Posted By: chuck from Penngrove (09/01/2008 4:41:53 PM)
Comment: "Please Berger"... If you don't want to read what someone's saying I would suggest simply skipping the persons comment and lower your anxiety level... My powers been out, my DSL has been down and my dish has been out. My anxiety level is way up. I just heard the Martz news. I'm still in a bit of a shock but don't want to put a damper on many peoples good vibe. (A begrudging tip of the fedora to "Mike Martz Fan.) But this hire seems to me to be somewhat like the Captain of the Titanic hiring the Captain of the Exxon Valdez to navigate his ship through the ice bergs. I just have a feeling that it's not going to work out too well. I think that anyone (ANYONE!) who knows anything about offense will be a welcome innovation to 4949 Centennial Blvd. in 2008. There, I said something positive. Grumble, grumble...

Posted By: Joe (09/01/2008 2:24:23 PM)
Comment: So who do you think stands to benefit the most from the Martz hiring? I believe Darrell Jackson has the quicks and smarts to become the number one, with Lelie or Hill lining up on the other side and Battle moving to the slot. Vernon as TE or split wide and Walker as H-Back with Gore alone in the backfield a bit more than we are used to. The offense is already starting to smell dangerous :)

Posted By: Berger (09/01/2008 2:02:37 PM)
Comment: Thanks Reno Roy. I would've ingored him except I wanted to give him an option to be a happier person. I don't mind being capped on, but I might fire back. Pat/SC Rick- I think we can get QB/Paul Smith/Tulsa in about round 3-5. He would be worth developing. He's athletic, 6'2", throws over the top and is accomplished. IMO he is superior to Brennan.

Posted By: Parker (09/01/2008 1:59:54 PM)
Comment: Good points Pat. No tears will be necessarily shed here if the niners take a pass on Colt. I think we all agree that Shaun Hill won't be the second coming of Tony Romo, so I'm even looking ahead to the 09 draft. Seen the Nate Davis kid from Ball State yet? If he comes out as junior, you never know.

Posted By: JJninerFan (09/01/2008 1:43:08 PM)
Comment: With all the questions about running a 34 defense... the 34 usually takes bigger more athletic outside backers who can cover or rush. it's almost like running a 43 except your DE is standing up and you have no idea which one is coming. the 3 down linemen are by design to hold the line of scrimage so the 4 line backers can blitz or make plays from different angles. the 9er d-line played pretty well this year, the let down was from the line backing core. P willis had an unbelievable year but if the other backers were playing properly he would not have had to make that many tackles

Posted By: Pat (09/01/2008 1:43:00 PM)
Comment: Parker, I think Brennan was a 2nd round guy before that bowl game. There is a good list of pretty solid QB's coming out this year. Brennan isn't even top 3. If you're thinking QB in round 2, I'd sure hope it would be a higher rated guy falling to us. Recent history is showing QB's falling. The league already has too many inexperienced young developing QB's and not enough proven vets who can play. See Testaverde being signed and starting. Is there really that much difference between Brennan coming out after his senior year compared to Alex coming out after his junior year. I sure hope we go for playmakers early. We don't need another QB to develop.

Posted By: Reno Roy (09/01/2008 1:30:35 PM)
Comment: Berger Please - I have met Berger. I've watched 9er games with Berger. Berger is as passionate about the 9ers as anyone I've known. You are no Berger. Save your complaints for the obsessive Nolan haters and others who spew irrational, borderline psychotic vitriol every day. Please. Oh, and if you look at past SB winners, almost invariably they can stop the run and rush the QB. Both features of good D-line utilization. As for the draft, the history of McCloughan/Nolan is to take the top player regardless of position or need. I see them signing FA's for need and using the draft to build depth and position competition.

Posted By: SC Rick (09/01/2008 1:19:29 PM)
Comment: San Fran, ref your WR comments. #1, Nolan's the HC, McClouhan the GM and the one with final say on players. #2, WR's take time to develop, normally I agree with this, but consider SJSU's James Jones drafted by GB last year, I think we could agree he made an impact. And he was a player taken just after Hill. But then, he does have Brett delivering the passes. #3 There was an attempt to improve the WR position last yr in picking up Jackson and Lelie, granted they didn't pan out but they were not cheap decisions, but may have been the best that we could get. #4 I think that Matt already addressed the interviews in guessing that conversations took place over the phone. #5 I know this coaching staff has concerns (such as if Martz succeeds he'll leave to a HC position and if he doesn't succeed it'll show in our record), but I am one who is looking forward to off-season moves and to next season.

Posted By: Parker (09/01/2008 1:09:48 PM)
Comment: Pat - Thanks to Brennan's bowl performance, he could be the niners third Quebee. I say if he's on the board when we pick in the second round, take a chance on him.

Posted By: SC Rick (09/01/2008 1:07:19 PM)
Comment: Pat, ref your question about the 3rd QB next year. Lots can happen either through trade or draft, but I don't see our #1 QB coming to us through trade or draft. In the FA market there's not many (any?) names that make you go oooo, but consider JT Sullivan, an UFA who was Martz's back-up at Detroit. I don't know much about him except that he looked capable in brief relief for Kitna.

Posted By: SanFran (09/01/2008 12:47:47 PM)
Comment: This blows, Pro Football Talk said it best "this marriage is a product of desperation". Nolan knows he has one year to fix it or bye bye! Martz is developing a bad reputation for throw, throw, throw. We don't have the talent for what Martz wants to do. I don't think Nolan will draft a WR because they take time to develop; he needs a quick fix, a player who can step in immediately! They didn't even interview Cam. So many bad moves by this organization, unbelievable! Nolan & York need to go, keep Scot!

Posted By: Pat (09/01/2008 12:14:18 PM)
Comment: So who is the 3rd QB going to be that competes in training camp? I have a strong feeling that there will be somebody else brought in that is of a starters caliber. If we are willing to open the competition up between Alex and Hill, why would we not look to bring in someone that is better then Hill. Both Smith and Hill are unproven to some extent. I think the QB situation is going to get very very interesting. The comments by the coaches at this point are all going to be positive so we can't really believe all they say. Using common sense, Nolan coaching for his job, Martz coaching for his future and saving him name from failure, I just can't see them going into the season with Smith and Hill.

Posted By: Berger (09/01/2008 12:04:02 PM)
Comment: Whoever is using the name "Berger Please", it must be a menial life having nothing to say except capping on other people. I would not use my normal blog name either if were to show adolescent tendencies. Why don't you tell us who you are or go away. And FYI, if my 49ers would do something about the d-line I would talk about something else. I want to win, you obviously just want to condescend. I hope it makes you feel important because you are obviously an unhappy person.

Posted By: Pat (09/01/2008 12:03:07 PM)
Comment: My thought on Martz utilizing Vernon Davis. People are acting like we've been using him so effectively already. Vernon has not been a big part of our offense at all. He's had to go into Nolan's office to complain. There have been long stretches where he hasn't even gotten any looks at all. People are acting like this could get even worse with Martz, I don't see that. It's not like VD has been a Gates, Gonzales, Heap or Shockey. He already has been under utilized, this could only improve. Martz never has had a talent such as VD, so you really can't say he under utilizes his TE.

Posted By: samra (09/01/2008 11:50:26 AM)
Comment: hey matt was McCoy released or what because i didnt think free agency began untill the end of febuary

Response: McCoy was released in the final week to make room for Drew Olson. But the 49ers claimed they wanted to re-sign him. Apparently, the Jets wanted him a lot more. --Matt M.

Posted By: Berger Please (09/01/2008 11:41:06 AM)
Comment: Berger - On behalf of many fans on this blog I have one question for you. Do you have to post EVERY SINGLE DAY on the 49ers upgrading the D line? We get it already!!!! We know your opinion. Thank you. You have managed the impossible and surpassed Oneniner as the most annoying poster on Matt's blog. You are like a broken record. Over and over and over again. Come up with something new or different, otherwise start your own "49ers need to upgrade D-line blog". My goodness what is wrong with you.

Posted By: Berger (09/01/2008 11:23:35 AM)
Comment: Just my opinion, but I have two major problms with Nolan. One, hopefully, has just been solved. In an interview with Hostler and by hearing some comments by reporters, it seems Nolan was more worried about getting through practice on time instead of making sure they got it right. Martz mentioned they would pay attention to detail in practice. One down, one to go. Now let's pay attention to the other major flaw, d-line. It's not just the personnel, it is also the way Nolan uses them. I've seen Nolan improve in many areas, so far. Let's hope he sees the light on DL this year.

Posted By: Vernon Davis (09/01/2008 11:18:30 AM)
Comment: Martz was asked if he'd try to duplicate what he did with the Rams during the Greatest Show on Turf days. "I think what we do is pragmatic. I think the centerpiece is obviously Frank. He's playing at such a high level. You try to get everybody up to that level. ... To come in and say we're going to duplicate (St. Louis) is just wrong. It's just different people, a different situation." We are rolling with Mad Mike!!!

Posted By: louie (09/01/2008 11:05:24 AM)
Comment: It's a good short term move considering Nolan's and the team's situation. If they manage to put something together next season everybody wins. If not, everybody loses, Holmgren comes in as a real GM, and we start all over.

Posted By: LEMMING from New Moon (09/01/2008 10:22:00 AM)
Comment: Some comments read like the author is an angry, bitter, little person. Life's too short; might want to try to lighten up a bit.

Posted By: BHF (09/01/2008 10:20:35 AM)
Comment: I didn't want Nolan to hire Mad Martz but not that he has I concede that it will be fun to watch, good or bad. It will not be boring.

Posted By: Fools (09/01/2008 10:18:26 AM)
Comment: SB from SF and Marco from Stockton. Do you guys think? Martz will utilize the talent he has. We are not the Lions and we are not the Rams. We are the 49ers. The Lions and Rams had opposite personnel and Martz made due with what he had at his disposal. He knows and realizes Vernon is his #2 threat on Offense. Who cares if he didn't have a productive TE in Detroit or St. Louis. He DOES have one in San Francisco and he will use it. Martz created the "greatest show on turf" based on the personnel the Rams had when he came to them in 1999. All those guys were already in place and he learned to utilize them. That's what good offensive coordinator do. His offense then changed in Detroit when he had much bigger receivers and no O-line or running backs to think of. Look at Matt's response comment below and STOP posting before you THINK. PLEASE. Martz is not an idiot and he is NOT trying to force a bad scheme on the wrong personnel. As Matt's response comment states, Vernon and all the guys on Offense should be (and are ecstatic over this hire).

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (09/01/2008 10:05:27 AM)
Comment: How does Detroit giveng up the most sacks in the NFL last year(2007) sound? How does Martz offensive scheme putting to much pressure on their own Defenses seem? Detroit finished 32th in league Defense(2007). I wish the Niners well, but let's see what happens first before praising what a great hire. A look at stats warns overwise. IMHO this was a pure PR hire to sell tixs.

Posted By: SB from SF (09/01/2008 9:57:31 AM)
Comment: Jason - My concern is about Vernon Davis as well since Martz has never used his tight ends. The best year out of any of them was for 400 something yards, but other then that his tight ends averaged about 150 yards a season. Then again Martz has never had a good TE to work with. Martz likes 3 wide, 1 blocking TE and single back formations. Either VD will be blocking a lot or will end up as a hybrid 3rd WR/TE in the slot.

Posted By: shobbrobb (09/01/2008 9:24:01 AM)
Comment: How does 1300 yards for gore and 2 1000 yard recievers sound?

Posted By: FLIP-FLOPPER (09/01/2008 9:19:43 AM)
Comment: Oneniner if nothimng else ur one hell of a cheerleader.

Posted By: Parker (09/01/2008 8:58:33 AM)
Comment: Take this conference call with a grain of salt. Nice lip service from Martz that he admires both Alex and Shaun as quarterbacks and both have equal potential. Oy vey. The only nugget that Martz revealed on the call is that Gore will be the centerpiece, as he should be. Because our quarterback never will be.

Posted By: MARCO from New York (09/01/2008 8:31:16 AM)
Comment: Oh my god!!! Where does one start? Did anyone listen to the conference call? First, Warhop, who was fired by Parcell, whose unit was the most disappointing, keeps his job. Second, when Nolan speaks, reality CEASES to exist. "We are better today than we were yesterday." , who is he kidding. Mike & Mike are two empty suits with oversized EGOS who are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Just remember back to Martz's coaching against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The Patriots were in the dime package from the start, daring Martz to run the ball. What did Martz do, continue to pass, and his 14 point favorite team lost the Super Bowl. His performance since then has only reinforced the the fact that his ego rules his thought process. This was a desparate move by a desparate coach who knows he is incompetent and should have been fired this year if the 49ers had competent ownership. DO NOT renew your season tickets. DO NOT be lemmings. Yesterday was all smoke and mirrors!

Posted By: Jason (09/01/2008 7:51:58 AM)
Comment: Just thought of someone I didn't mention. Where does Vernon Davis fit? Martz has never had a big time play maker. Being the offensive genius (or mad genius) I am sure he will figure it out.

Posted By: Jason (09/01/2008 7:43:20 AM)
Comment: Thanks for the update Matt. I am surprised to see Bishop Harris let go. He was Frank's guy. Did Nolan talk to Frank about this? Does he seem to be OK with it? This hire is growing on me. I was not thrilled when I first heard it. I read some of the comments that Martz doesn't utilize RB's and then I remembered Faulk his MVP seasons under Martz. That he gets QB's killed, and realized that he has never had a QB as athletic as Alex or Shaun and his OL's towards the end in StL and in Detroit were terrible. The WR's on the roster have all had very productive seasons before so I don't see why they can't again. Jackson and Lelie are both capable of 1000 yd seasons, Battle could be one of the top 3rd down/possession receivers in the league, and we have no idea what Hill is capable of yet. I'd say thats a pretty good starting point. If they can add a true #1 I'd be happy, but I think Martz can make do with what he has.

Posted By: razoreater (09/01/2008 7:41:10 AM)
Comment: it will be interesting how the draft unfolds with m&m onboard-what i am looking forward to the most is how vd is utilized-it could be a breakout year for him-matt ne talk about whether allen will retire?

Posted By: Toby (09/01/2008 7:22:36 AM)
Comment: RK: Spot on! These are the most encouraging signs from the Niners for a while. One of my biggest gripes about Nolan was his incessant BSing and non-sensical mumblings (along with his buffoon-like game day management), hopefully now we will see an improvement in both...and so far so good.

Posted By: Toby (09/01/2008 7:19:04 AM)
Comment: Well, he said all the right things. Talk is cheap however, so as some of the wise posters have mentioned, lets see what happens. I'm genuinely excited by the fact that he says he will make Frank the centrepiece of the O. If this is true, we should start exciting the fans and troubling the scorers again. Fingers crossed.

Posted By: RK in LA (09/01/2008 7:11:39 AM)
Comment: When Nolan said "it will be his offense" and "Mike is the expert on quarterback play" they were the most intelligent comments out of his mouth in months. Its encouraging that Martz thinks the players are here.

Posted By: Will's Dad (09/01/2008 6:50:22 AM)
Comment: Matt, thanks for all your hard work. How do Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings fit into a Martz offense? It seems that they do not fit. If that is the case and we go a different direction, we could possibly be without JJ, LA, Smiley and Kwame. There goes all our OL depth. Who would you presume are our priorities to retain? Thanks!!!

Posted By: Da Niners (09/01/2008 6:48:28 AM)
Comment: Matt, great interview. That said, please allow me comment on this ongoing "Niner Faithful" vs. "Nolan-ites" argument. From my perspective, every Niner fan should remain skeptical of this team's ability to perform on Sundays until proven otherwise. In three years, Mike Nolan as shown few glimpses of being a strong and competent leader. Is Martz an upgrade? Sure. Is he the best choice? No. Was he the best option? Yes, probably because Cam Cameron told Nolan he was not interested. Before we all start getting too excited, let's see what this group can do on Sundays. Expectations are what got us into this mess in the first place. Next, to equate being "faithful" with the blind support of an underperforming coach is beyond ignorant and borders on plain stupidity (few here probably know the difference). The reality is that Presidents, CEO's, head coaches and other high-level executives do and should take the heat for underperforming. Does that bring into question someone's allegiance of an organization (or a country)? Of course not, and especially when we are talking about coaches who receive seven-figure contracts. Take the example of the Iraq War, I support the soldiers in the field, but I do not support the jackass who decided to put them there. One is not dependent upon the other, and only a simpleton would invite such debate. Of course, I regress. In the end, what the York's and Nolan put on the field this season was inexcusable. The burden is on them to "buy back" the confidence of the "Niner Faithful". In order to do so, they need to field a consistently competitive team. If they do so, I and all "Niner Faithful" will certainly offer Nolan our unwavering support, but it his job to earn that support and not for me to unconditionally give.

Posted By: Indiana Jim (09/01/2008 6:38:47 AM)
Comment: #1: It is time for everybody to grow up, and that includes Frank Gore. This is the NFL, jobs come and jobs go. Just 'cause his position coach has left, doesn't mean Frank can't do his job. #2: Mike Martz turned Marshall Faulk into an MVP. Gore will get his. #3: Mike Martz is a much better boss for Warhop and Sullivan, and they won't be doing their own thing. #4: Matt Maiocco makes Matt Barrows look like a chump.

Posted By: Marc -NJ49er's Son (09/01/2008 6:14:50 AM)
Comment: Matt, Can you give us your thoughts about the (scratch your head) retaining of Warhop and loss of Bishop?

Response: Really, the only offensive coach I thought had a really good chance of coming back was TEs coach Pete Hoener. I expected a thorough overhaul. --Matt M.

Posted By: NJ - Mike (09/01/2008 5:56:17 AM)
Comment: Matt -- Correct me if I'm wrong, please... But didn't Nolan say with regard to the firing of Hostler that everyone is held "accountable?" So why are Warhop (50+ sacks) and Sullivan (can you spell D-R-O-P?) still part of the staff? Or is the truth that no one is accountable and what Nolan meant to say is, "I needed a fall guy for my own sorry performance. Hoss was the man." ?

Posted By: Joe (09/01/2008 5:12:29 AM)
Comment: Can you ask how they can possibly keep Warhop? The oline was terrible and there are good OL coaches available this year. Sullivan was iffy but I can see keeping him. I thought Bishop did a good job. What's the reasoning on the assistants?

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (09/01/2008 4:09:46 AM)
Comment: I know you're busy Matt but your responses make the comment page. I read all the comments posted but read your responses first. The people that write on your blog maintain a dignity which is a reflection on your writing. Thanks

Posted By: Andrew from Rishikesh (09/01/2008 2:58:10 AM)
Comment: Wow, regardless if you think Mike Martz is the the solution for the teams offensive problems I tip my hat to his hiring. He rocks the boat and if Nolan slips up he will surely take over. We won't be boring that's for sure and the QB becomes accountable for all to see. I think Nolan can hear the footsteps. Initially I thought he was a poor choice but upon review he's the best agent for change.

Posted By: 9er4life (09/01/2008 1:27:50 AM)
Comment: you know its hard to believe that some people actually call them selves 9er fans and do nothing but rip on the team consantly. yes this includes the coaches and the front office as well as the players. i have heard nothing but bad feedback from almost all the so called "faithful" until today when Martz was officially hired. Now everyone is back on the band wagon (with the exception of a few). throwing there opinions at everyone within an earshot. I guess now its my turn. I personally did not think that Nolan would actually pull the trigger on Martz (Cam was the more obvious, safe choice), but he did and guess what, there is no where to go but way up from here. our offense can't get any worse than it has been of late. Martz may not perform the turn around he did in his first year in stl but anything will be a vast improvement from this last years offense. I'm all for this hire, Martz gave me constant headaches when he was with the rams (the team we completely dominated every yr before his arrival) now its time for him to soothe that pain and bestow it upon some other unexpecting fans, say like the chickenhawks for example. Frank will flourish with Martz behind the wheel, (hell he would flourish with any of the candidates Nolan had in mind this time around) and that is the key to our ascension back up the ladder of dominance. It matters not what he did with prior teams, just that he knows how to get good production from the weapons he has now and the ones he will add shortly. I would say with pretty good certainty that the days of getting creamed 35-7, or worse, are in the past. I sincerely hope i never have to endure that again. But if i do my, faith will still stay strong. I was born a 9er fan and i will die a 9er fan no matter what circumstances may arise. that is a testament to my faith in this team and that will never falter, i will roll with all the punches good or bad. believe me i have been just as frustrated as the rest of you but there is a difference between calling yourself a 9er fan and actually being one. that includes supporting your team no matter what, even if they are 2-14 with little signs of improvement. I will continue to watch every game and also go to every game that i possibly can no matter who the coaches or players we have on the team are. I hope most of you can stop whining and threatening to pull your support from the team that you say you love so much. Now is the time when the players need fan support the most. Otherwise we'll end up being another lowly team like Arizona. Where the fans are as fickle as ever. trust me i see it everyday, i live there. Here's to brighter days ahead. GO 9ERS!!!

Posted By: Blade (09/01/2008 1:04:10 AM)
Comment: i'll be honest cam was my first choice because our players match them of the cargers alot but martz was my strong second and i like how he talked about gore so he wouldnt feel left out if we solidify our line get 1 solid wr i bet we'll be a pretty damn good offense i'm glad nolan proved me wrong i thought he was going to cheap out and hire a puppet,if nolan tells his to do something on 3rd and 12 i'm sure martz will nod and do it martz's way anyway good hire nolan.

Posted By: Cyrus (09/01/2008 12:55:32 AM)
Comment: Matt, curious on your opinion about this-- do you think that McCloughan and/or Nolan will ever report to someone other than the owners, eg will the 49ers hire a team president? Holmgren may step down, and LaMonte is his agent...

Response: I doubt it. I think there will be a team president in the future, but that person will probably be Jed York. --Matt M.

Posted By: AthensGaNiner (09/01/2008 12:09:24 AM)
Comment: Matt: This has been mentioned earlier, but I don't think it was actually made into a question: What effect will releasing Bishop Harris have on Gore's attitude? I understand that the two are pretty close.

Posted By: Niners08 (09/01/2008 12:01:55 AM)
Comment: Matt - Is there any chance that Tom Rathman comes back to the Niners as Running back coach?

Posted By: Medford (08/01/2008 11:51:19 PM)
Comment: U guys dont think Tollner is going stick around after this upcoming season. The man is 67 years old stop jumping on his bandwagon just because Hill had two good games against two teams that didnt care.

Posted By: SFin AK (08/01/2008 11:45:19 PM)
Comment: Matt, Does Martz have a previous relationship with Warhop or Sullivan? It seems unbelievable that they would be retained given the performance of their units. Any rumors on whether Bill Callahan was considered for the OC position (or any other positions)? Thanks.

Posted By: Medford (08/01/2008 11:43:51 PM)
Comment: Im more excited to see the Niners next year now. I think it was a good move to hire Martz. Maybe we could pick up Issac Bruce, and trade for another WR (85) maybe.

Posted By: Whatever (08/01/2008 10:57:49 PM)
Comment: Too bad the Niners are still going to suck. That is until Nolan gets canned

Posted By: Marco from Stockton (08/01/2008 10:43:14 PM)
Comment: Martz will be the sixth OC in 6 six straight years. Greg Knapp 2003. Ted Tolner 2004, Mike McCarthy 2005, Norv Turner 2006, Jim Hostler 2007, Mike Martz 2008. It is no secret why the Niners have not developed offensive continuity. I think we will make it 7 in 7 years when Nolan is fired next year, but I hope I am wrong for the sake of the fans. Good Luck to Martz.

Posted By: SpinMD (08/01/2008 10:23:46 PM)
Comment: I think it's a good move but I gotta say it's going to be freaky in the extreme seeing Martz on the 49ers sidelines. I really hated the guy when he coached the Rams, so I think it's going to take a while to warm to him... maybe as long as VD's first touchdown on a streak down the middle.

Posted By: Drew (08/01/2008 10:23:26 PM)
Comment: I for one is excited about the hiring of Mike Martz. He obviously knows that the offense will built around Frank Gore the way he used Marshall Faulk. The reason he did not use the RB position in Detroit is because they dont have the type of RB that Gore is. As far as VD I can see him finally emerging with Mike Martz the way Kellen Winslow emerged this year as a pro bowl TE. You will see Vernon Davis be lineup so many places. He can be lined up in the slot, at TE, as WR, and etc. Next year hopefully we will finally see the emergence of VD. Also, he did have have a pretty good OL with St. Louis with of course Orlando Pace, and Adam Timmerman. That is why I think Martz is high on Staley, because he could envision him has his Orlando Pace at LT, and David Bass as his Adam Timmerman. The only thing that the Niners do not have is the WRs. Now I can see Arnez Battle filling the role of a Ricky Prohl as the 3rd Receiver with Jason Hill, and Ashley Lelie filing the roles of a Kevin Curtis, and Az-Hakim. However, Niners do not have that Issac Bruce and Torry Holt combination at the starting WR positions. I do not see the Niners going after any of the free agent receivers. I see them using the free agency to sign them a pass rusher like Terrell Suggs, a DL in Justim Smith, and maybe a RT like Jordan Gross. The draft is where I see them getting at least 2 receivers. Two receivers who I think will be there at the late 1st round is Greg Carr from Florida State who has the size and speed of a Torry Holt, and maybe Desean Jackson if he comes out is the returner the niners could use, and Mike Martzz along with Lelie that can stretch the field to open up the middle for VD. Then in the 2nd Round (remember that is a high 2nd round pick) they can draft a Early Doucet who I think could be that Issac Bruce type receiver. Also, I wouldn't mind the niners draft Ray Rice out of Rutgers who declared to the NFL today to be the 2nd back after Gore who can be like a Dave Meggett/Maurice Jones-Drew type player.

Posted By: Wilson (08/01/2008 9:59:51 PM)
Comment: At least it sounds like Martz doesn't deal completely in cliches and generalities and actually sees people as individuals rather than part of a system. Matt, the question I hope you ask at your next Nolan press conference is whether or not he will get some help with game day decision making and clock management. We all know that Nolan is historically bad at it and Martz isn't much better and that Nolan's incompetence in that area will likely cost the team some games unless he gets assistance from somebody who has a feel for game flow. I know it's tricky to suggest to a head coach that he shouldn't be in charge of game day decisions but we all know that's the truth.

Response: Like you said, that wasn't exactly Martz's strength, either. --Matt M.

Posted By: Berger (08/01/2008 9:45:53 PM)
Comment: Graham- Thanks! I didn't want to bring it up because I beat the d-line subject to death. I get back to the d-line soon, you know that. Right now I'm just happy that I'm happy about a hire I didn't think I would be happy with! But yes, you know I'm in!

Posted By: SonocoNinerFan (08/01/2008 9:44:01 PM)
Comment: OK. Im officially excited again. Watch out Patriots! j/k. When Martz first became available I was skeptical like many. Now that it's done my imagination is running wild with possibilities. Good hire.

Posted By: Berger (08/01/2008 9:38:25 PM)
Comment: A lot of people are asking about Vernon Davis. As I recall, it seems he uses a lot of H back for his tight ends. That means the TE will line up on the line and in the backfield(maybe even at FB), or just about anywhere needed to create a match-up. I think I remember him using the TE position as well as anybody. Does anybody remember better than I that can verify, or just tell me if I remember correctly or not?

Posted By: Graham (08/01/2008 9:34:13 PM)
Comment: Berger, I thought I knew you! Where's your focus, man?! Now that the offense is in good hands, the motto becomes "it's the pass rush, stupid!" Are ya with me??!!

Posted By: Berger (08/01/2008 9:26:19 PM)
Comment: I just listened to the tele-conference on the 49ers web page. Martz is a lot different than who I thought he was. He mentioned paying attention to detail at practice and starting the QBs with the basics, like the snap. I thought he would be bull headed and try to force his system. That is not true at all. After listening to him talk, I am actually very happy with his hiring!

Posted By: Graham (08/01/2008 9:23:50 PM)
Comment: Matt, curious about your take on Martz's attitude toward the niners' O during the conference call. The chatter prior to the hire implied Martz could only be happy with shifty receivers and a dead-eye QB. In the interview, he sounds giddy about Gore first and foremost. Where's the disconnect? Is there a disconnect?

Posted By: prospector (08/01/2008 9:18:43 PM)
Comment: Darren, would you please STFU. I am getting tired of reading your rants about boycotting the 49ers and ticket fraud. You are beginning to sound a bit like that Stephen King-John Lennon guy. Why don't you just get your own website, or buy a van and plaster your manifesto all over it. But please stop taking up space here.

Posted By: Darren (08/01/2008 9:15:29 PM)
Comment: Matt M. Should the NFL investigat the 49ers on possible ticket fraud? There's no way an average 67,102 attended a 49ers game at all this year. Good comment, I think Martz has more creditability as a coach then Nolan will as he has a lot to learn in the role of GRASSHOPPER. It's going to take more then this to bring back our fan base though...the Yorks should not buy tickets illegally.

Response: Darren, I think you're pulling my leg with your obsession with this, but . . . you realize it's tickets sold, right? If all the tickets are solid and 20,000 people show up, it's still the number of tickets sold. Also, as far as ticket fraud, the only fraud the 49ers would be pulling would be on themselves. They have to share ticket revenue with the other teams in the league, so the more seats they say are sold, the more money they have to pay to the other teams in the league. Thanks for your good humor. --Matt M.

Posted By: Darren (08/01/2008 9:08:23 PM)
Comment: I am actually very pleased the 49ers finally learned to do the right thing after subjecting us to inhumane torture. I hope Mike Nolan knows this is Remember the Titans II, Martz will run the offense, Nolan will run the defense, and if Nolan messes things up like in the Titans movie, NOlan is gone as in it's not just losing but about getting into the playoffs. If Nolan does not get either one, as I got odds that Nolan will screw something up, Nolan gets fired and we 49er fans can dance like free citizens. So Mike Nolan, this is Remember the Titans II in your Mike Martz hire, and also attempted hope to bring back a very dissatisfied fan base. So far Mike Nolan if I was to evaluate, you have finally learned to fix the leak in the roof. Up next, remove some moldew from the walls, clean the floor, paint, inspect and repair foundation, and let's see if you can finally build the 49ers house correctly. V Davis is possibly more the blocking TE then a catching TE. He should be blocking like Gore is going to do. I'm sure they'll be used, but I can't wait to see our 4 WR sets as I kept telling you that's what we need on the team. I'm still not ready yet to say buy the tickets with continued mismanagement. Only way I will endorse a return is we have a REAL exhibition, not the jokes we've been having. I want to see the Martz plan in action as in passing, 4 WR sets, some running, and winning. Real exhibition, or no tickets.

Posted By: Jon in SoCal (08/01/2008 9:03:57 PM)
Comment: Like the hire, although I am concerned for the safety of the QB's. I would rather have kept Bishop and got rid of Warhop...accountability come on! I think he is diplomat. If Alex doesn't get rid of the ball faster, he won't be starting, he'll be in a wheelchair with a spread offence, Warhop coached O-Line protection. I really hope Nolan keeps his hands off Martz.

Posted By: Harry (08/01/2008 9:01:31 PM)
Comment: Good move on not firing Nolan. Martz will make Nolan better as a coach. The offense was missing someone who knows how to utilize the pieces. Martz should definitely create some plays for Vernon Davis. an obvious one is to line him up at the slot, quick slant pass, break a tackle, and he is gone. or line him up alone in one side. quick pass(lateral), break a tackle or run over the defender, TD. what do you think think Matt? you think Martz will think of that?

Response: Harry, no offense to you or me, but when it comes to football Mike Martz is far brighter than either of us. He'll think of far more than we can comprehend. --Matt M.

Posted By: Matt (08/01/2008 8:53:02 PM)
Comment: I dont think Martz has ever had a TE that is as physically gifted as Vernon. Even in the Rams SB runs, did they even have a quality TE? I think thats why Martz has never used one is because he's never had one thats really worth using. Lets hope to see VD lining up at WR!

Posted By: Rich, San Ramon (08/01/2008 8:51:19 PM)
Comment: Martz isn't kidding about how important RB is in his offense. Rams lost the Super Bowl in part because Belichek figured out that Faulk was the key to the offense, so he had McGinnist mug Faulk every single play. It's all in the Halberstam book. I know this because my best friend is from Boston and basically forced me to read the book. Anyway, now you know why his offense fell apart in Detroit after Kevin Jones got hurt.

Posted By: Bob (08/01/2008 8:50:56 PM)
Comment: Matt - Did Nolan say why Bishop Harris and Nori were let go? By the way, I'm very excited about the Martz hiring, should be fun to watch!

Posted By: WeSuck (08/01/2008 8:49:22 PM)
Comment: I'm very excited about this change. Martz said basically everything I want to hear as a fan. I also happen to feel much the same way he does. I think a lot of the pieces are there, but Hostler had no idea how to use them in any strategic or even coherent manner. I think adding a guy like Martz, along with a couple of key personnel upgrades, could make a huge difference to this team. Sure, I hated him as the Rams coach, but he's an innovative offensive mind. Plus, he's a California guy! :) Welcome home, Mike.

Posted By: R Paskey (08/01/2008 8:18:32 PM)
Comment: Matt is it just me or do you think that by keeping Ted Tollner in the fold, if Martz gets out of hand or leaves at the end of the year Tollner will be able to instantly step in with less drama than whats unfolded over the last few years?

Posted By: misstheolddays75 (08/01/2008 8:09:14 PM)
Comment: excellent move...provides credibility...creates excitement and he will improve the offense...the good thing about an offensive guy like martz, turner, saunders, is that they know football and they have been around the block a time or two...Martz isn't gonna make the personnel fit the scheme...he's gonna utilize what he has to make the 49ers attack somewhat potent....I don't forsee it to be next year...but I do see some 300 yard plus games this year unlike last year where we barely cracked 200 a couple of times....congrats to the front office...good move

Posted By: Dave (08/01/2008 8:06:23 PM)
Comment: hey matt any word of how Vernon will be utilized in martz system...is he gonna be more of a blocker???

Response: I'm sure Vernon will benefit greatly. He's a weapon and Martz will definitely find a way to use him. He should be rejoicing, along with all the other skill players on offense. --Matt M.

Posted By: Mike Martz Fan (08/01/2008 7:40:57 PM)
Comment: JUst like I've been saying...Martz turned no-names into pro bowlers. He smart to say Gore's the focal point, bigger and stronger then Faulk. This will only take the pressure off of Smith. Lelie is loving life right now. Prediction: Lelie & Battle will start, Jackson will fall fast (drops too many balls), Hill will turn heads during training camp. Davis (oh yeah, we have Davis & Walker!!) will dominate. Ya see we have too many offensive options. Bold, gutsy, smart move by the 49ers (let's just hope it's legit and not just a public relations move).

Posted By: Danny (08/01/2008 7:31:31 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, I can't help but feel that this hire was made because Nolan felt pretty early that the Rams or Ravens would pick up Cameron. Any idea how the phone interview with Cameron went?

Posted By: Scuba Steve (08/01/2008 7:25:18 PM)
Comment: I'm drinking the Kool-Aid, I'm luvin the hire! Cam-Cam will probably take a job closer to the East Coast, and he probably told Nolan that he didn't want to move his family from SD to MIA then back to SF. Go Martz!

Posted By: Weary 9er (08/01/2008 7:10:45 PM)
Comment: Ok, I like the move! More than I like Martz,I admit, but it's exciting, it also means that Nolan has the trigger, not McGlouhan! I want to look forward to examining some possibilities instead of the dreary gloom we were going to have as it stood the other day.

Posted By: Transporter (08/01/2008 7:08:49 PM)
Comment: After some thought I like Martz as the new OC. He has a proven track record the past ten years and a Super Bowl ring as prove of his credibilty. I believe that looking at other choices will do no good now.Martz is hired and is the guy. The prove is in the pudding, his track record of coaching obscure players and getting points on the board and the W's speak for itself.Lets give him the chance to be succesfull. We have a pretty decent defense that can only get better with the hurt players back in the fold in 08. He was the greatest thing in the NFL for 5 plus years until he had the heart problems and that would take the wind out of anyones sails. Lets hope that good old Candlestick puts the winds back into him.

Posted By: Chris W (08/01/2008 7:03:08 PM)
Comment: Come on 49ers fans. You have to love this signing of Mike Martz. He's experienced and he's going to bring some excitement. You may not win a super bowl but at least you'll look forward to watching the team play. Which I don't think has been the case lately. Go niners.....

Posted By: niner (08/01/2008 6:49:15 PM)
Comment: i was hoping to say something nice about nolan for a change but after this its obvious he doesnt pick his coaches. Keeping Warshop, why? So we can get 8 qb's killed. Nolan is really ignorant if hte thinks his "good" line is going to stand up to blitzes and pass rushes every down now that Martz is OC. If he hired Solari ( Mckittrick line) i would actually applaud him. Now its penny wise pond foolish, Has Parcells been beating down our doors to get Warhop????( not likely he fired the guy)

Posted By: Graham (08/01/2008 6:48:58 PM)
Comment: I like the retention of Tollner. This is a good insurance policy--an experienced playcaller who could conceivably take over if we lose Martz for whatever reason. The more I hear about this move, the better I like it.

Posted By: checho @ san jose, Costa Rica (08/01/2008 6:47:49 PM)
Comment: two word... LOVE IT!!!! still rolling!!! go niners

Posted By: Ronnie - Fresno (08/01/2008 6:34:36 PM)
Comment: lol NinerFan, good one. I just listened to the Mike Nolan interview on KNBR with Ralph and Tom. Ralph skewered him relentlessly. The darn thing about it is ... that I'm back with the Nolan Kool Aid. The way he handled the interview makes me like him as much as I ever have. I'm rollin with Nolan, and I can't wait for next season!

Posted By: wsmith (08/01/2008 6:33:49 PM)
Comment: While I'm not thrilled with retaining Warhop with Solari and Houck available, I think Tolner as QB coach is a great keep. Thanks as always for the most detailed blog in the biz Matt!

Posted By: Pietro Skiano (08/01/2008 6:25:48 PM)
Comment: What do you think about the retention of sullivan and warhop? They both seem to have their warts, don't they?

Posted By: Luis (08/01/2008 6:23:22 PM)
Comment: "The first player Martz talked about was Frank Gore. He was quick to recognize that Gore is not ---Martz also spoke to Nolan about Joe Staley, calling him an outstanding player." Huh??? Gore is not what???

Posted By: Merton Hanks (08/01/2008 6:22:04 PM)
Comment: So Jerry Sullivan and George Warhop WILL be around in '08? Or are further purges pending, perhaps?

Posted By: Randy (08/01/2008 6:18:10 PM)
Comment: Awesome! Thanks for the constant info Matt!

Posted By: cervant (08/01/2008 6:10:17 PM)
Comment: What does this mean for Vernon Davis? My understanding is that Martz does not feature the TE much.

Posted By: 10yr.oldNinerFan (08/01/2008 6:01:31 PM)
Comment: I think Moran Norris has more to worry about than Frank Gore. Does Martz utilize the fullback in his offense?

Posted By: Weary 9er (08/01/2008 5:55:38 PM)
Comment: Frank Gore was close to his coach, this must send him a chilling message about what the state of the run will be under Martz.

Posted By: Weary 9er (08/01/2008 5:53:02 PM)
Comment: To 10 yr old 9erfan, Even tho Lupin was a werewolf he was worth more than Hostler and Nolan put together! :]

Posted By: The facts are glaring (08/01/2008 5:50:15 PM)
Comment: As 49ers fans we should know all about Martz, "having faced those Martz-led St. Louis offenses 14 times between 1999-2005 - and losing 10 of 12 of those games before sweeping the Rams in Martz's final season with the team in 2005. Martz was offensive coordinator with the Rams during their Super Bowl championship season of 1999, and he then took over as head coach the next season. In his seven seasons with the team, Martz led St. Louis to five playoff appearances, four 10-win seasons, three NFC West titles and trips to the Super Bowl after the 1999 and 2001 seasons. Martz's offenses won three consecutive NFL passing titles during that span and finished in the top five in NFL passing offense seven consecutive seasons. The Rams finished No. 1 in the NFL in total offense."

Posted By: 10yr.oldNinerFan (08/01/2008 5:40:36 PM)
Comment: What do you give me for the offensive coordinator position with the forty niners and the "defense against the dark arts" teacher at hogwarts in Harry Potter?

Posted By: 10yr.oldNinerFan (08/01/2008 5:40:34 PM)
Comment: What do you give me for the offensive coordinator position with the forty niners and the "defense against the dark arts" teacher at hogwarts in Harry Potter?

Posted By: Fred (08/01/2008 5:37:47 PM)
Comment: I wonder how Gore feels about Bishop being gone.

Posted By: NinerFan (08/01/2008 5:31:07 PM)
Comment: What do you give me for the Niners Offensive Coordinator position and the The Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher position at Hogwarts school in Harry Potter?