahan’s car crash?
According to Palo Alto police cited by ESPN and The Athletic, the collision occurred at 6:13 p.m. on July 14 at Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto, near Shanahan’s Northern California home.
Shanahan collided with an SUV. He was taken by paramedics to a local hospital, spent much of that day there and was later released. The other driver was not injured.
Palo Alto Lt. Nicholas Martinez said drugs and alcohol were not involved, both drivers cooperated with police and no one was cited. Police did not release fault or cause details, citing standard procedure.
What injuries did Kyle Shanahan suffer?
Team officials described the injuries as non-life-threatening. ESPN, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, needed more than 40 stitches in his face and suffered a severe concussion.
He has been recovering at home and is believed to be healing well, though doctors will not clear him for all activities until concussion symptoms clear. Shanahan mostly worked from home after the wreck and has recently made brief trips to the team facility.
He informed his assistant coaches of the accident on Tuesday. Players gradually learned the news before the 49ers issued their public statement Saturday.
Who will run 49ers training camp while he recovers?
In their statement, the 49ers said assistant head coach Chris Foerster, along with team coordinators, will handle head-coach responsibilities while Shanahan recovers. Foerster, the longtime offensive line coach, will help lead camp, with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and others assisting, The Athletic reported.
Shanahan will still participate in team activities on a limited basis as camp opens. General manager John Lynch was scheduled to hold a news conference at 1 p.m. PT on Saturday.
The 49ers’ first practice is set for Sunday morning. San Francisco opens the 2026 regular season on Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. This is Shanahan’s 10th season with the franchise, which would tie him with Bill Walsh for the longest head-coaching tenure in 49ers history.