SANTA CLARA -- Kyle Shanahan is sporting a mask during 49ers practice sessions this summer.
And he plans to begin wearing an imaginary muzzle when he speaks with reporters afterward.
Throughout his coaching career, Shanahan would hear coaches be so guarded with their answers about strategy and personnel that it sounded as if the topics were matters of national security. He always thought it was ridiculously paranoid.
That is why during Shanahan’s three seasons as 49ers coach, his expansive explanations and insights into personnel and strategy drew praise from fans and media alike.
But Shanahan said Thursday that the new rules by which everyone is playing this summer are forcing him to change.