First off, I want it to be known that I'm not looking to try and get Nolan fired. I simply take issue with his decision-making and game management abilities and I know I can't be the only one.
Clock Management
Numerous halves have ended with the 49ers squandering field position, time and timeouts. I recall a game in which the 49ers had the ball and looked to be running out the clock. Next thing you know a timeout is called, followed by a run up the middle to run out the half. The only explanation is that he thought he could get something done, but then decided to just end the half instead of potentially turning the ball over and getting an INT run back for a touchdown. Nonetheless this type of scenario has played out too many times.
Use of Timeouts
Against the Saints, the 49ers ran out of their allotted timeouts in each half with over 10 minutes left in the halves. They've had to call timeouts numerous times when they've had improper personnel on the field. In the Saints game the timeouts really didn't mean much, considering they got blown out in the second half. However, if this team is going to improve, they really need to make better use of their timeouts.
Game-time Personnel Decisions
This one bugs me because it seems like something a head coach should be in total control of and keep straight. During the Saints game it was 4th and 1 and the Saints elected to go for it. The 49ers had to call timeout because they had the improper personnel package on the field. The problem wasn't that they had their punting unit out there. The problem was that they had a combination of personnel from their 4th down defense and their punting unit on the field at the same time. That's simply unacceptable.
Solution?
Mike Singletary is currently assistant head coach while focusing on the defense. He is certainly one of the rising stars in the league and will likely get a head coaching job in the near future. While I love having him in the organization, I think the team needs some sort of assistant head coach for quality control, if you will. Prior to becoming the Ravens offensive coordinator, Jim Fassel was a general assistant to Brian Billick. I believe the 49ers could use a veteran former coach that has been around the block to assist Mike Nolan. Mike Nolan has done a great job bringing in talent and motivating his players. However, his game management definitely leaves something to be desired. I think a veteran assistant could give Nolan insight
and help him develop as a head coach, much like coaches help players develop into their talents.
Mike Nolan clearly has what it takes to be a success in this league. While we spend all our time worrying about the development of Alex Smith or Manny Lawson or Vernon Davis, it is of equal importance that we consider the development of Mike Nolan. When you've got a young coach working with young players, it really is a team effort in improving. Even if the team doesn't win another game, Mike Nolan has 3 opportunities left this year to improve and build more for next year.
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3 comments:
From reading Matt Maiocco's blog with the Press Democrat (INSTANT 49ers), I get the feeling that Singletary might be here for a few more years. This is especially true if Nolan sticks around for a few more years as well. This feeling stems from the rumor/fact that Singletary isn't a great X's and O's guy, yet. The only way someone like that gets a head coach job (or even a coordinator's job) is if the team is desperate, or willing to take a huge risk.
I agree the 49ers' use of timeouts gets ridiculously unacceptable. It is not only Nolan's fault though. I've seen Alex Smith burn two timeouts before 10 minutes have elapsed in the first quarter of a game. The players are often out of position or don't understand their assignment, which results in a timeout.
Another thing about game-time personnel decisions is that I doubt Nolan actually notifies which players go out there and which ones don't. Chances are, he talks to the coordinator and coaches and tells them who will be going out there.
In the case where you have half the ST unit and half of the defense out there, the team was probably waiting to see what NO was running, and instead of waiting to see before sending the packages out on the field, the coaches sent them ahead of time.
I'm not making any excuses for Nolan, I'm just rationalizing what happend. Now, if what I described was the case, Nolan should be the one riding on those coaches (and players) to wait for the proper signal before getting on the field.
Nolan, like Smith, are young and inexperienced (at this level) at what they're doing. As you said, Nolan has all the makings of a successful coach. He just might need a "Trent Dilfer" of his own. The funny part about that is: he has one in Norv Turner.
Good point on Norv Turner. It's interesting looking at Trent Dilfer. He's had solid years and of course became the ultimate "game manager" in the Ravens Super Bowl season. Norv Turner is a great offensive coordinator but has usually been a rather atrocious coach. I was thinking more along the lines of a Jim Fassel. He's shown real success as a coach and doesn't appear to have an ego, so he can take a step back as the coach's "go-to guy."
I agree that Nolan isn't telling the specific players to get on the field but I think in spite of his disciplinary approach, there is a lack of discipline at times during the game. That's something that might be an issue with Nolan AND his coaching staff. Tough call really.
I understand you like Fassel, because honestly, he would make perfect sense. The guy is as humble a coach as they come, but he knows what he needs to do.
The only thing about Fassel is this: would he take an "assistant head coach" job over a head coaching job at Stanford? I think I heard recent rumors that he was considering (or being considered) there.
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