Chris Foerster: Coaching the 49ers in Kyle Shanahan’s absence is “really a group thing” - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com reported that San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster is overseeing the team during training camp while head coach Kyle Shanahan is limited by a severe concussion suffered in a recent car accident. The report, published July 26, 2026, said Foerster addressed reporters Sunday in his first media session since taking on the temporary role.

Foerster said the arrangement will not function as a one-person replacement for Shanahan, describing it as a shared effort among the staff. He indicated that general manager John Lynch and Shanahan put him in position to take the lead on some responsibilities, while offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer also are expected to handle parts of the workload, including team meetings.

According to NBCSports.com, Foerster said he learned his name would be listed in the temporary leadership plan when the team statement came out, though staff members had already been discussing how to cover duties if Shanahan could not fully participate. Foerster also said Shanahan expressed trust in him to handle responsibilities or delegate them as needed. On Sunday, Foerster said he split the team meeting into offensive and defensive sessions rather than running a full-team meeting himself.

The timeline for Shanahan’s full return remains uncertain and depends on his concussion recovery, NBCSports.com reported. The situation matters because training camp is a key period for installing systems, evaluating players and setting team routines, and the 49ers are now relying on a collaborative staff structure to maintain continuity until Shanahan is cleared to resume normal duties.