49ers coach says heated confrontation with receiver Jauan Jennings in loss to Bucs wasn't 'that big of a deal'

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed an intense sideline spat with disgruntled 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 injuries to his ribs and ankle. But his impact on the field against the Bucs was less than notable, 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 prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sept. 28, 2025. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Tensions boiled over at the end of the first half when Jennings and Shanahan engaged in a heated conversation. According to NBC Sports, there were two interactions between player and coach, including one in which wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson intervened and pushed Jennings away from Shanahan. 

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That incident reportedly took place while Shanahan was still calling offensive plays in the final two minutes before halftime. 

Immediately after the game, the head coach insisted the two were "good." Facing more questions about the interaction on Monday, Shanahan downplayed it. 

"I think when you’re in an intense football game and stuff that two people who know each other pretty well and are pretty competitive about things can have really intense conversations that don’t always come off as a normal conversation, just