Mike Nolan appreciation thread
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 21, 2008 2:00 PM PDT
36 comments
FOOCH NOTE 2:00PM - I just received an email with a final statement from Mike Nolan. I think this is a solid expression of how most of us feel about Mike Nolan. I think we'll wrap up the day with the Coach Nolan appreciation thread. The final statement from Nolan:
I want to thank the York Family for the opportunity to coach the San Francisco 49ers.
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to build a foundation and an environment for success. In many area’s we were, although it is winning that ultimately determines success.
I also want to thank our players for their dedication and willingness to work hard. Even during the toughest of times they remained strong and fought through it. It is difficult to put into words my respect for guys that played for the 49ers over the past 3 ½ seasons. They have my complete respect and admiration. I am forever indebted to them.
__________________________________________
Before everyone explodes in negativity, I wanted to have a place where people can openly state their appreciation for what Nolan has done for this team since he came on. Yeah, record-wise this team is not where we had hoped it would be, but the organizational turn-around has been pretty amazing. You're a fool if you think this team is less entertaining than when Nolan took over.
Under Nolan, the team brought in Gore, Davis, Willis, and Lawson. Despite Alex Smith's demise, they have drafted some pretty solid players. They've also managed to bring in some pretty good to excellent FA: Bruce, Spikes, Clements, Allen (he was good for one year!). While the team isn't playing well, they are no longer the AAAA team that Nolan took over. And despite what you think about JT O'Sullivan, I think it's safe to say we'd all rather have him than Tim Rattay?
Nolan brought respectability within the organization. I admire his hard-nosed type of attitude towards coaching, despite his in-game flaws. He brought in good-character guys, which is an underrated thing to have, as we see TO, Ocho Cinco, etc. mouthing off every other day on Sportcenter.
I do think firing him was the right move, and I'm looking forward to the Mike Singletary era. However, I think Nolan needs to be given credit for the massive organizational turnaround that has happend in the past few years. Unfortunately, his time with the 49ers will forever be linked with the Alex Smith debacle. For both player and coach, it was an unfortunate mix of the wrong situation with the wrong team at the wrong time.
Thanks, Mike Nolan. I hope you get another chance somewhere, in a better situation.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
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Mike Nolan
Attacks on his professional skills (whether it be game management, communication issues, etc…) are fine, but I agree that he really did seem like a good guy. That, of course, makes it a greater shame that he couldn’t succeed.
And I definitely agree on the character issue. Maybe the team would’ve been better with a few more bad character type of players, but look how that worked out for the Bengals. They’re back to some sort of bizarre rebuilding process.
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by Fooch on Oct 21, 2008 8:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you Mike
I touched on this a few days ago, and it’s nice to see what someone else shares the same opinions. This franchise was a ridiculous mess just over 4 years ago. No notable talent to speak of. Kevan “Happy Feet” Barlow had recently gotten a ridiculous extension. No coaching ability. Worst of all, the front office was a complete mess and as a result, so was the entire salary cap situation.
McCloughan and Nolan came in, brought in football minds for the front office and pretty much fixed the front office and salary cap situation in two an a half years. That, in it itself, is amazing.
Aside from the front office, the team DOES have some unique/special talents as Nolan departs, which is a lot more than the Donahue/Erickson regime could boast. Heck, Nolan and McCloughan have drawn in a “marquee” free agent or two in every offseason they’ve been here. That is kind of a big deal, considering this team hasn’t really gone anywhere fast.
Bottom line, Mike Nolan did the best he could. No one could ever fault him for not trying. He succeeded in some parts of his plan (i.e. restructuring the front office), but failed in others (the on-field product). While Mike Nolan “the person” didn’t deserve the firing, his record definitely warranted it.
I know Nolan is nowhere near the coach Bill Belichick is, but I hope that his career path takes a similar path. Belichick was canned after flailing as lead for a sorry franchise and then eventually took over and created a dynasty. I don’t think Nolan will ever create a dynasty, but I’m sure he could put together a more competitive team in better circumstances.
by sfgfan on Oct 21, 2008 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I appreciate what Nolan did along much the same lines that you do. The demolition of the Erickson/Donahue mess was necessary, and he managed it with McCloughan faster than I could have possibly hoped. The re-infusion of talent into the team has been obvious, though there are clear failures as far as that goes at two skill positions (QB/WR) and both sides of the line. I think I’ve been most disheartened by the continued poor play of the offensive and defensive lines, but I will always be grateful for the talent we get to watch out of the backfield and pretty much everywhere else on defense.
Nolan dealt with some impossible situations, most notable being Norv Turner’s departure.
For me at this point, it seems to come back to that old standby – Nolan did a great job of putting the team in a position to win with the proper power structure above it, of building to the point where the next step could be taken, but in the end he couldn’t seem to fill that necessary power structure, whether with those around him or by his own influence, in order to bring that next step about.
His time here was not an abject failure. It wasn’t great, and it was painful sometimes, and I have come around on his exit being the right move, but it wasn’t without progress and It wasn’t without hope.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Oct 21, 2008 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barlow, Rattay, Erickson
God, I just shuddered as I typed those names. I think that goes to show the impact that Nolan did have. JTO may not be a major difference compared to Rattay, but the Barlow/Gore difference is all the difference I need.
I agree, Nolan always seemed like a good guy, but his accomplishments just weren’t enough when you’re looking at a league that is defined by win-loss records.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Oct 21, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously?
Are the Niners that much better off going into ‘09 than they were in ’05? I don’t think so. Nolan attempted to rebuild the team but he hasn’t really gotten anywhere. He’s wasted 4 years on Smith (and still don’t have a potential QB in the system). He’s wasted 4 years trying to transition the team to a 3-4. His drafts have been pretty bad. Maybe Nolan dressed nicer than Erickson, and I’ll give him props on that (the suits were pretty damn cool) but honestly the team hasn’t really improved any.
Bills – ’05 (5-11); ’06 (7-9); ’07 (7-9); ’08 (5-1)
Titans – ’05 (4-12); ’06 (8-8); ’07 (10-6); ’08 (6-0)
Packers – ’05 (4-12); ’06 (8-8); ’07 (13-3); ’08 (4-3)
Saints – ’05 (3-13); ’06 (10-6); ’07 (7-9); ’08 (3-4)
49ers – ’05 (4-12); ’06 (7-9); ’07 (5-11); ’08 (2-5)
Record wise, the Bills, Titans, Packers, Saints and Niners started off in similar situations after the ‘05 season. Since ’05 every team other than the Niners has made the playoffs (ok, well not the Bills but they’re pretty much a lock this year). Out of these teams and after ’05 the Niners have consistently had the worst record.
by methodrampage on Oct 21, 2008 9:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I know the record doesn't speak for it
But wouldn’t you say watching JTO and Gore scoring TDs is more entertaining than Tim Rattay and Kevan Barlow struggling to score, period? They at least have the skill players in place to contend, I just think the offensive and defensive schemes are bad or just not being executed well. I will say a better QB will be needed to seriously contend, but I think the roster they have now is leaps and bounds better than it was in 2005.
This year’s team record is very deceiving. They’ve played a lot of tough teams, and haven’t been blown out in any of them. Really, almost every loss has a play or two that killed them, but otherwise they had a chance to win. You can hardly blame Nolan for JTO’s miscues…he can share part of the blame that they don’t have a better QB than JTO, but I do still believe this is a good team that has had some bad luck and bad decision making.
You really think Nolan somehow “wasted” Alex Smith? I’m outspoken about my feelings about Smith, but I think even if you think Alex Smith can still be a good QB, you can somehow say Nolan “wasted” the NFL talent (or lack thereof) of Alex Smith. Even if he had sat Smith until, say, this year, the OL isn’t exactly protective of JTO.
The transition to the 3-4 has always confused me, as they have played a 4-3 or nickel defense about 80% of the time, from what I’ve seen at least. Maybe it was his goal to get there and they just never had a nosetackle, it’s hard to say. I think the biggest problem this year has been this ridiculous nickel defense, and Nolan’s lack of adjustments to opponents’ offenses. But like I said, I’m not defending his in-game decision making. I just think as a whole, this organization has improved drastically since 2005.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 21, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh and i forgot to mention
the drafting hasn’t been as bad as many say. Nolan’s drafted Gore, Willis, Lawson, Davis, and Staley. What kind of recent impact players have the 49ers drafted before Nolan came, that are on par with Gore and Willis? Perusing a list comes up with just 2 names: Peterson in 2000 and TO in 1996. In a matter of 3 years, Nolan brought us five excellent starters, including 2 superstars, and the previous 12 years brought us 2 impact players? I’d say Nolan’s done quite well in comparison to the 49ers’ recent draft history. Yeah, he muffed the Alex Smith pick, but who else would you have rather had? Braylon Edwards was the only other obvious choice from what I remember. It’s definitely arguable that Aaron Rodgers would have had the same fate as Smith given the 49er’s situation.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 21, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
so taking this team from a 2-4 win team to a 4-6 win team over 3.5 years is your std?
rich kotite probably could of accomplished that with the yorks spending what they have on FAs. just getting lucky once in the draft would outdo anything Terry Dumbahoe accomplished.
remember part of that has to do with how the Rams and Seahawks have declined. out of Nolan’s 18 wins, 9 have come against the NFC West. he’s also had the fortune to play the Lions twice for 2 wins and 1 against the Raiders.
the point is most anybody could of accomplished the little he accomplished over 3.5 yrs (and probably more if he weren’t fired) it basically took him 3.5 years what Parcells typically accomplishes in 1 year wherever he goes.
nolan’s biggest problem is he has no philosophy on how you win football games. that’s why he dilly dallies with all these different offensive systems year in and year out. win or lose, you carry out your philosophy and that brings an identity to the team. sort of like giving the team “bread and butter” things that they do. you can’t do things like switching from 4-3 to 3-4 back to 4-3 every season.
they have not played tough teams. tough teams on paper, but record wise no. plus they faced these teams when these teams were missing 4 to 5 starters.
outside of the wins against the 9ers, the saints are 2-4 and were minus their whole receiving core and deuce was limited by injuries.
the patriots had no Brady and Cassell to that point had struggled 152, 165, and 131 were his passing yardage #‘s the 1st 3 games till he busted out on the 9ers for 259 yds – he’s come back down to 203 and 185 since. and this game was at home.
the eagles who are 2-3 outside of their win against the 9ers, were missing 4 or 5 starters and more importantly, Westbrook. it’s like this team didn’t have Gore. so instead of facing what is probably a .500 team now becomes below .500. also this game was at home.
the team was bad in 04 after the 03 salary purging, but nolan’s had 3 years of high draft picks and loads of money spent on high priced FA’s and we’re looking at a team in 3.5 years that is probably 2 wins better than the 04 team that basically gave up b/c the whole team was gutted.
by the evil monkey on Oct 21, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
out of Nolan’s 18 wins, 9 have come against the NFC West.
Considering that there are 12 divisional games total plus the first round of them they’ve played this season, of course most of your wins are going to come from the division. You can’t fault the guy for that.
that’s why he dilly dallies with all these different offensive systems year in and year out.
So it was Nolan’s decision all along to go through all of those offensive coordinators! Why didn’t I see this?!
by sfgfan on Oct 21, 2008 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, where do I start
so taking this team from a 2-4 win team to a 4-6 win team over 3.5 years is your std?
No. I actually said twice that the record does not reflect the team’s turnaround. The state of the team involves much more than just their record.
remember part of that has to do with how the Rams and Seahawks have declined. out of Nolan’s 18 wins, 9 have come against the NFC West. he’s also had the fortune to play the Lions twice for 2 wins and 1 against the Raiders.
Well, the Seahawks haven’t declined until this year. They were actually a formidable playoff team for the past few years. And if we’re going to judge a team by it’s division, should we say the Patriots weren’t as good as reported the past few years, because their division has been about as good as the NFC West over that period of time? Just because a team isn’t that great doesn’t mean you don’t still have to prepare and play hard.
nolan’s biggest problem is he has no philosophy on how you win football games. that’s why he dilly dallies with all these different offensive systems year in and year out. win or lose, you carry out your philosophy and that brings an identity to the team. sort of like giving the team "bread and butter" things that they do. you can’t do things like switching from 4-3 to 3-4 back to 4-3 every season.
Nolan isn’t an offensive guy, and he’s admitted as much. The offensive ineptness can be attributed to the carousel of offensive coordinators, which Nolan has little to no control over. That’s hardly his fault. And, like I said, I agree the 3-4 hasn’t worked, and that is one of the points I have against him.
You seriously think the Saints aren’t that good? They play in one of football’s toughest divisions, and have had a schedule even more difficult than the 49ers! Their losses are as follows: Washington by 5, Denver by 2, Minnesota by 3, and Carolina by a whole lot. Even allowing the one blowout, they’re within a touchdown in each game of being 6-1.
Regarding the Pats…I agree, who needs Cassell’s line of 18/24, 185 yrds, 3 TDs. That’s some big-time struggling right there. Just because a team has an injury to a starter doesn’t define if they’re a good team or not. If it’s a good team, with a good system, a backup like Cassell will be able to step in and do enough to win, even if he doesn’t put up the stats Brady normally would.
Regarding Philly…Yeah, the Westbrook injury hurt, but Buckhalter went 18/93 and 1 TD. He filled in quite admirably. And the other starters you refer to include Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown, who certainly aren’t anything special. With McNabb, and Philly’s defense, you’re always going to be in for a tough game.
the team was bad in 04 after the 03 salary purging, but nolan’s had 3 years of high draft picks and loads of money spent on high priced FA’s and we’re looking at a team in 3.5 years that is probably 2 wins better than the 04 team that basically gave up b/c the whole team was gutted.
Actually, he’s only had 2 years of high draft picks…last year’s was one of the last picks in the first round. Even then, he’s drafted much better than his predecessors. Do you really expect a team to automatically become good when you throw FA in the mix? It’s not as easy as that, just ask the Cowboys or the Yankees. It takes a good system and player chemistry to make things work successfully, and considering he’s had a different OC each year, it’s hard to blame him for not having an offense in place to win football games.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 21, 2008 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a lot to cover in your comments
Ok props to Nolan for drafting Gore amid his bountiful injury concerns. Anybody would have drafted Willis at that spot. What has Lawson really done? Nothing. What had Davis done? Nothing. It’s still might be a little early but based on current production neither Davis nor Lawson look worthy of their lofty draft positions. I’ll give you that Staley looks good. So in 4 years he has, what 2 goods picks that weren’t totally obvious, Gore and Staley? Thank you Mike Nolan. On the other hand Nolan has numerous picks of guys who after 1-3 years are no longer in the NFL.
Just because Nolan was better then Erickson/Donahue doesn’t mean he was good. He was just the lesser of two evils, if you will.
As far as Alex Smith goes I said he wasted 4 years on Alex Smith not 4 years of Alex Smith. There’s a difference.
Bottom line is Nolan took over a team that was in transition and/or in a rebuilding stage and he’s left the team in trasition and/or in a rebuilding stage. He accomplished very little in his tenure.
by methodrampage on Oct 21, 2008 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: Willis….Anyone would have drafted him at that spot? Well, 10 other teams didn’t, and I’d say with the exception of Minnesota (Peterson), Detroit (C Johnson), and maybe Houston (Okoye), any of them would have done better picking Willis.
RE: Davis…while he hasn’t done great in the passing game, he’s an exceptional blocker, which even the broadcasters noted during last week’s game. Even if he’s having trouble running routes and catching the ball, he does divert attention from the other skill players.
RE: Lawson…he doesn’t make the spectacular plays that Willis does, but keep in mind he was hurt all last year, and is still probably recovering. He is a solid player that can play at the line or stay in coverage. And I wouldn’t say his draft position was “lofty” at #22.
I’m not saying these guys are studs, I’m just saying they are solid players, which even Nolan’s predecessors were unable to draft. You say he has numerous picks that are out of the NFL, but most of those are late-round picks that generally don’t stay in the NFL. Seriously, look through their draft history and show me from 1996 to 2005 how many draftees that were solid players in the NFL for a number of years. There are very few.
Just because Nolan was better then Erickson/Donahue doesn’t mean he was good. He was just the lesser of two evils, if you will.
But that’s my point…he did better than these guys and left the organization a better place than when he came on.
RE: Alex Smith…I didn’t read it correctly the first time, but I do agree with you now. I do think his hands were tied, though, to an extent. With a #1 pick, you’re expected to draft an impact skill player, and they desperately needed a QB that could start in the immediate future. Rodgers arguably would have ended up with Smith’s future had he been in the same situation. Like I’ve been saying, it was a sucky situation for all parties involved, but Nolan basically had to draft a QB and it just didn’t work out. I do think he needs to share some of the blame for Smith’s lack of development, but I don’t think it’s fair to put all the blame on him.
Bottom line is Nolan took over a team that was in transition and/or in a rebuilding stage and he’s left the team in trasition and/or in a rebuilding stage.
That’s a very interesting point, and I can’t really disagree. However, I think the team is much closer to contending than when he started. The process has taken longer than we have liked, but IMHO, I think the team is a good QB and a better defensive scheme away from contending.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 21, 2008 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: Willis…You’re right nobody took Willis before #11. Wow your reasons of deduction are astounding. Now if you want to address my comment about any body taking Willis at that spot, with that spot being #11, feel free too because you haven’t yet. Who’s to say Nolan wouldn’t have taken anyone of those top 10 picks ahead of Willis if he had the chance? Willis was an obvious pick at #11. Several mock drafts had Willis going to the Niners and Willis was the consensus of Niners Nation prior to draft. Nolan did not wow anybody with this pick he merely just didn’t “F” it up.
RE: Davis…Last time I checked blocking TE’s aren’t that difficult to come by and they sure as hell aren’t worth a top 6 pick.
RE: Lawson…I’d consider the 22nd pick in the draft pretty lofty for a guy who’s netted 12 tackles through 5 games this year (80 tackles thru 23 games in his career). He’s being severely out played by fellow class of ‘06 LB’s: Mathias Kiwanuka, Demeco Ryans, D’Qwell Jackson, Rocky McIntosh, Thomas Howard, Clint Ingram, Freddie Keiaho, Leon Williams, and Omar Gaither.
What don’t you understand about how what the Niners did in 1995 – 2004 being totally irrelevant? Sure Nolan was a slight improvement over a complete abortion but that still keeps him well on the shitty side of things. It’s also important to note that you more than likely consider most of these “solid” players solid because they start for one of the worst teams in the NFL and they’d merely be back-ups for most of the top teams.
he did better than these guys and left the organization a better place than when he came on.
That’s not saying much.
However, I think the team is much closer to contending than when he started. The process has taken longer than we have liked, but IMHO, I think the team is a good QB and a better defensive scheme away from contending.
That’s the problem. Where is a good QB going to come from? FA market? Not likely, teams usually hold onto their good QB’s and that’s how the Niners have ended up with the likes of Shawn Hill and JTO. That leaves the draft and typically QB’s take a couple years to develop. In a couple of years Gore will be 28 and our big free agent signings Nate Clements and Justin Smith will be 31 and 32 respectively.
For right or wrong the failures and shortcoming of Nolan and Alex Smith will be forever tied. And it’s true Alex Smith was just 1 draft pick but it was Nolans’ lack of desire or inability to make Alex Smith compete for his starting job until this year that has set the Niners back 2 or 3 years. Nolan may have taken the Niners 3 steps forward but he also took them 2 steps back.
by methodrampage on Oct 21, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we're coming from two different points of view
What don’t you understand about how what the Niners did in 1995 – 2004 being totally irrelevant? Sure Nolan was a slight improvement over a complete abortion but that still keeps him well on the shitty side of things. It’s also important to note that you more than likely consider most of these "solid" players solid because they start for one of the worst teams in the NFL and they’d merely be back-ups for most of the top teams.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but you are trying to say that he did not do a good job in San Francisco. I would agree for the most part, at least as far as performance on the field and winning ball games. I will not defend Nolan for that. However, all I am trying to point out is that he made improvements to the franchise during his tenure. That’s all. I’m not saying he was a good coach, or try to defend his miscues, if it seems that way I made a mistake somewhere.
I still contend, though, that his drafting was better than his predecessors. Yes, Willis was an obvious pick at that spot, but I think from all the complaining on this site, it’s clear that the 49ers do not always make the obvious, correct choice. And that’s commendable, I think, when they do make the right choice.
And whatever you may think about Davis and Lawson, I believe that they would be starters on a number of teams, even some of the good teams. And regarding Lawson, I think it’s unfair to judge him against his draft class at this point, considering he missed all last season due to injury, and didn’t get much playing time the year before. Essentially, this is his rookie season, and there’s a good chance he’s still physically recovering from his knee. Even if he’s not producing at this point, I’m happy with the draft pick because it’s not often that the 49ers get a player of his potential—even if he never realizes it, we have hope that he can, and be excited to watch it in the meantime.
That’s the problem. Where is a good QB going to come from? FA market? Not likely, teams usually hold onto their good QB’s and that’s how the Niners have ended up with the likes of Shawn Hill and JTO. That leaves the draft and typically QB’s take a couple years to develop. In a couple of years Gore will be 28 and our big free agent signings Nate Clements and Justin Smith will be 31 and 32 respectively.
That’s funny, I made the exact same argument this summer when expressing my desire for them to persue Favre. This really is a team built to win now, and waiting to develop a QB from college will really border on waiting too long, as many of our skill players may be past their prime at that point. I think a trade would be a wise move…don’t ask me who or from where, because I don’t know. However, I think it’s something the team needs to consider and look around for. Beck was an idea thrown around that wasn’t horrible.
Nolan may have taken the Niners 3 steps forward but he also took them 2 steps back.
I think this is a fair statement and a pretty good summary of his tenure here.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 22, 2008 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
But please explain why this season, Lawson’s 3rd, is essentially his rookie season. He started 12 games and played in all 16 in ‘06. If you want to say that it’s basically his 2nd season fine. You can take that list I I posted and 90% of those guys’ 2nd year is going to be more productive than Lawson this year.
I’m happy with the draft pick because it’s not often that the 49ers get a player of his potential—even if he never realizes it, we have hope that he can, and be excited to watch it in the meantime.
This is dangerous thinking. So I take it you really enjoyed the Drukenmiller pick? How about Rashaun Woods? Alex Smith has immense potential too. Potential doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t translate to on field production. Just about any first round pick has enough potential to get excited about.
by methodrampage on Oct 22, 2008 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Druckenmiller
By far the best pick EVER
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by Fooch on Oct 22, 2008 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't realize Lawson played that much in '06
However, I guess it’s more of a personal feeling that his career might turn out better than the busts you mentioned. I will say that although his stats don’t necessarily show great productivity, I think his athletic ability and field presence makes me think he’ll end up being a good player. Maybe I shouldn’t have listed him as a “solid” player at this point, but I certainly don’t think he is a weakness on the team.
An interesting discussion, I think, would regard how it’s more difficult to grade a defensive player based on casual stats than it is for an offensive skill player. With a QB, with completion percentage, total yards, TDs, INTs, it’s pretty easy to determine if they are a productive player. With a defender, on the other hand, all we generally know are tackles, sacks, and maybe knockdowns. The problem with those stats, though, is if you have a lot of tackles, that could mean that you are all over the place like Willis, or it could mean you aren’t covering your guy as well as you should since they’re getting the ball. So, if someone doesn’t have a lot of tackles or knockdowns, it could mean they’re covering their guy extremely well and aren’t being thrown towards. This is more applicable to DBs, I realize, but it’s something to consider, I think. But I digress…this isn’t directly applicable to my argument for Lawson, but it’s something to consider. There’s probably better stats to grade defensive players, I just have zero experience with more complex football stats.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 22, 2008 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike
Over the years I have given you a hard time. Yes your coaching skills are mainly the reason I have any dislike for you. You never did anything to make me think you were a bad guy, just a not good coach. You wore a suit on the sideline, you tried to make this a respectable organization, hell you drafted Patrick Willis, so all in all your time here wasn’t all bad. I wish you luck in the future Mike, and I hope you can find another team to be successful with. No hard feelings over here, just glad to be able to move on.
Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal
by 49erLou on Oct 21, 2008 11:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wish Nolan nothing but the best
He’s a classy guy and I really, really wanted him to succeed, but he simply wasn’t up to the job.
Lott's Prayer: Almost as many words as the Lord's Prayer, but the Lord wouldn't recognize any of them.
by Nosetackle Supreme on Oct 21, 2008 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Nolan is a great guy, and I hope he has success
But he was not a good coach here
I see the future, and it is Pablo
by CB30 on Oct 21, 2008 2:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nothing good to say but good Bye!
I am glad he’s gone. He and the Yorks have ran this franchise into the ground from day one. Changing OC’s like underwear and have not one ability to fire the team up at half time. It may not be better with Singletary at first but it will be better in the long run. The best thing that Nolan did for this team is draft Patrick Willis and Frank Gore along with Manny Lawson and others that come to mind like Vernon Davis other then that nothing! I cant find find one thing that would thing that would make me want to keep him around. Sorry but that is my opinion and not yours. Sorry if I offended any of you with what I said…..
by 49er lifer on Oct 21, 2008 4:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
Apparently someone missed the purpose of this thread.
In any case, you are probably blind (or unbelievably mistaken) if you truly believe that Nolan or even the Yorks had any power over the departure of all those offensive coordinators.
by sfgfan on Oct 21, 2008 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OCs
There was an article by some clown who blamed the Yorks for not offering Norv Turner more money when San Diego came calling. I don’t think that would have mattered.
He also thinks the 49ers should’ve backed up the Brinks truck to sign Pete Carroll. Real good idea.
http://majorleaguejerk.com/2008/10/21/anatomy-of-a-messed-u-franchise-san-francisco-49ers/
Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!
by Fooch on Oct 21, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turner and article
I think the 49ers DID offer Turner more money. I’m pretty sure I read it from Maiocco, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Maybe it was in the comments sections of his posts, which I think are unsearchable.
As for the blog post you linked to, he complains about the 49ers cap management. If there is anything to knock on the 49ers over the past 4 years, you can almost bet it isn’t the salary cap management. They went from one of the worst teams in the league in one of the better standing ones in just that many years. He points out Strickland’s salary figure as evidence that the front office is bonkers. Apparently the guy missed the memo on how money from one year can be pushed to the next with special unattainable bonuses.
Oh, and I agree with you, Fooch, about the Carrol Idea. He complains about Erickson but praises Carrol. Good job writer.
by sfgfan on Oct 21, 2008 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I may have missed the purpose also.
But I find it a bit premature to throw Mike hugs and kisses of appreciation without even discussing what he has done exactly? I mean I like Mike Nolan, I think he’s a stand up guy, I appreciate that he probably gave the Niners everything he had but the fact remains that this team, with years of drafting in the top 3rd of the draft, is not that much better than the team he inherited.
by methodrampage on Oct 21, 2008 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the original point of this thread points that out.
No one is saying he made some drastic improvements on the field, which is indeed his main job. But why not look at what it appears that he did do. I’m not discounting his short comings at all, don’t get me wrong. I admit he was a poor coach, gameday or not. But his influence on the organization as a whole, or the apparent influence maybe, should not be overlooked. I think that was the purpose of this.
Yes, if you want to just look at the on-field production, then yes, slam him all you want. But there are about 6 or 7 other threads already doing that. This one thread provided a small forum to discuss (and thank him for) the achievements he DID make.
by sfgfan on Oct 21, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops sorry...
I thought this thread was the urinal..
The bases were drunk, and I painted the black with my best yakker. But blue squeezed me, and I went full. I came back with my heater, but the stick flares one the other way and the chalk flies for two bases. Three earnies! Next thing I know, skipper hooks me and I'm sipping suds with the clubby.
by Mike Hawk on Oct 21, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
As if it matters,
Mike Nolan will not even read this nor will he ever. Are we only trying to feel better about dude loosing his job? I on the other hand can care less about Nolan. I only care first and foremost about getting a winning team on the field and that is all that matters to me. If I’m a jerk for saying that then so be it! The point I am making is this he’s gone and not a day to soon! The guy was not doing his job and he let Mike Martz run all over him when he should have used more control over this team that he half assed coached! GLAD HE IS GONE!!!!
by 49er lifer on Oct 21, 2008 6:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You do have to give Nolan this, though: He’s way better at coaching than you are at English.
The Examined Life
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any credibility to your statement that Martz ran all over Nolan?
I’d like to read the articles from a reputable source.
I hate to see anyone get fired. I think it was time but it always sucks to hear about someone going through harsh times no matter what the situation or money is about. Can you say, “Did he have a chance to do it right?” the answer is yes so it’s easier to accept. I still feel bad for the guy and hope him success and happiness as soon as possible.
"We'd like to think that tickets will be hard to come by." Bill Walsh
by TripTheNinja on Oct 21, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Is there any credibility to your statement that Martz ran all over Nolan?
I’m not really sure what you’re referring to, if in fact you are responding to me…
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Oct 22, 2008 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ninja's comments were in reference to 49er lifer's
Probably a simple reply miscue.
by methodrampage on Oct 22, 2008 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess "Lifer's" posts are no longer here.
There are several of these miscues on the posts right now. If you notice some comments completely out of wack just disregard them.
"We'd like to think that tickets will be hard to come by." Bill Walsh
by TripTheNinja on Oct 22, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I take that back..
I posted wrong. Apology for my own miscue.
"We'd like to think that tickets will be hard to come by." Bill Walsh
by TripTheNinja on Oct 22, 2008 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
late to the party, but...
I’ve been away for a week or so, and haven’t been able to really keep tabs on things the way I’d like, but wow.
First of all, I really was surprised by the Nolan firing. I honestly believed they’d let him finish the year, and if not that at least give him a chance to make some kind of statement against Seattle. But…at the same time, I don’t completely disagree with it. And at the very least, I’m glad that Singletary is the guy to take over.
Secondly, holy sh*t. I cannot believe how many haters there are out there. Are you people really so blind as to not see how much Nolan did to help the franchise? Our team was an absolute disaster after Dennis Erickson’s stint here in the bay. That guy f*cked things up here in San Francisco in more ways than most fans can comprehend. The team as a whole was a complete joke when Nolan took over, and now it’s only a matter of our guys playing up to expectations and we’re a competitive team again. Complete 180.
I, for one, am grateful for everything Mike did in his time with us, and I wish him only the best in the future. We live and learn, and perhaps Mike will use the experiences he’s had here to grow and become an even better coach. I’m sure he won’t be looking for a job for very long, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have success elsewhere down the road.
by shlecko on Oct 25, 2008 6:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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