McDaniel acknowledges Shanahan’s influence ahead of Chargers-49ers preseason clash
With the two teams set to meet for joint practice and a preseason game in 2026, Mike McDaniel highlighted the professional debt he owes to Kyle Shanahan, who provided his first major NFL coaching role.
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has publicly acknowledged the significant role played by San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in his professional development, ahead of the two teams’ scheduled joint practice and preseason matchup in 2026.
Speaking following Monday’s training session, McDaniel described Shanahan as the only coach willing to provide him with opportunities in the NFL for several years prior to their time together in San Francisco. He stated he remains indebted to Shanahan and the broader 49ers organisation for the career trajectory they facilitated.
The professional relationship began in earnest in 2021 when Shanahan appointed McDaniel as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, marking McDaniel’s first top-tier coaching position. Before this promotion, McDaniel had spent four years in the Bay Area serving as the run game specialist and run game coordinator.
During his single season as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, McDaniel oversaw an offence that ranked seventh in total yards and fifth in rushing production. His performance in San Francisco subsequently led to his appointment as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, a role he held for four seasons before joining the Chargers.
McDaniel characterised the upcoming competition against the 49ers as an exciting opportunity to face a strong team featuring familiar coaching staff. He noted that the presence of these known entities on the opposing sideline adds a distinct element of intrigue to the preseason contest.
The Chargers are preparing for the 2026 season with a revamped offensive line, a deep running back roster, and a wide receiver corps centred around quarterback Justin Herbert. The team is expected to utilise these assets in their second preseason game against San Francisco this weekend.
While McDaniel focuses on the strategic challenge of facing Shanahan’s system, the 49ers’ head coach is managing physical recovery from a car accident on 14 July. Shanahan sustained multiple injuries, including a broken nose, broken ribs, a broken hand, and a severe concussion, and is participating in training camp on a limited basis with assistance from assistant head coach Chris Foerster.
