Categories
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan badly injured in car crash
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan badly injured in car crash. Here's the plan for his recovery
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan suffered significant injuries when his car collided with a sport utility vehicle in Palo Alto this month and will participate on a limited basis at the start of training camp, the team said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShanahan suffered a concussion and a broken nose, hand and ribs in the July 14 crash, a league source said. ESPN reported that Shanahan received 40 stitches in the face and broke three ribs.
Palo Alto police were dispatched to the two-vehicle collision near Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue at 6:13 p.m., Lt. Nicolas Martinez said in an emailed statement.
Officers did not issue any citations or suspect impairment from either of the drivers, Martinez said, adding that both drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. Shanahan was taken to a local hospital after the crash.
"There will be no information released regarding the cause of the collision or who was at fault," Martinez said, noting that collision reports are not subject to public disclosure.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Palo Alto Fire Department responded to the crash, which involved Shanahan's black Tesla and a blue Mercedes SUV, with the dispatcher noting "there are reports of one driver bleeding from the head," according to audio reviewed by the Chronicle.
The intersection, on the western edge of downtown Palo Alto, is fairly busy, with a mix of restaurants, stores, offices, apartments and a Caltrain station nearby. Shanahan lives in Los Altos, which is adjacent to Palo Alto.
"Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care," the 49ers said in a statement.
Shanahan, 46, has been at the team facility since the crash, but he hasn't been medically cleared to fully return to coach due to ongoing concussion symptoms, general manager John Lynch said at a news conference Saturday morning.
The 49ers reported to training camp Saturday and will have their first practice Sunday. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster and coordinators will handle head coach responsibilities at the start of camp while Shanahan recovers. Lynch said Shanahan could appear on the practice field before he makes a full return.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Kyle is doing good. He's got some bumps and bruises," Lynch said. "He did suffer a concussion in the accident, and he does have some lingering effects from that concussion."
Lynch said Shanahan is being treated as a player, meaning he won't resume his full-time duties until he clears the NFL's concussion protocol. He noted Shanahan suffered black eyes due to his broken nose and is still dealing with pain from his broken ribs, but said his non-concussion injuries aren't preventing his return.
"He's not ready yet to be talking to you guys (reporters)," Lynch said. "He's not ready to be talking to our team."
The team expects Shanahan top be able to travel for the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept. 10, Lynch said. "But you know, just like we talked about with players, the timeline kind of takes care of itself. So he's got to meet certain markers. But I think the expectation is that long before that, it'll be better," he said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShanahan is set to begin his 10th season with the 49ers. His 82 career wins rank third in franchise history, behind George Seifert (98) and Bill Walsh (82). His nine career postseason victories rank third behind Seifert and Walsh, who each have 10.
Foerster, 64, the 49ers offensive line coach, is a 34-year NFL coaching veteran who has spent 13 seasons with Shanahan. The staff also includes defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, 49, who has served as the head coach of the Falcons (2024-2025) and Buccaneers (2009-11).
Lynch also praised the leadership of the 49ers' veteran locker room, which includes All-Pro players and team captains such as left tackle Trent Williams, 38, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, 35, and tight end George Kittle, 32. He said All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner reached out to Shanahan after the crash. Warner's message: "We got this."
"We're not going to blink," Lynch said. "We feel like we're well equipped for something like this."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMatthias Gafni contributed to this report.
There’s more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.
This article originally published at 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan badly injured in car crash. Here's the plan for his recovery.