Jed York and Paraag Marathe were a part of the team that interviewed Mike Nolan in January 2005.
On Tuesday morning, the former 49ers head coach was asked if York and Marathe need to simply "get out of the way" and let the football people make the decisions in Santa Clara.
[RELATED: Nolan: Problem with 49ers systemic, 'they love you, then they hate you']
"After they pick a guy, definitely. But in the process, they're the ones making the decision," Nolan said on KNBR 680. "They've done this a few times. Everyone is very hopeful that they get it right, but obviously they've failed a few times so they're saying, 'You've screwed this thing up a few times, so please get out of the way.'
"I believe they're asking the right questions ... they need to make the best decision based on all the information. They're gonna get all the information, believe me. I have all the trust in the world.
"I think Paraag, personally, I think he's one of the best at the job he does ... as far as the cap and contracts and really putting together all the information -- I'm just telling you, the son-of-a-gun is good.
Sports
"I have absolutely zero questions in my mind how good he is. But the two of them have to put their heads together and pick the right guy."
[REWIND: Nolan: 49ers chose 'safe' Smith over 'cocky, arrogant' Rodgers]
York and Marathe need to pick more than just one guy, as the 49ers are in the market for a head coach and a general manager.
"I think they're headed in the right direction, they're just gonna have to pull the trigger on the right guy."
Nolan believes the 49ers should hire the GM first and the head coach second.
