Full extent of NFL head coach’s July car accident revealed as role limited across preseason

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan suffered ‘significant injuries’ in a car accident during his summer break, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported.

The incident happened in mid July, and will leave him limited as the team opens training camp ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

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49ers veterans are expected to report to the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara on Sunday, but it’s unclear how hands-on their head coach can be in the coming weeks.

“Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs, his hand, needed over 40 stiches in his face and suffered a severe concussion during a July 14 car accident when he collided with an SUV near his northern California home,” Schefter reported.

The Niners HC was taken by paramedics to a local hospital, where he spent much of that day before being released.

According to Palo Alto lieutenant Nicholas Martinez, the other driver was not injured.

San Francisco is coming off a 12-5 record in 2025, and last season ended with a blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.

Their main NFC West rivals, the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, both boast elite rosters heading into the new year.

San Francisco spent its offseason adding proven veterans with an eye toward keeping pace with those two teams, but could be without their coach for the coming days.

The Brandon Aiyuk saga has also dominated headlines around the team.

According to ESPN, Shanahan has been recovering at home and is believed to be healing well, but with training camp starting, doctors will not clear him for all activities until concussion symptoms clear.

Who will handle 49ers HC responsibilites in Kyle Shanahan’s absence?

Niners general manager John Lynch is expected to hold a news conference at 1pm PT on Saturday, and could provide an update on Shanahan’s status.

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The head coach had reportedly informed his assistants of the crash last week.

Players are also understood to have been made aware ahead of an official statement, which confirmed who will be stepping up for duties in Shanahan’s absence.

“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries,” a statement from the team, shared Saturday, read.

“Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers.

“Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.

“Assistant Head Coach Chris Foerster along with team coordinators will handle head coach responsibilities during this period.”

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Which teams will the 49ers play in preseason?

The Niners have three preseason games scheduled ahead of their 2026 campaign.

They will host the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, before visiting the Los Angeles Chargers a week later.

San Francisco will wrap their warm-ups on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders and No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza on August 27.

The Niners begin their season proper with a huge divisional clash against the Rams in the NFL’s first-ever regular season game to be played in Australia on September 11.

It’s unclear if Shanahan will be on the sideline for any of San Francisco’s preseason games, but he will no doubt want to make the trip to Melbourne for a blockbuster Week 1 showdown.