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San Francisco 49ers Head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed an intense argument with disgruntled wide receiver Jauan Jennings that took place in the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, telling reporters this week that it was simply an “intense” conversation.
Jennings returned after missing last week’s game with rib and ankle injuries. But his impact on the field against the Bucs was less than remarkable, 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 the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Tensions flared late in the first half when Jennings and Shanahan engaged in a heated conversation. According to NBC Sports, there were two player-coach interactions, including one in which wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson intervened and pushed Jennings away from Shanahan.
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This incident reportedly took place while Shanahan was still calling offensive plays in the final two minutes before halftime.
Immediately after the match, the head coach insisted that both were “good”. Facing further questions about the interaction Monday, Shanahan downplayed it.
“I think when you’re in an intense football game and two people who know each other quite well and are quite competitive on certain topics, they can have very intense conversations that don’t always feel like a normal conversation, just hanging out after a press conference with you. But those are things that you don’t need to make too many assumptions about because it wasn’t that bad.”
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida on 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 bring people together and lead to better outcomes for people.”
After the match, Jennings lamented his injuries. He said he was playing with five broken ribs and a high and low ankle sprain.
Shanahan said Monday he had no problem with Jennings disclosing his injury list.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan calls a play during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on September 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“Yeah, I think Jauan is in a good mental state. I think Jauan is a very emotional player. I think that’s one of the things that makes him great. So any time we have a tough loss like that and he’s banged up and he’s playing a lot, I don’t think he’s in the best mood, especially after a loss like that. But Jauan is good. Jauan fought his butt off to come play in this game. match I know he will fight. again to do it. this week. I have a lot of love for Jauan and I just hope he can get healthier so he 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 the starting quarterback. Brock Purdy when four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner suffered a season-ending ankle injury Sunday.
