ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Former Denver head coach Mike Shanahan was back at Broncos practice on Saturday, and current Head Coach Vic Fangio made it clear Shanahan is always welcome back at UCHealth Training Center.

Well, almost always.

"He's welcome to come over here any time unless we're playing the Niners in a real game," Fangio said with a smile.

For this weekend's joint practices between the 49ers — coached by Shanahan's son, Kyle — and the Broncos, Shanahan's presence was welcomed.

"Mike has always been a big part of this organization — always will be — and it's nice to have him come back out," President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway said Saturday. "In my mind [the door] was never really closed, but it's nice to get the communication back. I've played some golf with Mike too and told him that he was more than welcome to come out here anytime. It's always good to see him out here because I enjoy talking football with him. As all you know, he is very knowledgeable in the game. I'm glad that he is able to come back and know that this is home for him."

Shanahan last visited a Broncos practice in July. That visit was the first time he'd watched Broncos practice since he last coached the team in 2008. He added both of this weekend's practices to his total for the summer.