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San Francisco 49ers Head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed an intense sideline altercation with disgruntled wide receiver Jauan Jennings that occurred during the first half of Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, telling reporters this week that it was simply a “tense” conversation.
Jennings returned after missing last week's game with rib and ankle injuries. But his influence on the field is against Books was less than noteworthy with just one reception for 7 yards. He drew more penalties than receptions, including a false start and a costly pass interference penalty.
Jauan Jennings (15) of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Tensions peaked late in the first half when Jennings and Shanahan engaged in a heated exchange. According to NBK Sport, There were two interactions between the player and coach, including one in which wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson intervened and pushed Jennings away from Shanahan.
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The incident reportedly occurred while Shanahan was still calling an offensive play in the final two minutes before halftime.
Immediately after the game, the head coach stated that the two played “good.” Faced with new questions about the interaction Monday, Shanahan downplayed its significance.
“I think when you're in an intense football game and stuff like that, two people who know each other well and are pretty competitive in a lot of ways can have really intense conversations that don't always feel like a normal conversation, just hanging out with you after a press conference. But these are things that you don’t have to make too many assumptions about because there’s nothing special about it.”
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida, October 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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He continued: “Yes, we have been aggressive and intense in our conversations, but I think conversations like this can also lead to bringing people closer together and a better outcome for people.”
After the game, Jennings complained about his injuries. He said he played with five broken ribs and a sprained upper and lower ankle.
Shanahan said Monday he had no problem with Jennings revealing his list of injuries.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calls the play during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
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“Yes, I think Jauan is in a good psychological state. I think Jauan is a very emotional player. I think that's one of the things that makes him great. So every time we have a tough loss like that, where he's out of action and going through a lot, I don't think he's in the best mood, especially after a loss like that. week. “I love Jauan very much and I just hope he gets better and can get back on the field and be more consistent for us.”
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries this season. They were already without defensive star Nick Bosa and their starting cornerback. Brock Purdy when four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner went down with a season-ending ankle injury on Sunday.
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