Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Comment

June 19

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Glenn Dickey

"The good news for 49ers fans: Alex Smith is healthy again and throwing more sharply and with more confidence than he ever has in his troubled NFL career. Many Niners fans won't regard that as good news. They've castigated Smith with regularity and are convinced that Shaun Hill is the better choice at quarterback. But in truth, Smith has been fighting an uphill battle since he was taken as the first choice in the 2005 draft, coming to a bad team with a porous offensive line and inadequate receivers. Not surprisingly, he looked terrible. He made good progress in his second year, but then offensive coordinator Norv Turner took the coaching job with the San Diego Chargers. In his third season, ..."

What Falcons' release means for Vick's football future

Comment

June 12

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Falcons' expected release of Michael Vick puts him one small step closer to a return to the NFL. It doesn't necessarily mean, though, that he'll be suiting up this fall. While Vick is now free to negotiate a contract with all 32 teams in the NFL, he still must be reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell in order to play. Further, Vick must find a team willing to accept the risk of signing him and his accompanying baggage. Goodell indefinitely suspended Vick at the time of his federal dogfighting conviction. Goodell has said that he won't meet with him to consider reinstatement until after his sentence ends July 20. Teams are free to sign suspended players, but any team that ..."

49ers' Willis in no hurry for extension

Comment

June 7

San Jose Mercury News

"As much as Patrick Willis enjoys San Francisco, he is in no hurry to start talking contract extension. A few days after fellow 2007 first-rounder Joe Staley signed a deal through 2017, Willis said he will stick with the year-to-year approach. "I don't let my mind go that far down the road," Willis said Saturday, the second day of mini-camp. The two-time Pro Bowl linebacker said, to his knowledge, the 49ers have not approached his agent, Ben Dogra, about extending his current deal. Willis has three years remaining on the five-year, $16.655 million contract he signed as a rookie and sounds willing to let it play out. "I love California," he said. "I love the fans. The weather, you can't ..."

49ers sign Bly to take over form Harris

Comment

May 22

San Francisco Chronicle

"It did not take long for the 49ers to find a cornerback in the wake of Walt Harris' likely season-ending knee injury. The club Thursday signed 32-year-old Dre' Bly, a 10-year veteran of the St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. Last year with the Broncos, Bly had two interceptions. He was released in February. "San Fran is a football town and has die-hard fans," Bly said in a conference call. "They have tradition. I'm glad to be part of it. I'm just fired up, man." Bly said one reason he's fired up is because he was waived for the first time in his career, released shortly after Josh McDaniels took over the Broncos as head coach. Bly spent the last two seasons in Denver, ..."

Walt Harris injured, might miss season

Comment

May 21

San Jose Mercury News

"Walt Harris' season is in jeopardy after learning Wednesday that he has a torn right ACL. The veteran cornerback will have surgery "in the coming weeks," a 49ers spokesman said. The team put no timetable on his recovery, but the damage suffered during a non-contact drill earlier this week could keep Harris sidelined for all of 2009. Harris, who turns 35 in August, tumbled to the ground while covering receiver Dominique Zeigler on Tuesday, the second day of the 49ers' four-day organized team activities. The 49ers originally described the injury as "nothing major," but an MRI exam Wednesday revealed the extent of the injury. Harris' setback opens the door for Tarell Brown, the team's ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

Comment

May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Santa Clara, 49ers reach finance deal on stadium

Comment

May 20

San Jose Mercury News

"Santa Clara's City Council signaled late Tuesday that it has at long last come to terms with the 49ers to jointly finance a stadium near Great America, and is ready to bring the deal to the public. The only action the city took was to set a June 2 date for a special public council meeting to discuss and potentially vote on the complicated financial package that would use city redevelopment money, new hotel tax revenue and other funds to help subsidize a 68,500-seat, $900 million stadium. But 2?1/2 years after the 49ers first proposed leaving San Francisco, Tuesday's closed City Council session signaled the end of one chapter in the 49ers South Bay stadium saga, where the city and the team ..."

49ers have not ruled out drafting a quarterback

Comment

April 23

San Francisco Chronicle

"Quarterback remains a position of interest for the 49ers going into this weekend's draft, but even if they doone with their first pick Saturday, he would not be expected to start as a rookie. Compete, yes. Be anointed the starter, no. That was the gist of what general manager Scot McCloughan said Wednesday as he discussed in general terms the club's draft strategy. He's of like mind with coach Mike Singletary in that the 49ers' approach is to draft the best player available regardless of position. If that's a quarterback, that will be the pick, whether it's in round one or round seven, if he's on top of San Francisco's board at the time. The 49ers have nine picks overall, one in each round ..."

Matthew Stafford's attitude turns off San Francisco

Comment

March 26

Detroit Free Press

"Wrong answer. Ex-Georgia quarterback and Lions wanna-be Matthew Stafford aced his Wonderlic test at the NFL Combine, but he didn't impress coach Mike Singletary with his smart-alecky attitude during an interview with a psychologist the 49ers brought in, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The guy was asking about his parents' divorcing when he was in high school, Stafford said, and said it sounded like he had "unfinished business" with the split. Stafford said no and added he wondered how much he was being charged for the psychoanalysis. You know, some might like a little attitude like that in a QB -- I would -- but not Singletary. Singletary told a San Francisco radio station: "If you're ..."

Jets sign veteran cornerback Donald Strickland, according to source

Comment

March 25

Newark Star-Ledger

"The Jets have signed veteran cornerback Donald Strickland to a three-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke on a condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the organization or player. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The signing fills a need for the Jets, who have been searching for a veteran cornerback since free agency began in February. The team had interest in former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy, who signed with the Cleveland Browns, and brought in Samari Rolle, another former Raven, for a visit last week. Strickland, a six-year veteran who spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, ..."

Niners in need of a QB upgrade

Comment

March 24

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Glenn Dickey

"As Shaun Hill and Alex Smith began their battle for the starting quarterback job last weekend at 49ers minicamp, the possibility loomed that other quarterbacks might join the battle. There's one certainty: The 49ers must get this right if they're going to break out of their pattern of mediocrity. The current elephant in the room is Jay Cutler, who has been upset with Denver management since he heard that the Broncos might be shopping him. Cutler was a favorite of Mike Shanahan, but the young quarterback isn't sure new coach Josh McDaniels will be so supportive. Officially, the 49ers say they have no interest in Cutler - but they'd say that even if they were actively involved in trade ..."

Tackle Marvel Smith visits 49ers

Comment

March 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"A former Pro Bowl tackle with a history of back problems visited the 49ers on Wednesday. Whether that's a good thing or not is uncertain. Free agent Marvel Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers came for a medical exam and a meet-and-greet with general manager Scot McCloughan and coach Mike Singletary. The 49ers took no action on Smith at the end of the day. The 49ers are looking for an upgrade at right tackle, a position manned by three players in 2008: Jonas Jennings (two games), Adam Snyder (six) and Barry Sims (eight). Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2004 but missed 14 games over the last two seasons with back problems. Smith missed four games in 2007 and 10 in '08 with a herniated disk before ..."

Free agent corner Strickland visits Titans

Comment

March 18

Tennessean

"Unrestricted free agent cornerback Donald Strickland visted the Titans on Wednesday as the team continues its search for depth in the secondary. Strickland, a six-year pro, spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He played in 14 games last seaso, starting three, and finished with 38 tackles."

49ers deny making offer to Warner

Comment

March 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"Despite reports to the contrary, the 49ers did not make a contract offer to free agent quarterback Kurt Warner when he visited the team on Monday. In an e-mail to The Chronicle, general manager Scot McCloughan said "no offer" had been made to Warner. It's possible that contract generalities might have been discussed during his six-hour visit. An ESPN report said the 49ers had offered more than the $23 million proposal Warner and agent Mark Bartelstein presented to the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday to retain the services of the two-time league most valuable player. Bartelstein also said the 49ers offered Warner more than $23 million. Specifics of Bartelstein's offer to the Cardinals are $12 ..."

Warner visits 49ers, results uncertain

Comment

March 3

Arizona Republic

"Kurt Warner took a day trip to the Bay Area on Monday, but it remains in question if the Cardinals quarterback is ready to switch teams and become a 49er. The 49ers arranged for Warner and his wife, Brenda, to fly on a private jet from Phoenix to San Jose. They visited with 49ers officials, including coach Mike Singletary, at team headquarters in Santa Clara and Warner took a physical, part of the route for any visiting free agent. The Warners were due to return home Monday evening. "I'm sure he'll want to think about it," Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said on Monday night. "But he has a number of meetings (Monday night), so we'll see. Kurt can be a spontaneous guy." It's unknown ..."

Warner arrives for visit with 49ers

Comment

March 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"The big black limo arrived at the 49ers' facility in Santa Clara a little before noon and left a couple minutes after 6 p.m. Those six hours resulted in no resolution to Kurt Warner's status as a free-agent quarterback. He's still in 20-million-dollar limbo, no longer an Arizona Cardinal and as of Monday, not a 49er, either. "It's still a work in progress," general manager Scot McCloughan said as he left team headquarters. "It's been good. It's still up in the air. We're excited he's willing to come visit the 49ers." McCloughan said the 49ers might meet again with Warner. The Cardinals have offered the 37-year-old, two-time NFL Most Valuable Player $20 million for two years. Warner, who ..."

49ers Warner comes calling

Comment

March 2

San Francisco Chronicle

"The man who nearly led Arizona to victory over Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl last month is at an impasse with the Cardinals and the 49ers are one of "a number of teams" to express interest in the strong-armed quarterback, who will be 38 when the 2009 season begins. Warner, who has said he wanted to return to the Cardinals or else retire, is seeking a two-year contract worth $29 million. The Cardinals offered $20 million over the same length of time and seem unwilling to move. Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said he is not trying to gain leverage with the Cardinals by having his client visit the division-rival 49ers. "People assume things are being done to create leverage and that's not ..."

Reports: 49ers will meet with Warner

Comment

March 1

San Jose Mercury News

"Kurt Warner might be bluffing, but the 49ers are willing to find out. Multiple outlets reported Saturday that the two-time NFL MVP scheduled a visit to Santa Clara as negotiations between the quarterback and the Arizona Cardinals hit a standstill. The Arizona Republic, which confirmed the visit, reported that the Cardinals don't believe any other team will be willing to top the two-year, $20 million offer they have on the table. But Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the Sacramento Bee that the 49ers visit is not a mere negotiating ploy. "I know there's a lot of skepticism out there," Bartelstein told the newspaper. "I'll say this — the people that know Kurt Warner will tell you he ..."

49ers take cautious dip in free-agent pool, welcome back 3

Comment

February 28

Sacramento Bee

"After taking big first-day plunges each of the past two years, the 49ers on Friday cautiously dipped their big toe into the free-agency waters, welcoming back three players who previously were with the team. The 49ers agreed to terms with linebacker Takeo Spikes, return man Allen Rossum and fullback Moran Norris, who spent 2008 with the Detroit Lions after spending the previous two seasons as Frank Gore's lead blocker. Spikes' return is not a surprise. The veteran linebacker teamed well with Patrick Willis at inside linebacker and finished second on the team in tackles. Immediately after last season, Spikes, 32, spoke glowingly of Willis and said he wanted to return in 2009. Spikes agreed ..."

49ers reportedly reach deal with Norris

Comment

February 28

San Francisco Chronicle

"While the fullback position was essentially eliminated in Mike Martz's offense with the 49ers in 2008, it will apparently be a part of new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's approach in 2009. Former 49er Moran Norris has reportedly agreed to terms with the team on a three-year contract, according to the Web site Pro Football Talk. Norris, a 49er in 2006-07, was waived in training camp last year. He was Gore's lead blocker in 2006 when Gore rushed for a franchise record 1,695 yards. Norris spent 2008 with Detroit after playing previously with the Saints and Texans. Also Friday, the 49ers had in for a visit former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones, a four-year veteran from ..."

Titans receiver Jones to visit 49ers

Comment

February 27

Tennessean

"Titans receiver Brandon Jones will meet with the San Francisco 49ers today, his agent said this morning. "They see him as an upgrade at their receiver," said Craig Domann, who represents Jones. Domann added that other teams have shown at least initial interest in Jones, who is coming off a career season with the Titans. Jones caught 41 passes for 449 yards -- both career highs. The Rams are also in the mix for Jones."

49ers seek WR with experience, right-tackle help

Comment

February 26

Sacramento Bee

"The NFL's free-agency period begins tonight at 9:01 with the 49ers insisting they will not make a big splash but needing help at a number of positions. Some players who might pique their interest: Moran Norris, fullback: Norris was the team's fullback in 2006 and 2007, but he didn't fit Mike Martz's system and was released. New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye is looking for a powerful, sledge-hammer-style lead blocker, and that's Norris' profile. Norris is also friends with tailback Frank Gore. Raye would be interested in former pupil Tony Richardson, but Richardson is expected to remain with the Jets. Nate Washington, wide receiver: The 49ers are not expected to re-sign Bryant Johnson ..."

Money available for free agents

Comment

February 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"Even in a bad economy, the 49ers will have money to spend when the free-agency signing period begins at 9:01 p.m. PDT Thursday, signaling - for NFL purposes - the first day of a new year. As of Monday, the 49ers were about $25 million under the $123 million salary cap for 2009, placing them among the league leaders in the black. The number will fluctuate depending on restructured contracts and salary dumps. "We will be in the top six in the league in cap space," general manager Scot McCloughan said. "But we're not going to blow it on two or three players. It's a tool we have to use, and we will use it." Just how much cap space the 49ers have at the start of business Friday depends on one ..."

Taylor generating interest

Comment

February 21

Jacksonville Times-Union

"Add Tennessee's Jeff Fisher to the list of NFL coaches who believe that running back Fred Taylor can still play at a high level. Having witnessed Taylor rack up 1,056 yards (4.1-yard average) in 19 games against the Titans, Fisher said the production of the recently released running back hadn't tapered off enough to write him off just yet. "I personally feel like Fred can still play based on our two matchups against him this past year," Fisher said. "It's hard for me to believe that somebody [like Taylor] wouldoff to the point to where he couldn't be productive in this league." Taylor has scored five career touchdowns against Tennessee in addition to producing four 100-yard games. Taylor ..."

49ers backtrack, say they don't want Vick

Comment

February 18

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

"The 49ers emphatically closed the door on any possibility imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick will suit up for the club in 2009 or beyond. Coach Mike Singletary did not express interest in acquiring Vick during a question-and-answer session with reporters following a state-of-the-franchise event Monday in San Mateo. But Singletary created plenty of intrigue when he also did not rule out Vick as an option. But, now, the 49ers are ruling it out. "The 49ers are not interested in Michael Vick," said a team spokesman Tuesday evening. Team insiders have said for several weeks that 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan does not consider Vick a viable option for the team's future. McCloughan has ..."

49ers' QB is Hill's - unless someone else gets it

Comment

February 18

San Francisco Chronicle

"Mike Singletary's not-so-secret master plan for the 49ers' quarterback's job is working brilliantly, once you understand that the master plan is to make sure that Shaun Hill doesn't give in to the temptation of getting high on self-esteem. I mean, who wouldn't get a little full of himself once he mastered the one-step-and-hand-off drop? Who wouldn't get a little big-headed after learning how to master one read: Where's Frank Gore? Yet here he is, finding out that Big Mikey is still holding the job open for a competition with Alex Smith (if he returns to the bus under which Mike Nolan hurled him), and that the organization momentarily considered Michael Vick (if he got out of jail and ..."

Don't count out Alex Smith in QB derby

Comment

February 17

San Jose Mercury News

"Alex Smith appears poised for another crack at the 49ers' starting quarterback job. At an event for season-ticket holders in San Mateo on Monday night, General Manager Scot McCloughan said there have been "very positive" discussions about restructuring the final two years of Smith's contract to keep him on the roster. Coach Mike Singletary, meanwhile, gave no promises to incumbent starter Shaun Hill. "There's going to be competition for that spot,'' Singletary said. "If Alex is back, he'll be given an opportunity to compete for that starting spot." The future of the quarterback position was just one of several hot topics at what the team called its first annual "State of the 49ers" event. ..."

Matt Cassel draws interest

Comment

February 2

Boston Herald

"They might not have been one of the two Super Bowl participants last night, but the Patriots still generated a lot of talk on Radio Row during the week. With Matt Cassel making the rounds, there was plenty of speculation on how much interest he would draw should the Pats apply the franchise tag and then trade him. The pundits’ top pick to land Cassel in that scenario is Kansas City. Obviously, the Scott Pioli factor weighs heavily in that choice, with the Pats former vice president of player personnel now calling the shots for the Chiefs. “I’d really look at Pioli down there in Kansas City. Why wouldn’t he want him?” Sirius NFL radio analyst Jim Miller said. “He knows what the kid is ..."

49ers to hire Raye for offensive coordinator

Comment

January 29

Sacramento Bee

"Apparently, eight was enough for Mike Singletary. According to several reports Wednesday evening, Singletary's new offensive coordinator will be Jimmy Raye II, the eighth and final candidate to interview for the job. Mike Johnson will be hired as the 49ers' quarterbacks coach. Raye interviewed with Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan on Wednesday, one day after Baltimore quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, assumed to be the leading candidate for the job, was in town for his second interview. The 49ers would not confirm the hirings Wednesday night because the contracts had not been finalized. An NFL assistant for 32 years, Raye had the most experience as an offensive coordinator of ..."

49ers settle on Raye for coordinator, sources say

Comment

January 29

San Francisco Chronicle

"Eight was enough for Mike Singletary. The 49ers' coach has hired as his offensive coordinator the eighth man to interview for the job, the experienced and well-traveled Jimmy Raye II. The NFL Network reported the hire Wednesday night, citing unnamed league sources. A league source told The Chronicle the report was not incorrect. The 62-year-old Raye thus comes full circle, having begun his NFL coaching career as an assistant with the 49ers in 1977. That was the start of a 32-year odyssey through the NFL for Raye, who has worked for 10 teams in various coaching capacities, including 11 seasons as an offensive coordinator for six teams, most recently the Raiders under Norv Turner in 2004-05. ..."

49ers interview Raye for offensive coordinator

Comment

January 28

San Francisco Chronicle

"Whether eight is enough for Mike Singletary is not known, but outgoing Jets running backs coach Jimmy Raye II became Candidate No. 8 to interview for the offensive coordinator position when he met with the 49ers coach Wednesday morning. Raye, 62, has been an NFL assistant coach for 32 years, 11 of them spent as offensive coordinator for six teams. His contract with the Jets expired after the 2008 season and he will not return to the team. Raye's visit to team headquarters in Santa Clara follows by a day the second interview of Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, the presumed front-runner for the job that has been vacant since Singletary fired Mike Martz on Dec. 30. In his long ..."

Ravens' Jackson gets second interview for 49ers coordinator job

Comment

January 28

Contra Costa Times

"Hue Jackson returned for a second interview Tuesday, suggesting that the 49ers' monthlong search for an offensive coordinator might be coming to a close. Jackson, 43, spent last season as the Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach, guiding rookie Joe Flacco into the AFC title game. He is the second candidate to get a return interview with the 49ers. The first was ex-Rams coach Scott Linehan, who turned down the 49ers' offer and, days later, accepted the offensive coordinator post with the Detroit Lions. 49ers officials declined to comment on Jackson's status, but it might be telling that Chris Johnson, another coach with links to the Ravens, also interviewed with the 49ers on Tuesday. ..."

Singletary's search goes on

Comment

January 28

San Francisco Chronicle

columnisst Ray Ratto

"And we always thought Mike Singletary's dynamic personality and crackling magnetism would make anyone want to spend as much time around him as possible. Instead, he is closing in on a full month without finding someone who will say, "Yes, I do believe in running the ball 65 percent of the time as the best path to football glory, and I live solely to serve your crystalline offensive philosophy." Either that, or he interviews others a lot less effectively than he himself interviewed. As of today, Singletary either has passed on or underinspired Scott Linehan, Dan Reeves, Jeff Jagodzinski, Rob Chudzinski, Rick Dennison and Clyde Christensen. He is interviewing Hue Jackson a second time, and ..."

Ravens' Hue Jackson meets again with 49ers

Comment

January 28

Baltimore Sun

"Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson could be emerging as the leading candidate for the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator job. He met with coach Mike Singletary for the second time in five days at 49ers headquarters. The only other candidate to interview twice was Scott Linehan, who turned down the job. In his first season with the Ravens, Jackson was instrumental in the development of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. He has previously served as an offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins."

Handicapping the NFL's return to L.A.

Comment

January 27

Los Angeles Times

"Scouting NFL teams that could relocate to L.A.: San Diego Chargers Beginning Sunday, a three-month window opens that would allow the Chargers to relocate to another city. That window will now open each year. The team can leave its current home provided it pays a $56-million lease-termination fee that decreases over time. The Chargers have spent seven years exploring stadium options in San Diego and say they have spent $10 million doing so. Although a move probably would bring significant political objections in San Diego, the Chargers might not encounter those at the state level because theirs would be an in-state move. Odds of relocating: 5 to 1. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars, who have ..."

49ers might land an old hand

Comment

January 24

Sacramento Bee

"If Mike Singletary is looking for an old-school approach to his offense, he'll have a hard time finding a better offensive coordinator candidate than the one he interviewed Friday. Singletary called a surprise audible by flying in Dan Reeves, 65, the former head coach of the Broncos, Giants and Falcons who has been out of football for five seasons. Reeves began coaching in the early 1970s under his former coach and mentor, Tom Landry. Reeves is the seventh candidate Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan have interviewed for a position that has had continuous turnover in recent seasons and has been at the root of the 49ers' struggles. Earlier in the day, they sat down with Ravens ..."

Niners might go old school with Reeves

Comment

January 24

San Francisco Chronicle

"A coach who was good enough to win 190 games in the NFL and take his teams to four Super Bowls interviewed for the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator job Friday. Niners coach Mike Singletary also interviewed a coach who took a rookie quarterback to within one game of the Super Bowl. Former Broncos, Giants and Falcons coach Dan Reeves and Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson became the sixth and seventh candidates for the coordinator position since Singletary fired Mike Martz on Dec. 30. Jackson, 43, was up first in the morning at the team's Santa Clara headquarters, followed hours later by Reeves, the latter an intriguing prospect to be sure. Reeves, 65, has been out of ..."

Dan Reeves to interview for 49ers’ OC job

Comment

January 23

NFL.com

"Reversing the league-wide trend of relying on coaching youth, the San Francisco 49ers are bringing in former Broncos, Giants and Falcons head coach Dan Reeves on Friday afternoon to interview for their vacant offensive coordinator job, league sources said. Reeves last coached in the NFL with Atlanta in 2003 and since has tried on numerous occassions to return to the league. Now he has what might be his best chance. 49ers coach Mike Singletary is looking for a veteran presence to run his offense, someone who relies on running the football, and after Scott Linehan turned down the job, thoughts turned to Reeves. Singletary has had a difficult time finding someone he trusts enough to call the ..."

Linehan says no to 49ers' offer

Comment

January 19

San Francisco Chronicle

"In a surprising setback for the 49ers' head coach, Mike Singletary continues to look for an offensive coordinator after former Rams head coach Scott Linehan on Sunday turned down the team's offer to run the offense in San Francisco. Linehan had been offered the job Thursday night and told Singletary he would have his answer before the weekend was out. Linehan was true to his word, but his answer was not what Singletary was expecting. "The job itself was outstanding," Linehan said. "It was very, very hard (to decline). Timing-wise, it's not good. I didn't want to hold up the 49ers, Mike in particular. It wouldn't be fair to them. At this point, I'm not ready to make the call. It's all ..."

Linehan turns down chance to run 49ers' offense

Comment

January 19

Sacramento Bee

"After the 49ers asked him to be their new offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan took nearly three days to mull the offer. On Sunday he gave the team an unexpected response: No thanks. Linehan, who had two interviews with 49ers officials, insisted Sunday that the team conducted the search process with class and that he had high regard for coach Mike Singletary. In the end, he said it wasn't the right move for him and his family. "At 45, I look at things a lot differently than when I was 25," he said. "I have a wife. I have three kids." Linehan, who was fired as head coach of the Rams after four games this past season, said he wanted to remain in the NFL. He said he did not have any other ..."

49ers close to hiring an offensive coordinator

Comment

January 17

San Francisco Chronicle

"The 49ers expect to have an offensive coordinator in place by Sunday, but Friday came and went without an agreement from front-runner Scott Linehan. Of the four candidates under consideration, Linehan was the only one to come in twice for an interview with coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported that Linehan was offered the job. Singletary also interviewed Clyde Christensen, Rob Chudzinski and Rick Dennison. However, Dennison is remaining in Denver after new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels announced Friday he was retaining him on his staff. Singletary and McCloughan along with the team's coaching staff are scheduled to leave for the ..."

49ers offer Linehan offensive coordinator job

Comment

January 16

Santa Rosa Press Democrat

"Former St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan is no stranger to replacing Mike Martz. He did it with the Rams, and he appears to be close to entering the same situation with the 49ers. Linehan was offered the job to become the 49ers’ seventh offensive coordinator in seven seasons Thursday night, according to sources. He was expected to meet with his family before informing the 49ers of his decision. Linehan, 45, had his second interview in a week with coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan at the team’s offices in Santa Clara on Thursday. Rob Chudzinski, Rick Dennison and Clyde Christensen have also interviewed for the offensive-coordinator position. Linehan emerged from the ..."

49ers call Linehan's number again

Comment

January 16

Sacramento Bee

"The 49ers brought in former Rams coach Scott Linehan for his second interview in six days Thursday, a sign the team is close to finding its new offensive coordinator. Linehan, 45, was fired by the Rams after only four games this past season after several key players, including running back Steven Jackson, revolted against him. Linehan, however, has the most play-calling experience of the four candidates the 49ers have interviewed for the job. Linehan became the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator in 2002, improving the team's offense from 12th in the league to second that season. Perhaps more important to 49ers coach Mike Singletary, who wants a reliable running game, the Vikings' ..."

Linehan interviews again to be 49ers' offensive coordinator

Comment

January 15

San Francisco Chronicle

"Former Rams coach Scott Linehan interviewed a second time for the position of offensive coordinator when he met this afternoon with 49ers coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan. Linehan came in for his initial interview last Friday. Singletary could be getting close to announcing a hire for this important position since he and his staff are scheduled to leave for the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Sunday to scout prospective players. The 49ers will choose 10th in the first round of the NFL draft on April 25. The 49ers are intent upon finding a coordinator committed to staying with the club more than one season, since whoever Singletary hires would be the team's seventh ..."

49ers interview potential QB coach

Comment

January 14

San Jose Mercury News

"Taking a break from their offensive-coordinator search, the 49ers took a look at a potential quarterbacks coach Tuesday. Rip Scherer, the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns, interviewed at 49ers headquarters. His candidacy would seem to bode well for Rob Chudzinski, another Browns assistant who interviewed for the offensive-coordinator job Saturday. But the 49ers had targeted Scherer as a potential quarterbacks coach before speaking with Chudzinski. Scherer's position with the Browns is in doubt under new coach Eric Mangini, and Chudzinski reportedly will be replaced. Scherer, 56, spent four seasons with the Browns after 30 seasons as a college coach. His ..."

Dennison to interview with 49ers

Comment

January 12

Denver Post

"With the Broncos going offensive with their head coach, the team's current offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison, is shopping his services elsewhere.

Dennison is interviewing today for the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator position, according to an NFL source. Dennison was one of seven candidates interviewed for the Broncos' head coaching job that went to now former New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels."

49ers interview Browns coordinator

Comment

January 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski became the third man to interview for the 49ers' offensive coordinator position when he spent several hours Saturday morning with coach Mike Singletary. Singletary interviewed Colts receivers coach Clyde Christensen and former Rams coach Scott Linehan on Friday. Chudzinski, 40, served as Cleveland's offensive coordinator for two seasons, 2007 and '08, with a good year followed by a bad one that resulted in the firing of head coach Romeo Crennel. Chudzinski got a contract extension from Cleveland last season, but isn't expected to stay on new coach Eric Mangini's staff. In '07, Chudzinski guided the 10-6 Browns to a productive offensive ..."

Time for 49ers to bring Rathman home

Comment

January 6

San Jose Mercury News

columnist Ann Killion

"Coach Mike Singletary is probably too busy this week to pay attention to my entry in his suggestion box. But here it is anyway: Hire Tom Rathman. As offensive coordinator? Perhaps. Though the concept of a rookie O.C. and a rookie head coach concerns me, Rathman has paid his dues. If not coordinator, how about as a running-backs coach with some added juice — like the ever-popular assistant head coach title? Whatever it takes, find a way to get Rathman back in the 49ers fold. Right now Rathman is in limbo — still under contract with the Raiders until next week but guaranteed of nothing. The 2008 rumor mill has had him heading to Seattle to join Jim Mora's staff with Greg Knapp — but that ..."

Turner missing piece in 49ers' puzzle

Comment

December 27

San Francisco Chronicle

"The most important decision of the 49ers' future should have been made already. The York family can't help but be smitten with Mike Singletary's work in relief of Mike Nolan, and determined to lock him in as full-time head coach as soon as possible. What happens in the season finale at Candlestick on Sunday should be irrelevant. But what happens 500 miles to the south, where San Diego meets Denver for a playoff spot, could set up the second most important decision. If the Chargers lose, finishing an uninspired 7-9, Norv Turner should be fired as head coach, giving the 49ers a chance to bring him back as their offensive coordinator. That Mike Martz will depart after one season in the job, ..."

49ers reportedly will keep Singletary

Comment

December 27

Kansas City Star

"Team officials plan on removing the interim label from fan favorite Mike Singletary and offering him a multiyear contract, according to a source close to the situation. The offer likely will be made immediately after the team's season finale Sunday against Washington. The Rooney Rule prevents teams from signing interim coaches to new deals during the season. Because Singletary is a minority, however, the 49ers do not have to go through a formal interview process at season's end. Under Singletary, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky would be retained for next season. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz however, would not."

49ers Trade Rumors