Shanahan details accident and injuries
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has accepted responsibility for a car crash that resulted in him sustaining a concussion and other injuries. The incident occurred on July 14 in Palo Alto, where Shanahan collided with another vehicle after momentarily diverting his attention from the road to retrieve his fallen mobile phone.
Shanahan explained that his phone, which had been on his lap, slid into his seats. He looked down to find it, taking his eyes off the road for approximately two seconds. As he looked up, the airbags deployed, hitting him in the face. He stated he was travelling at 20 miles an hour at the time of the collision. No charges were filed by the police in connection with the crash.
The coach sustained a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand, and required stitches for a significant cut above his right eye. He was briefly hospitalized following the accident. The other driver, a 21-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Chris Simms, a long-time acquaintance of Shanahan, shared additional details about the severity of the injuries. Simms mentioned that Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, sent him pictures shortly after the accident, which he described as jarring due to the fresh cuts. Simms noted that Shanahan was very close to potentially losing his right eye, highlighting the large scar from the injury. He also emphasized that Shanahan has been battling the lingering effects of the concussion.
Recovery and impact on training camp
Shanahan spoke publicly about the crash for the first time on Tuesday, explaining his perspective on the events. He has been unable to coach the team since training camp began on Saturday. Assistant coach Chris Foerster has been in charge of the team’s practices, with support from co-ordinators Raheem Morris, Klay Kubiak, and Brant Boyer.
Despite his injuries, Shanahan has attended portions of the first two practices, observing alongside general manager John Lynch. While sunlight does not bother him, loud noises, such as the music played during practice, continue to be an issue. Shanahan indicated that he has made considerable progress and anticipates a full recovery. The 49ers have confirmed that Shanahan is following a protocol similar to that used for players recovering from a concussion and will return to coaching duties once fully recovered.
Simms noted that Shanahan initially expected the concussion effects to subside quickly. However, after several days, he realized he was not functioning optimally, which caused him some alarm. Shanahan was present for approximately 30 minutes of practice on Sunday and will participate in 49ers training camp on a limited basis until he receives full clearance from his concussion.
The coach is currently in his 10th season with the 49ers and is recognized for his offensive strategies. Under his leadership, San Francisco has reached the Super Bowl twice, following the 2019 and 2023 seasons, and has made two additional appearances in the NFC title game during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Shanahan holds a regular season and playoff record of 91-72 with the 49ers, placing him third in franchise history for wins, behind George Seifert with 108 and Bill Walsh with 102. Last season, the team managed to overcome significant injuries, finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record and securing a playoff victory. Shanahan was also ranked fifth in the voting for the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
Source: sportsnet.ca
