San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan took to the podium for the first time in training camp to answer questions, and fans may get to see him a bit more frequently. In addition to answering questions regarding the car accident that led to his absence to start camp, Shanahan said he will be coaching the 49ers’ preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, August 13.
“Oh yeah,” Shanahan said. “I’m doing the same stuff, guys. I just try to not come in here every day [the media room].”
Shanahan elaborated, saying his reasons for interview absences were to not throw off his routine of watching film.
It’s unclear what specifically Shanahan will be coaching during the game. Last year, he let his offensive coordinator, Klay Kubiak, call the offensive plays. There might be other responsibilities he may delegate as well so he’s not overwhelmed. It sounds like Shanahan plans on doing everything he’d normally do coaching a game.
Shanahan’s absence at the start of training camp was due to a concussion sustained from a car accident on July 14. Shanahan dropped his phone, and it fell to the back seat. While the Tesla he drove was on autopilot, the automation failed, and he collided with an SUV.
Shanahan suffered the aforementioned concussion in addition to a broken nose and three ribs. At one point, he was at risk for losing his right eye. Shanahan has also claimed—and emphasized—being at fault. Shanahan said he is no longer sensitive to noise and has only been dealing with headaches and fatigue.
The 49ers face the Titans on Thursday, August 13 at Levi’s Stadium.
