I am opening up this diary for links that don't necessarily belong in the main section posts put up by Fooch.  It allows the diary section to be saved for "pertinent" discussion, and prevents those types of discussions from being flushed out of "recent-hood" by one-liner remarks on a particular link.

Matt Maiocco posted an interesting entry in his blog this morning.  Primarily it was about how he believes that no matter what happens, Nolan will still be the 49ers' head coach next season.

The gist of it is that Maiocco strongly believes the Yorks still support Nolan whole-heartedly.  Nolan has expressed this past week that the Yorks understand some of the reasons why the 49ers (offense) are where they are today.  I could only assume that "some of the reasons" are related to Norv Turner's late departure that forced Nolan into hiring a sub-par coordinator for his coaching staff.

Maiocco continues by suggesting continued "support" from the Yorks may imply that they're willing to open their wallets again this off-season for Mike Nolan to make what ever changes he deems "necessary."  When he convinced them to open their check book last offseason, most of that money went to the defensive side of the ball, which has vastly improved over last season.  So the "track record" is there.

Where will this money be spent?  My first guess would be on offensive assistants, including but not limited to offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, and quarterbacks coach.  My second guess?  Probably on a better WR, if there is one available that would drastically improve the current corps.  I honestly don't know if anyone that matches that requirement will exist, but it's a definite possibility.  Another place the team may look for help is a more suitable backup for Frank Gore.  The team sorely needs someone who can carry the ball 20 times a game effectively, should Gore go down with an injury.  They have Robinson and Clayton waiting in the wings, but a little competition here would not hurt any.

The great thing about having Mike Nolan and Scott McCloughan make the calls is that they don't tend to go out and shop just for the sake of shopping.  The look for players that fit into what they want to do here.

Matt closes his blog entry with a list of the 49ers free agents:

Unrestricted - G Larry Allen, DE Marques Douglas, T Kwame Harris, RB Maurice Hicks, QB Shaun Hill, G Justin Smiley (injured reserve), NT Isaac Sopoaga, CB Donald Strickland, DE Bryant Young.

Restricted - TE Billy Bajema, CB B.J. Tucker (injured reserve).

I wouldn't be surprised if the team retained Douglas, Sopoaga, and Young (if he chooses to return for another season).  Kwame Harris may be the only other guy from their list of UFAs that will re-sign with the team, but that is only if he is willing to come back at a reasonable price (and with the understanding he'll probably be a backup).  Of the RFA's, think Bajema will definitely get (at least) the minimum tender.  Tucker will probably be let go and invited to training camp, again.

Again, feel free to use this diary as a drop-off point for any other links (and subsequent thoughts) you come across during this week.