FanPost

Mike Nolan appreciation thread

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.