49ers coach Shanahan set to return for Titans opener

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is expected to return to the sideline for the team’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, less than a month after he was injured in a serious car accident.

Shanahan said he has largely recovered after sustaining a concussion and fractures. During his recovery, he temporarily shifted administrative responsibilities to assistant head coach Chris Foerster while continuing his regular film study routine, officials said.

Shanahan says game-day readiness is back to normal

Shanahan said his ability to operate on game day has returned to what he described as baseline levels. He added that he is feeling significantly better overall, though he is still wearing a cast on his left hand.

He said his ribs feel good except when he sneezes, and that his head feels “much better,” while acknowledging that concussions can sometimes linger. Shanahan described occasional headaches and fatigue as the remaining issues.

He also said he no longer has the sensory sensitivities that had previously made loud practice environments difficult. Shanahan said he is prepared for the noise level of an NFL game and is ready to resume work in full.

Administrative duties shifted briefly to Chris Foerster

As Shanahan managed lingering fatigue and headaches, he delegated administrative tasks to Foerster on an interim basis. The arrangement allowed Shanahan to keep his focus on key coaching preparation, including film review with coaches and players.

Shanahan said he has not missed any film work, describing a routine of watching every play alongside staff and players during his recovery. The team’s preseason opener is set to be his first game action since the crash, returning as the organization moves into its formal preseason schedule.

Why his return matters for the preseason week

The preseason opener typically serves as the first live test of in-game communication and sideline workflow for a coaching staff. Shanahan’s return means the 49ers can conduct that process under their regular decision-maker, rather than continuing with temporary adjustments.

Uncertainty remains around the timing for removing his cast and how quickly the last symptoms he cited—headaches and fatigue—fully resolve. Still, Shanahan said his operational readiness has returned to normal, positioning him to lead the team through Thursday’s matchup against the Titans.