Coach Mike Nolan would still like to hire an experienced defensive coordinator who has the ability to take control of that side of the ball and allow Nolan to be more of an administrator.

But the chances of that happening appear to be diminishing. Perhaps he's waiting for a coach from one of the final four teams to become available.

The 49ers will not have a new defensive coordinator in place for the Senior Bowl next week. Nolan will likely handle those duties next week, along with assistant head coach Mike Singletary.

If a week or two passes after the Senior Bowl and Nolan still has not found a candidate that meets his specifications, then the most logical scenario is that he promotes Singletary to the title of defensive coordinator while continuing to handle most of the responsibilities himself.

Nolan, in essence, has been the 49ers' defensive coordinator for more than 1 1/2 seasons. Nolan took over most of the hands-on coordinator duties from Billy Davis after the 49ers' 52-17 loss to the Redskins in Week 6 of the 2005 season. Nolan was hoping to mold Davis into a coordinator when he hired him two years ago, it ended up being too much work for him.

Nolan ran the walk-through practices and he was the person in charge of the defensive meetings.

Nolan fired Davis as coordinator on Jan. 2, in hopes that he could fill that spot with someone who was more ready for autonomy. In more than two weeks since the shakeup, Nolan has interviewed just one candidate for the position: former Jets and Lions defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson.

From the beginning, it did not look as if that match would work. Nolan and Henderson are polar opposites, as far as their personalities. They did not always see eye-to-eye during their time together on the Ravens' coaching staff. Nolan certainly has issues with Henderson but word is that he respects him as a coach.

Henderson remains a candidate for the job - since he is the only person who has formally interviewed for the opening. It's not exactly news at this point that Nolan does not view Henderson as the perfect candidate for the job. Nolan didn't waste any time in offering jobs to Al Everest (special teams) and Jim Tomsula (defensive line) after interviewing them last week.

Henderson interviewed Jan. 13 with the 49ers, and there is nothing to suggest that he'll be offered the position any time soon.

So what happens if Nolan can't find that experienced coach? He's back where he started, as the de facto defensive coordinator.

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Two Notre Dame players have decided not to play in the Senior Bowl. QB Brady Quinn has a minor knee condition, and WR Jeff Samardzija has decided to pitch baseball for the Cubs. No word yet on who will replace them on the Senior Bowl roster.

REMINDER: I'll be blogging live from the 2007 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., next week, beginning Monday evening. So tell all your draftnik friends.

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The National Football League announced today the names of 40 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2007 NFL Draft on April 28-29.

Each of the 40 players has met the league's three-year eligibility rule and each has submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. Those players declared eligible are:

Quarterback: JaMarcus Russell, junior (LSU).

Running back: Ahmad Bradshaw, junior, (Marshall); Michael Bush, junior, (Louisville); Chris Henry, junior, (Arizona); Brandon Jackson, junior, (Nebraska); Marshawn Lynch, junior, (Cal); Adrian Peterson, junior, (Oklahoma); Antonio Pittman, junior, (Ohio State); Gary Russell, junior, (Minnesota); Ramonce Taylor, junior, (Texas); Darius Walker, junior, (Notre Dame); Danny Ware, junior, (Georgia).

Wide receiver: Ted Ginn Jr., junior, (Ohio State); Anthony Gonzalez, junior, (Ohio State); Dwayne Jarrett, junior, (USC); Calvin Johnson, junior, (Georgia Tech); Robert Meachem, junior, (Tennessee); Sidney Rice, sophomore, (South Carolina).

Tight end: Zach Miller, junior, (Arizona State); Greg Olsen, junior, (Miami).

Defensive end: Jamaal Anderson, junior, (Arkansas); Antwan Applewhite, junior, (San Diego State); Jason Jack, junior, (Texas A&M); Charles Johnson, junior, (Georgia); Jarvis Moss, junior, (Florida).

Defensive tackle: Alan Branch, junior, (Michigan); Keenan Carter, junior, (Virginia); Stanley Doughty, junior, (South Carolina).

Linebacker: Jon Abbate, junior, (Wake Forest); Jon Beason, junior, (Miami);
Rory Johnson, junior, (Mississippi); Brandon Siler, junior, (Florida); Brock Stratton, junior, (Texas Tech); Lawrence Timmons, junior, (Florida State).

Cornerback: C.J. Gaddis, junior, (Clemson); Chris Houston, junior, (Arkansas); Darrelle Revis, junior, (Pittsburgh); Ryan Smith, junior, (Florida); Eric Wright, junior, (UNLV).

Safety: Reggie Nelson, junior, (Florida).

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The 49ers today announced a plan to offer new ticket price options in 2007. The plan expands the tiered structure introduced by the team last season, and includes seats for as low as $25 per-game in some sections.

"This pricing plan will help us to continue our efforts to offer new options for existing and new season ticket holders," said vice president of sales and marketing David Peart. "Now, even more fans will have the opportunity to watch the 49ers in action at a price that fits their budget."

The plan will introduce new options in approximately 10 percent of seats at Candlestick, and seating in some sections will be lowered or raised depending on location. Pricing for season tickets will run from $25 to $84. Seats for single games will range from $35 to $94, and group sale tickets will be priced at $35 per ticket.

While the plan marginally increases the average ticket price for the 2007 season from $64.19 to $64.33, prices remain below the National Football League average of $78.75, according to the 49ers.

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UPDATE ON 49ERS COACHING OPENINGS

Defensive coordinator - Billy Davis was fired on Jan. 2. The Cardinals hired him Jan. 19 as linebackers coach. Niners coach Mike Nolan has gone slowly in the interview process:

--Dave Campo (current Jaguars assistant head coach/secondary -- Interviewed Jan. 22 at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Campo's background is in the 4-3 defense, but Nolan said of the person he hires, "He doesn't have to know what we do. Football is football." Campo spent 14 seasons with the Cowboys, including three as head coach. He was an assistant for 11 seasons, winning three Super Bowl rings. He was Browns defensive coordinator for two season, and he's been in his current role with the Jaguars for two seasons.

--Donnie Henderson (fired as Lions defensive coordinator Jan. 2) - Interviewed Jan. 13, and went out to dinner that night with Mike Nolan. Henderson and Nolan worked together with the Ravens for two seasons, including two years when Nolan was the defensive coordinator and Henderson was the defensive backs coach. Apparently, Nolan had his differences with Henderson when they worked together, but Nolan respects Henderson's coaching ability.

Others who might become factors:

--Mike Singletary (49ers assistant head coach/LBs) -- He had an interview for the Falcons' head-coaching job, though Bobby Petrino ended up getting hired. It's doubtful Singletary would get the 49ers' defensive coordinator job if he's still available because Mike Nolan prefers somebody with a little more experience. That would enable Nolan to back away from the down-to-down involvement of running the defense and concentrate on managing the game. Nolan would probably go with Singletary if he can't find someone with the experience he is seeking.

--Rob Ryan (Raiders defensive coordinator) -- Who knows what might happen with the Raiders? Ryan could find himself as the head coach, or he could be out of a job. But I don't see any way Al Davis lets his best coach get away to become coordinator of the 49ers.

--Dave McGinnis (Titans assistant head coach/LBs) - Former Cardinals head coach is well-respected defensive mind, but Titans would be unlikely to give him permission to interview for the job.

--Ed Donatell (Falcons def. coordinator) - Former Packers coordinator didn't do much with the Falcons this season.

--Jim Mora (recently fired Falcons head coach) - Got a second interview for the Dolphins' head-coaching position and reportedly has a real chance to land that job.

--Wade Phillips (Chargers def. coordinator) -- Appears to be out of play now that the Chargers announced Marty Schottenheimer will be back as head coach in 2007.

Already taken: Dick LeBeau (remaining with Steelers as part of Mike Tomlin's staff); Dom Capers (has agreed to a three-year extension as Dolphins' defensive coordinaor); Jim Bates (hired as Broncos defensive coordinator); Mike Zimmer (former Cowboys defensive coordinator hired as Falcons defensive coordinator); Larry Coyer (former Broncos defensive coordinator hired as Buccaneers' assistant head coach); Tim Lewis (former Giants defensive coordinator has joined Panthers staff as secondary coach).

Defensive line coach - HIRED JIM TOMSULA on Jan. 16. Gary Emanuel was fired on Jan. 2. Tomsula interviewed for the position on Jan. 12. Tomsula steps down as head coach of the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Tomsula has not coached in the NFL.

Special-teams coordinator -- HIRED AL EVEREST on Jan. 14. Larry Mac Duff resigned Jan. 7 to take a position at the University of Texas. Everest interviewed with the 49ers on Jan. 12. He has been an NFL special-teams coach for 10 seasons, including six with the Saints (2000-05). The Saints were strong on special teams during his tenure, as five of his players won NFC special-teams-player-of-the-week honors. Everest was out of coaching last season, but he put on an offseason clinic at USC that coach Pete Carroll credited for the Trojans' improved special teams.

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NFL HEAD-COACHING UPDATE

RAIDERS (Fired Art Shell on Jan. 4) - HIRED Lane Kiffin, former USC offensive coordinator. Kiffin interviewed Jan. 22 and Jan. 18. Also interviewed Steve Sarkisian on Jan. 17 and Jan. 8. Interviewed Jim Fassel (Jan. 11); interviewed Rob Ryan (Jan. 12); interviewed James Lofton (Jan. 13).

COWBOYS (Bill Parcells retired on Jan. 22). No official candidates.

STEELERS (Bill Cowher resigned on Jan. 5) - HIRED Mike Tomlin, former Vikings defensive coordinator, Jan. 22. The other finalists were Russ Grimm and Ron Rivera. Tomlin interviewed Jan. 10 and Jan. 16. Grimm interviewed Jan. 17 and Jan. 8. Interviewed Ron Rivera (Jan. 7); interviewed Ken Whisenhunt (Jan. 9); interviewed Chan Gailey (Jan. 13); reportedly interviewed Mike Sherman.

DOLPHINS (Nick Saban resigned to take Alabama job Jan. 3) - HIRED Cam Cameron, former Chargers offensive coordinator, Jan. 19. The other reported finalists were Chan Gailey, Jim Mora, Mike Tomlin and Mike Shula. Cameron had second interview Jan. 17 (he also interviewed on Jan. 5); had second interview on Jan. 15 with Mike Tomlin (he also interviewed Jan. 8); had second interview with Jim Mora on Jan. 14 (he also interviewed Jan. 5); interviewed Chan Gailey (Jan. 5); interviewed Ken Whisenhunt (Jan. 6); interviewed Ron Rivera (Jan. 6); interviewed Ron Turner (Jan. 6); interviewed Pete Carroll (Jan. 7); interviewed Dom Capers (Jan. 8); interviewed Brian Schottenheimer (Jan. 10), and has since withdrawn his name from consideration; interviewed Tim Lewis (Jan. 10); interviewed Mike Martz (Jan. 11); interviewed Mike Shula (Jan. 14).

CARDINALS (Fired Dennis Green on Jan. 1) - HIRED Ken Whisenhunt, former Steelers offensive coordinator, Jan. 14. He interviewed Jan. 5 and Jan. 12; also interviewed Mike Sherman Jan. 4 and Jan. 11; interviewed Ron Rivera (Jan. 3); interviewed Cam Cameron (Jan. 6); interviewed Jim Caldwell (Jan. 7); interviewed Norm Chow (Jan. 8); interviewed Russ Grimm (Jan. 9); and reportedly interviewed Clancy Pendergast (defensive coordinator) as a courtesy.

FALCONS (Fired Jim Mora on Jan. 1) - HIRED Bobby Petrino (five years, $24 million), former Louisville coach, Jan. 7. Interviewed Ken Whisenhunt (Jan. 4), Mike Singletary (Jan. 5), and Ron Rivera (Jan. 5).

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