The Mike Singletary press conference began with Jed York at the podium.
York said, "I won't rest until we establish a championship culture," then passed the mic to general manager Scot McCloughan.
McCloughan said it was he and Jed who notified Mike Nolan yesterday after the coach's weekly press conference that Nolan was being fired. York later said the decision was mas made after consultation with his parents, John York and Denise DeBartolo York, who were not in California at the time.
Beyond the interim status of Singletary's new position, "we're going week by week, right now Singletary is our head coach," said McCloughan.
After Singletary took the podium, the Hall of Fame linebacker praised Nolan for building a solid foundation. He also said Nolan gave him his blessing to take over as head coach.
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This note was released by the San Francisco 49ers at 1:51 p.m. (Pacific), around 24 hours after the termination of head coach Mike Nolan and less than two hours after Mike Singletary was appointed interim head coach.
Sports
STATEMENT FROM MIKE NOLAN:
"I want to thank the York Family for the opportunity to coach the San Francisco 49ers.
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to build a foundation and an environment for success. In many area’s we were, although it is winning that ultimately determines success.
I also want to thank our players for their dedication and willingness to work hard. Even during the toughest of times they remained strong and fought through it. It is difficult to put into words my respect for guys that played for the 49ers over the past 3 and a half seasons.
They have my complete respect and admiration. I am forever indebted to them."
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Here's the nuts and bolts on the coaching change from the 49ers:
San Francisco 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan announced that head coach Mike Nolan has been dismissed and Mike Singletary will step in as head coach for the remainder of the season.
"This decision was difficult because Mike has been both a friend and valued coach of our team." said McCloughan. "I have a great deal of respect for Mike and his family. But my first obligation is always to do what is in the best interest of our fans and the entire 49ers organization. It is for this reason that we’ve made the decision to give the head coaching role to Mike Singletary."
"I am confident that Mike Singletary’s leadership ability along with his experience as both a Hall of Fame player and coach gives him the ability to turn our season around."
Singletary has been the team’s Assistant Head Coach for four seasons starting in 2005. He joined the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 following an eleven year career with the Chicago Bears.
Nolan originally was hired by the 49ers in January of 2005. He joined San Francisco after serving three seasons as defensive coordinator with Baltimore. Prior to joining the Ravens, Nolan had a one-year stay as the New York Jets defensive coordinator in 2000, a position he also held with the Washington Redskins (1997-99) and the New York Giants (1993-96). Nolan launched his professional coaching career with the Denver Broncos in 1987, serving as the Broncos linebackers coach and special teams coach.
