Mike Nolan Niners new coach

[SevenLowry]

Just thought you guys would like to know that Ravens Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan has been chosen as our new Head Coach. Its not public yet, but here it is. ~San~

[Nick]

Niners pick Nolan as new head coach
Associated Press
Posted: 53 minutes ago

Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Nolan accepted the San Francisco *****' head coaching position Monday and began to negotiate a contract to take over the team that had the NFL's worst record last season

In a story first reported by FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer, Nolan, a longtime coordinator for four teams who has never been a head coach, will replace Dennis Erickson, fired earlier in the month after going 9-23 in two seasons out of the playoffs. San Francisco went 2-14 this season.

After wowing ***** owner John York in an interview Thursday, Nolan accepted the offer Monday and flew to York's home in Ohio to work out a contract.

"(York) had a good strong list of candidates, and they felt that Mike was the perfect candidate to lead us into the future," ***** spokesman Kirk Reynolds said.

Nolan earned the chance to follow in the footsteps of his father, Dick, who went 54-53-5 in eight seasons as the *****' coach from 1968-75, winning three straight division championships and reaching two NFC title games while getting the first playoff wins in franchise history.

Mike Nolan, 45, has been in charge of the Ravens' powerful defense since 2001, following stints as the coordinator with the New York Jets (2000), Washington (1997-99) and the New York Giants (1993-96). Baltimore ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense last season.

General manager Terry Donahue was fired along with Erickson, and Nolan will have a hand in picking Donahue's successor as York rebuilds the once-proud franchise, which will have the top pick in the next draft.

York, who didn't return a call seeking comment, has said he planned to hire a coach with broad powers, supplemented by a general manager who concentrates on salary cap issues.

Nolan will be the 15th head coach in ***** history.

Nolan was interviewed by York and two of the few remaining members of the *****' front office. He was offered the job Monday morning, beating out four other candidates: New England defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, thought to be Cleveland's top choice; Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis; and Tennessee coordinators Mike Heimerdinger and Jim Schwartz.

"They told me that his (Nolan's) experience working with the number of head coaches he's worked with was also a big factor," said Lewis.

Southern California coach Pete Carroll, thought to be York's top choice after he fired Erickson, apparently was never contacted by the ***** after initially saying he wasn't interested.

Nolan is a protege of Dan Reeves, who hired the former Oregon safety for his first NFL job with the Denver Broncos in 1987. He was a hot candidate for several head coaching spots in recent years, but his star had cooled slightly until the ***** became interested.

"The ***** got themselves a heck of a guy to be their coach," said Strahan when told of the news that Nolan is the team's choice. "He's a lot like Coach Fox (Panthers head coach John Fox) in regards to how the players respect him. The Niners just made themselves a much better team."

If I'm the *****, I like this direction. They have talent on the defensive side of the ball - Julian Peterson, Bryant Young, Tony Parrish, etc etc - and a defensive coach sounds like an exciting prospect, especially considering the talented receivers and running backs in the NFC West.

[DJRamFan]

It's an interesting pick. He's not that sexy coach that some teams go for. Erickson was a HUGE reach and this pick seems to be set more in intelligence and future planning. With Leinart staying, the Whiners need to reassess their QB situation. There's still cap problems though.

[SevenLowry]

The cap problems are diminishing, we dont need a QB right now. We have to evaluate the talent (or lack thereof) that we have behind a consistent O-line, something we havent had. It is impossible to evaluate a QB behind swiss cheese, and we have three question marks there as it is. We need to solidify O-line, DB, and D-line. And contrary to popular beliefe, we dont need any more WR. ~San~

[DJRamFan]

With the need at so many positions, what are the chances SF trades #1 for more picks/players?

[SevenLowry]

Chances are we will. I hope we do. I want that Brown kid at OL from Okla. But you never know. I do know we've been known to do it in the past. ~San~

[elAcky]

with Leinart not coming out i can;t see anyone wanting to move into #1

[DJRamFan]

Yeah, this is a bad year for having the #1 pick. Frisco won't get much for it if they do try to dump it.

[Yodude]

It is impossible to evaluate a QB behind swiss cheese

Rest assured, we here know exactly where you're coming from with that comment.