San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner offered a four-word message of reassurance to head coach Kyle Shanahan after learning of the serious injuries Shanahan sustained in a car crash.
"We got this, Coach," Warner told Shanahan, according to general manager John Lynch. Lynch revealed the message as the team began training camp without Shanahan fully able to lead.
Shanahan reportedly broke his nose, three ribs, and a hand in the incident, which occurred in mid-July near his Northern California home. He also required over 40 stitches in his face and suffered a severe concussion. The other driver involved in the collision was not injured, and authorities stated that drugs and alcohol were not factors. No citations were issued, and the cause of the collision has not been disclosed.
Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster will oversee the team during Shanahan's absence, with support from coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris, and Brant Boyer. Lynch noted that Foerster, who has worked with Shanahan for 13 seasons in Washington and San Francisco, knows the coach's philosophy intimately.
"He knows Kyle in and out," Lynch said. "What Kyle wants, what Kyle needs."
However, Lynch acknowledged that the temporary arrangement would not be an exact replica of Shanahan's usual approach, joking that they would likely hold fewer team meetings, as Shanahan typically dedicates 30 minutes to football discussions. Lynch also quipped about Foerster's personality, suggesting Raheem Morris might handle player breakdowns instead.
Shanahan has returned to the team facility but is not yet ready to address players or reporters. The 49ers organization stated that he will participate on a limited basis while progressing through the NFL's concussion protocol, the same one used for players. No timetable has been set for his full return.
Other figures in the NFL expressed their concern for Shanahan. Longtime friend and Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay spoke with Shanahan after the accident. "Most importantly, thank God he and the other person involved is OK," McVay stated. "I think any time that something like that happens, it shakes you up a little bit. But most importantly, I have talked to him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and I know he’s got an incredible perspective on it all. Kyle’s a stud. I have as much respect for him as anybody and he’s a friend of mine, and I love him and hope that he’s going to have a great recovery."
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho shared his well wishes on X, writing, "Oh noooo! Get healthy coach!!"
Former NFL offensive tackle Taylor Lewan also expressed relief at Shanahan's survival, while 49ers reporter Grant Cohn reacted to the extent of the injuries by writing, "Whoa. Thank God he’s alive."
Fans also shared prayers and messages of support on social media. The team has identified veteran players, including Trent Williams, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian McCaffrey, and Brock Purdy, as capable of helping to maintain team order during Shanahan's absence.
Warner's message to Shanahan underscored the confidence the team has in its veteran leadership to manage operations while the head coach focuses on his recovery.