In a surprising display of sportsmanship, the San Francisco 49ers maintained calm during their joint practice session with the Los Angeles Chargers, all without needing a pep talk from head coach Kyle Shanahan about avoiding scuffles.
Unlike the previous week’s tumultuous encounter with the Tennessee Titans, Tuesday’s joint practice unfolded without a single altercation, lasting nearly two hours. This peaceful conduct marked a stark contrast to the chaos witnessed in Nashville.
When questioned on whether he advised his team on maintaining composure, Shanahan turned the conversation light-heartedly by poking fun at former 49ers defensive coordinator and current Titans head coach, Robert Saleh.
“No, their head coach [Jim Harbaugh] showed more discipline than Tennessee’s,” Shanahan quipped, playfully referencing his colleague’s leadership style.
However, Shanahan was quick to clarify that his comment was all in good humor, reinforcing the friendly rapport he shares with his longtime associate.
Shanahan explained that several incidents occurred early in the 49ers’ practice with Tennessee, causing tension to escalate throughout the session.
The Tennessee practice featured four fights during the opening 10 minutes of team drills. Titans offensive linemen Austin Deculus and Dan Moore Jr. were ejected for throwing punches, and Shanahan removed two of his own players from the session. The identity of those two 49ers was never divulged.
The difference against Los Angeles was striking. Reporters described Tuesday’s session as unusually peaceful by joint-practice standards, despite both teams working in full pads.
Saleh served as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator from 2017-2020 before leaving to become head coach of the New York Jets. He returned to the 49ers for the 2025 season and then received a second head-coaching opportunity with Tennessee.
The two coaches also worked together with the Houston Texans from 2006-2009.
Harbaugh also has ties to San Francisco, having led the 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance during his four seasons as head coach.
His Chargers may have been more disciplined than Saleh’s Titans, but they were certainly not more accommodating. Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense repeatedly exposed San Francisco’s secondary during the practice.
The 49ers did not throw any punches Tuesday.
But, Shanahan saved a shot for Saleh.