Kyle Shanahan says he’s ‘getting there’ as return to sideline nears

Kyle Shanahan is getting closer to a full return as the San Francisco 49ers continue training camp.

Shanahan has gradually increased his workload following the car accident that left him dealing with a concussion and several other injuries.

While the 49ers head coach has not completely returned to his normal routine, he said over the weekend that he is feeling significantly better and has continued handling what he considers the most important parts of his job.

“I’m doing really good. My body feels good,” Shanahan said. “My ribs feel good, except when I sneeze, and my head feels so much better.”

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers calls a timeout during overtime against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 02, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Kyle Shanahan said the primary symptoms he continues to deal with are headaches and fatigue, which have forced him to adjust his schedule. Rather than trying to power through everything, he has learned to pick and choose where he spends his energy.

“As far as the important stuff, I feel it’s about 100-percent,” Shanahan said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned with this stuff is, just when you deal with fatigue and headaches and stuff, is if I kind of do everything I kind of pay for it in some ways later.”

That has meant cutting back on some of the less essential responsibilities while maintaining his involvement in practice and film work. Shanahan said he has watched every play with his coaches and players and has been present for all of the practice periods he considers most important.

The biggest question now is whether Kyle Shanahan will be on the sideline for San Francisco’s preseason opener next week. He made it clear that remains the goal, although he has learned not to make definitive predictions about his recovery.

“I would’ve told you I was there seven days ago and they’re like, ‘Just chill. Wait to see how you feel tomorrow,’” Shanahan said. “Then I wake up the next morning, and I’m like, ‘Damn, I’m glad I didn’t say that.’”

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Shanahan also acknowledged that learning to slow down has been difficult for him after years of maintaining an intense schedule.

“I was a little insecure about it at first,” Shanahan said. “I’ve been a guy, like all of us are, that we could be deathly sick, and we’re still insecure to go home.”

However, he said the experience has taught him that pushing through everything is not always productive.

“You kind of can tough through anything, but then when you pay for it the next day, you’re not as good at something else,” Shanahan said.

For now, Shanahan believes he is trending in the right direction.

“I can’t tell you guys how close it is,” Shanahan said. “I’m getting there. There’s no doubt I will be there. From what I do with the team, I kind of already feel there.”

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• Why Brock Purdy is finally getting the respect he deserves in NFL QB rankings
• 49ers’ Special Teams Coach reacts to Deebo Samuel reunion: ‘He’s a Difference Maker’
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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 13th – vs. Tennessee Titans – 6:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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