For a coach in NFL, Nolan has unusual clout
- Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, October 22, 2006

Mike Nolan pointed to a framed photograph in his office at the 49ers' Santa
Clara facility. The picture shows Nolan with his wife, Kathy, a fresh-faced
couple in the afterglow of his hiring by the 49ers.

"Shoot, look at the picture the day I took the job," Nolan said. "I had hair, it
wasn't all gray and I had a smile on my face. (Now) I'm already in my 60s."

Though the 47-year-old Nolan exaggerates, it's no wonder he's aged the past two
years. It's hard to imagine any coach in the NFL wielding more authority than
he, even more than Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs, Mike Shanahan and
Nick Saban.

Not only does Nolan have final say over his players, the draft, free agency,
trades and his coaching staff, he retains broad influence over the entire
organization.

Nolan and co-owner John York approved the hiring of vice president of
communications Lisa Lang, who deals mainly with the proposed new stadium, the
team's foundation and community relations -- a job seemingly far from the realm
of the head coach.

Mario wrote:

Really interesting post, Mario. thanks!

"Mario" newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:ehfpfd030pc@drn.newsguy.com...

In article newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net>, Rusty Wilson
says...

Your welcome. I thought so too. Kinda gives a clearer picture of what's going
on in the organization.