San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan suffered a concussion and other injuries in a car crash earlier this month that will limit his participation at the start of training camp, the team announced Sunday morning (AEST).
The two-car accident happened on July 14 in Palo Alto, leading to Shanahan being taken to the hospital. The other driver was not hospitalised.
Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident. Getty Images
Lt. Nicholas Martinez said there was no evidence that either driver was impaired and that both cooperated with police. No one was charged for the crash.
Niners general manager John Lynch said Shanahan sustained a concussion, along with a broken nose, broken ribs and an injured hand.
“Kyle is doing good,” Lynch said.
“He’s got some bumps and bruises. He did suffer a concussion in the accident, has some lingering effects from that concussion.”
Lynch said Shanahan is going through the same type of protocol that players undergo after a concussion and that doctors would determine when he will be able to be back at full speed.
“He’s a tremendous head coach, but this is bigger than that,” Lynch said.
“This is about his well-being. We’re going to take the time necessary. And I think we’re very equipped to do that.”
Lynch didn’t give a timeline for Shanahan’s return but did say the team is hopeful he will be back before the season opener on Sept. 11 in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rams coach Sean McVay, who worked on the same staff as Shanahan in Washington from 2010-13, said he has talked to Shanahan since the crash and was thankful everyone involved was OK.
“I think any time that something like that happens, it shakes you up a little bit,” McVay said.
“But most importantly, I’ve talked to him, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, and I know he’s got an incredible perspective on it all. Kyle is a stud.
“I have as much respect for him as anybody, and he’s a friend of mine and I love him, and I’m hoping that he’s going to have a great recovery.”
Shanahan is entering his 10th season as 49ers coach and is one of the most highly regarded coaches in the game for his offensive acumen.
San Francisco has made two trips to the Super Bowl under his watch following the 2019 and 2023 seasons and made two additional appearances in the NFC title game in the 2021 and ’22 seasons.