Shanahan cleared to coach 49ers preseason after Autopilot crash

Shanahan cleared to coach 49ers preseason after Autopilot crash

nbcsports. com reported that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was cleared to lead the team in its preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on 10 August, after largely recovering from the July 14 crash that left him with a concussion, broken ribs and a broken hand. At a press conference on 6 August, NBC Sports said Shanahan told reporters his Tesla was on Autopilot during the collision and that he did not know whether a malfunction or an accidental disengagement caused it.

CBS Sports later quoted him saying the accident caused the injuries and that he expected to return to full coaching duties soon. The Verge added that he accepted personal responsibility for the crash despite the Autopilot being engaged. Business Insider reiterated his admission and said the incident indicates the need for driver vigilance.

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Kyle Shanahan San Francisco 49ers Tesla

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August 10, 2026
2 total
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he was using Tesla Autopilot when he crashed
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he was using Tesla Autopilot when he crashed

Business Insider • 10 Aug 16:17

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted he was on Tesla Autopilot before a head-on collision that left him injured, and said the incident reinforced the need for driver vigilance.

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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to coach preseason game after recovering from July car crash
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to coach preseason game after recovering from July car crash

Fox News • 10 Aug 12:51

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he will return to the sidelines for the team's first preseason contest, noting the July collision gave him a new outlook on Tesla Autopilot and player concussions.

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August 09, 2026
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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says his Tesla was on Autopilot during Palo Alto crash
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says his Tesla was on Autopilot during Palo Alto crash

The Verge • 09 Aug 15:56

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed that his Tesla’s Autopilot was engaged when he collided with a vehicle near Palo Alto, but he maintained personal responsibility for the accident.

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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan cleared to coach preseason opener
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan cleared to coach preseason opener

nbcsports.com • 09 Aug 09:49

Head coach Kyle Shanahan says he has largely recovered from a serious car accident and will lead San Francisco in Thursday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

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August 08, 2026
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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he was using Tesla autopilot when he crashed
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he was using Tesla autopilot when he crashed

CBS Sports • 08 Aug 23:40

Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, said he was on autopilot in his Tesla when a July 14 accident caused a concussion, broken ribs and a broken hand, and he expects to return to full coaching duties soon.

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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan discusses Tesla autopilot accident at press conference
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan discusses Tesla autopilot accident at press conference

NBC Sports • 08 Aug 21:13

Kyle Shanahan said his Tesla was on autopilot during the crash that injured him and said he does not know whether a malfunction or accidental disengagement caused the incident.

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