San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been sidelined after a car crash left him recovering from a severe concussion, a broken nose and multiple rib fractures, the NFL team has announced.
The 49ers said Shanahan will not take full charge of pre-season training activities as he continues his recovery, with members of his coaching staff stepping in to manage his responsibilities.
General manager John Lynch revealed that Shanahan is dealing with the “lingering effects” of the concussion sustained in the collision. He added that the coach is undergoing treatment under the same concussion evaluation process used for NFL players.
“Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers,” the team said in a statement.
The 49ers added that assistant coach Chris Forster and other members of the staff “will handle head coach responsibilities during this period.”
The accident reportedly occurred on July 14 near Shanahan’s home in northern California, involving his vehicle and an SUV. Palo Alto police lieutenant Nicholas Martinez told ESPN that the other driver was not injured, no alcohol or drugs were involved, and no citations were issued following the crash.

Lynch said the priority remains Shanahan’s health and recovery, adding that the team expects him to return to his regular duties well before the start of the NFL season in September.
“He’s a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that. This is about his well-being, and we’re going to take the time necessary,” Lynch said.
At 46, Shanahan has established himself as one of the NFL’s most respected coaches. Since becoming the 49ers’ head coach in 2017, he has guided the franchise to two Super Bowl appearances, including defeats against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 and 2024.
Known for his offensive expertise, Shanahan has also influenced a new generation of NFL coaches, with several former members of his staff moving into head coaching roles across the league, including Klint Kubiak of the Las Vegas Raiders, Mike LaFleur of the Arizona Cardinals and Robert Saleh of the Tennessee Titans.
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