San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan sustained significant injuries last week when he was involved in a car accident, according to a report from ESPN on Saturday. The 46-year-old suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs, and a broken hand, and also required more than 40 stitches to close wounds on his face. Doctors also diagnosed him with a severe concussion.
The crash happened on July 14 when Shanahan’s vehicle collided with an SUV near his home in northern California. A Palo Alto police lieutenant identified as Nicholas Martinez confirmed that the other driver was not hurt in the collision. Martinez also stated that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the accident.
The 49ers organization announced that Shanahan will take on a limited role when training camp gets underway, as doctors have indicated they will not give him full clearance until his concussion symptoms have resolved. In the meantime, assistant head coach Chris Foerster and the team’s coordinators will take over head-coaching responsibilities.
The team’s first training camp practice is scheduled for Sunday morning. San Francisco general manager John Lynch was set to speak with reporters at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The 49ers are slated to open their regular season on September 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. That game will mark the start of Shanahan’s 10th year leading the team. In his time as head coach, he has compiled an 82-67 regular season record along with a 9-5 postseason mark. He has led San Francisco to two Super Bowl appearances, both resulting in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2020 and again in 2024.
