Posted By: six_parnassus (01/02/2007 10:11:38 AM)
Comment: Here's a background piece on Manusky from the Times-Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) dated September 25, 2006 where Schottenheimer sees "similarities" btw Manusky and a young Cowher. Schottenheimer hired both (Cowher in 1985 when Schottenheimer coached the Browns). [ http://forum.signonsandiego.com/printthread.php?t=65485 ]. Pretty good read.

Posted By: Dol-Fan (30/01/2007 11:19:25 AM)
Comment: Why not bring in Dan Quinn as the DC? Look what he has done with the Miami D-Line the last two seasons plus he is still young at 36 years old with 6 years NFL experience including 4 with the 9ers.

Response: Dan Quinn is certainly a coach on the rise. It will not be long before he's a coordinator somewhere. --Matt M.

Posted By: six_parnassus (29/01/2007 9:04:43 PM)
Comment: DeWayne Walker [ http://uclabruins.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/walker_dewayne00.html ] is another college grinder (45, DC-UCLA) who memorably stuffed USC in his 1st seasone as Bruin DC. More germanely, Walker knows what NFL gamespeed is all about paying years of NFL dues as a defensive assistant for WAS, NYG, NE, CAR; and even spent 1 year as a coaching intern for SF in 1996. Just as interesting, Walker *turned down* an HC opportunity to interview with Stanford this season so you know this guy isn't batting eyelashes chasing any team who'll fill his dancecard. Walker is also the guy of whom Norm Chow said after UCLA dismantled USC: "I know DeWayne Walker may be better than *both* of those guys [Lane Kiffin & Steve Sarkisian]; DeWayne Walker is a heck of a football coach, which is why I wasn't too surprised he did what he did at UCLA." [ http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/college/abox/article_1393958.php ] Chow worked with all 3 at USC and BYU. He wasn't blowing smoke.

Posted By: Alex (29/01/2007 9:02:56 PM)
Comment: Hey Kirk, you bring a good point. However, you still can have consistency, and bring someone new that knows the offense that is why I think Ken Zampese would be an excellent coach. He has the pedigree, he knows what the Niners are running, he can still bring you the power running game with frank gore because he had that with Rudi Johnson at Cincy, and he has worked with a former no. 1 pick before in Carson Palmer that is why I think also he would be a great choice. Also, I agree with Bill Walsh from a few years back, that there are some young offensive minded coaches out there that has discovered yet that the niners can look at. So, instead of promoting a guy like Jerry Sullivan (no disrespect to him because I think is one of the better WR coaches out there), but there some bright, young offsensive minded coaches that Nolan should look at. If he needs help, he can always call the farm at Stanford, and ask Bill Walsh for advise? Who better than someone to ask advise for then the genious himself.

Posted By: C.A. Grimes (29/01/2007 4:57:58 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt. Thanks for the info regarding our Coaching situations. On a different note what are the chances of Nolan going after a solid #3 WR in Free Agency? If he does my hope is that he goes after D.J. Hackett. This kid learned his craft from the best to ever lace up a pair of cleats. Here are hacketts Career stats... D.J. Hackett #18| Wide Receiver|Seattle Seahawks Height: 6-2 Weight: 199 Born: Jul 31, 1981 - Fontana, CA College: Colorado Draft: 2004 - 5th round (25th pick) by the Seattle Seahawks 2005-13 G/28 Rec./400 yds/30 ypg/14.3 avg./47 long/3.3 yac./17 1stD./2 TDs. 2006-14 G/45 Rec./610 yds./43.6 ypg./13.6 avg./47 long/ 4.7 yac./33 1stD./4 TDs. Now compare those with the rest of the league? League average for yards is 413. League average for TDs is 2. From what I recall he was the odd man out with Rice on the depth chart in '04. Maybe you could put a bug in Coach's ear???

Posted By: six_parnassus (29/01/2007 3:49:16 PM)
Comment: You know what Nolan means when he says "football is football." So why not someone like Bo Pelini, DC-LSU, youngish (b. 1967) but still and obviously a football guy's football guy, -- [ http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=28715&SPID=2164&DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=175222&Q_SEASON=2006 ] -- who just put some whupass on Charlie Weis and Notre Dame? Pelini logged 9 NFL yrs as a defensive assistant for SF(DBs), NE(LBs) & GB(LBs); 3 of them for Seifert/the 49ers (1994-97). Lessons from Norv? Team execs, including Nolan, should give more weight to candidates with personal links to team tradition interviewing for that team. The Niners obviously meant *nothing* to Turner despite's Turner's family and Bay Area ties; the same could apply to Nolan's next DC unless said DC has some belief in or bond to Niner tradition. Pelini seems like that kind of guy; going out of his way to credit Seifert and Carroll [ http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/football/cs-0701010102jan01,1,4242553.story?coll=cs-college-print ] on the eve of Notre Dame's destruction. Which may not endear him to John York, an ND alum, but that's a different story. If Nolan wants to get a "feel" for the difference between older-and-experienced (Campo, Henderson) vs. young-and-promising (Manusky), someone like Pelini with NFL-experience and successful DC experience running a top collegiate defense (D1 top 10 in 4 categories) AND ties to 49er tradition could approximate the balanced "ideal."

Posted By: Steve G (29/01/2007 3:11:38 PM)
Comment: According to the Star-Telegram, the Dallas Cowboys are going to interview Mike Singletary for the Head Coaching job. Matt - what is your take on this?

Posted By: wsmith (29/01/2007 2:37:02 PM)
Comment: Throughout this Dallas coaching search, I often read that Norv didn't have a chance to win in either Washington or Oakland because of the ownership. I agree with the Oakland assessment, but not so much with Washington. Dan Snyder (or should I say "Mr. Snyder") didn't purchase the team until the 99 season. Prior to that, Norv went 32-47-1 thru those first 5 Snyder-free seasons, with ZERO playoff appearances. I thought the Cooke's were a great ownership group to work for? How did he not have a chance to win with them? You wonder if Jerry Facelift Jones is pondering this...

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (29/01/2007 9:41:02 AM)
Comment: I don't begrudge Norv from taking his dream job, but I wonder if Jerry Jones realizes how diluted Norv's authority would be, given that the media and his players will perceive that he is only a placeholder for Garrett? There is a bit of a parallel with Gibbs and Gregg Williams in DC, but Gibbs is clearly in charge there. I think of DeBartolo hiring Mariucci and asking Seifert to be a placeholder while Mooch gained experience, or Parcells thinking that he could move up to GM with the Jets and have Belichek follow him. So if he hires Norv and next season Garrett gets an offer elsewhere, what then? It is fascinating the way these owners try to orchestrate events that they really have no control over. That said, Norv's year helped Nolan out a lot by legitimizing his decision to pick Alex Smith #1. So long Norv, and thanks.

Response: I think Norv would be comfortable with it because he is really tight with Jason Garrett. Plus, it's easy to see that Norv wants to be a head coach again. --Matt M.

Posted By: wsmith (29/01/2007 9:35:57 AM)
Comment: 49ers.com is reporting Manusky has already interviewed for the job.

Posted By: kem99 (29/01/2007 9:34:31 AM)
Comment: Matt, Question about asking permission to interview another team's position coaches for coordinator positions. From what I've read over the last few weeks, my understanding is that a team can deny permission for another team to speak with any of its assistant coaches unless it is for a head coaching position. In other words, a team can deny permission for another team to interview its QB coach for its offensive coordinator job even if it might be viewed as a "promotion" from a position coach to a coordinator position. Is that correct? If so, has that changed in recent years? I seem to recall a few years ago some debate over whether it was promotion for an "assistant head coach/position coach" to go to another team as a coordinator.

Response: Your interpretation is correct. And you're correct again. It didn't always use to be that way. There have been a number of different rules through the years. At one point, you could only tag one coach on your staff that you could keep. But now a contract is a contract, unless a team is trying to lure him away for a head-coaching job. --Matt M.

Posted By: Cyrus (29/01/2007 8:51:50 AM)
Comment: It's not just about overall coaching experience-- how much more 3-4 experience does Manusky have than Singletary? My guess is that it becomes a LOT more than "slightly".

Response: You're probably right. In years coaching in the NFL, it's "slightly." Nolan has been doing homework on all the people he has interviewed or considered for interviews, so he is convinced he at least deserved an interview. --Matt M.

Posted By: Phil (29/01/2007 8:14:41 AM)
Comment: Thanks for the great job you do. I really believe that Mike Nolan is grooming his friend Mike Singletary to be a head coach in the NFL. Singletary's name comes up every year for a head coaching position. He is not an X's and O's kind of guy but rather a motivator and team builder. He may get that head coaching opportunity as soon as next year. Mike Nolan realizes that and this is why he does not want to hire Singletary as our temporary defensive coordinator. Nolan is looking for more of a long term solution.

Posted By: Kirk Fiege (29/01/2007 7:35:19 AM)
Comment: In all fairness to Sullivan, he didn't have a lot to work with that year in Arizona. Consistency would be good for the whole offense. And having Steve (the Shark)Sarkisian is unlikely, but it would be great! I`m from Saskatchewan, and I remember when he was playing QB here. We had a terrible starter and I kept lobbying for him to go in, things didn't work out obviously and he went to coach high school football. It's amazing how far he's come, an old Roughrider! You people need to trust in Nolan & co. They are doing a great job, and building this team right.

Posted By: Dan (29/01/2007 7:06:43 AM)
Comment: Is it correct to assume that if the Cowboys hire Wade instead of Norv, that Manusky would likely end up as the Chargers DC?

Response: I can't imagine why the Chargers would let Manusky interview with the 49ers if there was any chance that Phillips might leave. Perhaps, Manusky wants to strike out on his own because it seems unlikely that Schottenheimer would be back in 2008, and Manusky would be looking for a job then. --Matt M.

Posted By: phil (29/01/2007 6:34:33 AM)
Comment: Its not looking good for alex smith. 3 OC's in 3 years cant be good for a young qb.

Posted By: daniel (28/01/2007 10:07:55 PM)
Comment: Love Greg Manusky as a candidate. The guy coached shawne merriman and shaun phillips(who wasn't even supposed to start this year) in to some of the best linebackers in the game. Steve foley also had career years under him and his linebacking corp as a whole is the best in the league. I love that nolans going after some of the young defensive minds. I know he said he wanted a guy with expereience, but sometimes you have to take a chance. Billy davis didn't have any prior success in the nfl before we hired him, so thats why this is different. I hope we also look at pepper johnson, the patriots D-line coach...anyone from belechicks coaching staff is always a plus.

Posted By: wsmith (28/01/2007 10:03:47 PM)
Comment: Matt what day is Manusky coming in for his interview? Does Nolan have any more interviews lined up besides that? Will you be interviewing Manusky at all after his interview? Thanks

Response: Nolan has no more interviews set up, but that could change. I think Manusky is interviewing today. I probably will not be speaking to him. --Matt M.

Posted By: John (28/01/2007 9:51:59 PM)
Comment: Matt, Thanks again for the quick information. Manusky is a great prospect. Not only are SD's linebackers very talented but he has been coaching with one of the top 3-4 coaches in the league. Do you have any knowledge about what his personal impact has been on SD's defense an their LB's? Also, any thoughts on other candidates for OC other than Sullivan should Turner leave?

Response: The only personal impact I know is that he's produced strong units and Pro Bowlers. Is name was floated as a possible replacement for Phillips if he landed a head-coaching job. As for other thoughts on offensive coordinators, it would be merely pulling names out of a hat. Sullivan, at least, is on staff and I know he would be considered. --Matt M.

Posted By: AJ From San Jose (28/01/2007 9:33:48 PM)
Comment: One name I want the Niners to go after is Ken Zampese from the Bengals. He is young, bright, and a talented up and coming offensive mind coming up in the NFL ranks. I believe that the Bengals is Mike Nolan ask with give him permission because the niners is not in the same divison as the Bengals. The only way that Marvin Lewis will not give permission to a team if they are in the same division as the bengals. Eventhough he did interview him once back when Nolan took over the job. Which I thought was a mistake, because he chose Mike McCarthy instead of him because Nolan wanted to go with the west coast offense at the time. Also, I think Zampese will be a great hire because he is the son who Norv Turner learned the offense from (Ernie Zampese), he knows the system from his father, should know the number system that Turner runs, has some background of the west coast offense while being an assistant coach for Ray Rhodes, and his ability to coach QBs especially number 1 pick QBs (Carson Palmer). I hope Nolan be to conservative, and aggressively go after Ken Zampese and offer him the OC right away before another team like the raiders snatch him up.

Posted By: Mike Sacramento (28/01/2007 9:00:16 PM)
Comment: Unfornately, if Turner accepts the Cowboys gig. Knowing Nolan, and how conservative, and safe he is. Jerry Sullivan will be your new Offensive Coordinator. Instead of being aggressive and going after either Keith Rowen, Ken Zampese, Terry Shea, or Steve Sarkaisan. So, if Nolan chooses Sullivan as OC when we thought we were about to make the playoffs in 2007, get ready for another year of futility of offense (can we say 2005), and a regression of Alex Smith, because Nolan is to stubborn to go after some of the young offensive minds out there, and be safe hire Sullivan who was only a OC once and that Offense ranked 27th in offsense back in 2003, eventhough he did have a 101 reception, and 1,001 yard receiver in Anquain Bolden. However, they still ranked 27th in offense in 2003 when he was OC with Arizona.

Posted By: Steve G (28/01/2007 7:43:29 PM)
Comment: Matt - It doesn't look good for us given the recent news about Norv's visit to Dallas. Who are some of the candidates Nolan might go after if Norv accepts the job?

Posted By: six_parnassus (28/01/2007 7:25:04 PM)
Comment: Greg Manusky? Gawd. Is Nolan a crack addict too? [ http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=419812 ]. We liked Manusky and still do. [ http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/greg-manusky.htm ] We trust Nolan to determine whether Manusky has what it takes because Manusky *isn't* Davis. Davis -- an ex college QB -- didn't 'just' fail for lack of experience; what Davis truly lacked was credible NFL success BEFORE he became SF's DC-in-progress. Close examination of Davis' NFL résumé would have revealed an alarming, consistent lack of success among the units Davis coached. In other words, Davis was the polar opposite of Manusky, an ex-standout NFL special teamer who's coached 4 Pro Bowlers in 5 years and whose linebacking corps forms the backbone of SD's defense. Nolan often hints Singletary's strengths (leadership & fraternal communication skills) may be better suited to a HC than a DC required to teach and develop players ASAP, scout and scheme with an attention to detail. Manusky may not turn out to be "the guy," but at least Manusky is a Nolan type of guy (well prepared, results oriented, solid teacher).

Posted By: Richard (From Stockton) (28/01/2007 5:18:13 PM)
Comment: Why is Nolan bringing in someone who has less experience then Mike Singletary. If Nolan is bringing in someone like Greg Manusky, then why not just promote Mike Singletary. Also, if you are going to bring in someone with less experience then Billy Davis, then why would you fire him. I don't get Mike Nolan thinking sometimes. First he wants to take his time and find an experience coordinator and get it right. I understand he wants to do that, and he is a defensive minded coach, but taking his time all of the top defensive minded coordinators are gone. No one is left that has the experience he wants. Now he wants to promote Jerry Sullivan as OC if Norv Turner leaves, because he want to have the same system in place, and have continuity, but Sullivan does not have the knowledge to bring in a young QB along. WR he knows, but not coaching QB's. He can still bring in someone outside of the area, and still keep the system. George Seifert did it when Mike Holmgren left, and brought in Mike Shannahan in 1991. Also, when he let go John Marshall he brought in Pete Carroll back in '95. This is what Nolan needs to do.

Posted By: Mike G. (28/01/2007 5:07:55 PM)
Comment: I agree with you wsmith. If Norv Turner wants to be a one year head coach for Jerry Jones, and be let go in 2008 so Jones can go after a Bill Cowher or a Lovie Smith then I say good bye. Also, if he thinks working with Randy Moss was a headache when he was complaining for not getting the ball when he was head coach for the raiders, then what do u think Terrell Owens will do to him when he is getting 2 or 3 catches a game like Randy Moss did, and Antonio Bryant. Norv Turner if you want to go especially to the hated Cowgirls then go. Us Niners fans want someone who is loyal to the team, and finish what they started. I just hope Mike Nolan does some research this time and get a guy that is willing to stay here for at least a couple of years. Also, someone not just only knows the offsense but someone with will be a QB guru to Alex Smith. That's why I keep harping the names Ken Zampese from and Steve Sarkaisan from USC.31 I don't think Jerry Sullivan is it. He can teach WRs but coaching QB's he is not. No disrespect to Jeff Hostler as well. I want someone who has real imagination on offense with a young bright mind.

Posted By: wsmith (28/01/2007 4:43:10 PM)
Comment: He might as well book some time on his calendar for OC interviews as well - I think Norv to Dallas is a near lock. Reading Norv's comments today in Dallas, if he doesn't get the Cowboys job, he wants another shot as a HC. So one way or another, Norv is gone. You wonder if Nolan would have hired him if he knew Norv would jump ship so fast at the next HC opportunity. It seems like keeping coaches around for continuity is harder these days than it is keeping players.