San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to coach exhibition opener after car crash
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated he is nearing full recovery from a car crash that occurred on July 14 and plans to coach the team’s first exhibition game on Thursday night. Shanahan held his first formal news conference of the 2026 training camp on Saturday, four weeks after the incident.
The coach sustained a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand, and required more than 40 stitches for a cut over his eye following the crash. He reported that while he is feeling much better, he still experiences some lingering symptoms, specifically headaches and fatigue. Shanahan noted that the loud music at practice, which had previously bothered him, is no longer an issue.
Recovery and coaching duties
Shanahan has been present at every practice session this summer. Although he has addressed the full team in meetings only a few times, he emphasized that he has been performing the most critical aspects of his role. He confirmed his intention to be on the sideline for the upcoming exhibition opener against the Titans.
He stated, “One thing I haven’t missed anything of is film. I watch every single play with the coaches after with the players.” Shanahan also mentioned that he has participated in all practice periods where players go against each other, considering these to be the most important parts of his job. He explained that he has had to be selective with his routine due to his recovery, but he has maintained focus on essential tasks.
Shanahan expressed gratitude for the support from acting coach Chris Foerster and coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris, and Brant Boyer, which allowed him to take the necessary time for recovery. He described the team as a “pretty well-oiled machine,” highlighting their decade-long tenure together.
Details of the accident
The car crash occurred in Palo Alto, involving a 21-year-old woman. Shanahan took responsibility for the accident, explaining that it happened when he reached for his phone. He was the sole individual requiring hospitalization, and police did not issue him a ticket for cellphone use.
Shanahan revealed that his Tesla was in autopilot mode and he was driving approximately 20 miles per hour at the time of the collision. He acknowledged that he should not have taken his eyes off the road while reaching for his phone, which had fallen to the backseat. He reflected on the incident as a significant lesson, emphasizing that drivers cannot fully relinquish control to a computer, even with autopilot engaged.
He discussed the possibility that the autopilot system either malfunctioned or was accidentally disengaged when he turned around. Shanahan shared that he has used autopilot for nine years and trusts the technology, but the incident provided perspective on the need for constant vigilance. He did not feel a significant amount of guilt but recognized the speed at which such events can occur.
Team preparations and player status
The 49ers are entering a critical phase of their summer schedule. They are set to have a joint practice with the Titans on Tuesday, leading up to the exhibition opener. Another joint practice is scheduled for the following week with the Chargers before their second exhibition game. The preseason will conclude on August 27 against the Raiders.
Following the preseason, the team will travel to Australia to open their season on September 11 against the Rams. Meanwhile, star defensive end Nick Bosa has missed his third consecutive practice due to soreness. Bosa is returning from a torn ACL that ended his season last year. Shanahan stated he is not overly concerned about Bosa’s absence, noting that they will await the resolution of the soreness before evaluating its cause.
Source: bostonglobe.com
