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49ers Coach Shanahan Blames Himself for Tesla Crash, Coaches On

8/9/2026

Summary

Shanahan Takes Blame

Kyle Shanahan (49ers head coach) said his July 14 crash was his fault after taking eyes off the road to grab a phone while his Tesla was on Autopilot.
He suffered a concussion and several fractured bones.
He said he does not know whether Autopilot malfunctioned or he inadvertently disengaged it.
He warned drivers to keep eyes on the road and confirmed he will coach preseason opener despite headaches and fatigue.

Summary

Shanahan Blamed

The July 14 crash was not reported until more than a week later.
ESPN figures Dan Patrick and Dan Le Batard denounced the network’s coverage as poor journalism, saying the vagueness encouraged conspiracy theories.
Palo Alto Police admitted a clerical error that first blamed the other driver before confirming Shanahan was at fault.
Friend Chris Simms warned that Shanahan nearly lost his right eye, a health scare not previously highlighted.

Summary

Shanahan Resumes Meetings

Chris Foerster handles film duties as coordinators Klay Kubiak, Raheem Morris and Brant Boyer take on planning.
The 49ers will practice with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday and with the Los Angeles Chargers following week, ending on Aug. 27.
The team’s Australia trip for the Sept. 11 game against the Los Angeles Rams remains unchanged despite Shanahan’s limited on-field time.
Shanahan said loud music no longer worsens his concussion, allowing him to resume meetings.

History

Historical Context

Tesla’s first Autopilot fatality occurred on May 7 2016 in Williston, Florida, prompting a NHTSA formal probe of roughly 25,000 Model S vehicles. The investigation spurred driver-attention monitoring rules for semi-autonomous cars. When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s Tesla disengaged during a July 14 2024 crash, regulators cited those earlier mandates as the basis for renewed scrutiny.

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Shanahan Takes Blame

Kyle Shanahan (49ers head coach) said his July 14 crash was his fault after taking eyes off the road to grab a phone while his Tesla was on Autopilot.
He suffered a concussion and several fractured bones.
He said he does not know whether Autopilot malfunctioned or he inadvertently disengaged it.
He warned drivers to keep eyes on the road and confirmed he will coach preseason opener despite headaches and fatigue.

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