Niners Near Decision on Nolan

San Francisco 49ers Coach Mike Nolan had a second straight day of meetings Tuesday with team co-owner John York and York's son Jed, an executive with the franchise, without an announcement about Nolan's job status.

The 49ers probably will make an announcement today about whether Nolan will keep his job after a 5-11 season. The club has a record of 16-32 in three seasons under Nolan, a former defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens.

There is increasing speculation that Nolan might be retained if he promises to repair his fractured relationship with quarterback Alex Smith, make changes to his offensive coaching staff and surrender his authority over player-related decisions.

That would mean an increase in power for Scot McCloughan, who could be promoted from vice president of player personnel to general manager. McCloughan, not Nolan, would have the final say over player decisions.

It could mean the firing of offensive coordinator Jim Hostler. The 49ers perhaps would try to hire Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator if the former St. Louis Rams head coach is fired as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. The 49ers ranked last in the league in total offense, passing offense and scoring offense this season.

Nolan and Smith clashed during the season over Nolan's handling of the shoulder injury that eventually ended Smith's season early. Smith tried to return from the injury and play but complained of soreness in his forearm, and was publicly critical of Nolan after the decision was made to end the quarterback's season to undergo shoulder surgery.

One potential drawback for the 49ers in retaining Nolan is that it would put them at risk of losing linebackers coach Mike Singletary to a head coaching job in Atlanta or Baltimore. Singletary, who also has the title of assistant head coach with the 49ers, probably would be the leading candidate to replace Nolan in San Francisco if Nolan is fired.

By Mark Maske |  January 2, 2008; 9:39 AM ET  | Category:  49ers
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