Awesome Sports: Nolan No More.

Rare picture of Nolan with his headset on.












18-37. No, it's not a new demographic. It's the Niner's record under Mike Nolan. In typical Niners fashion (in the York era), Nolan heard a rumor on the radio that he was going to be fired and then went to HQ to confirm it was true and was then fired.w

Here's how that conversation probably went.

INT. NINERS HQ - RECEPTION - AFTERNOON

Mike Nolan walks into Niners HQ. Stops to talk to the receptionist.

Receptionist: Hi Coach.

Nolan: Hello. Say, have you been listening to the radio this afternoon? I just heard something crazy.

Receptionist: Sorry Coach, I'm busy answering all these calls.

Nolan: Supportive fans?

Both laugh.

Receptionist: Good one, coach. No, it's mostly people that want to talk to the Yorks or Scott McCelland.

Nolan: Ha, ha. The Yorks. The Yorks don't talk to anyone. Wait, they aren't here are they?

Receptionist: Actually, yes they are.

Nolan: Oh, so I should go talk to them, get this cleared up.

Receptionist: Yeah, about that. They told me to tell you just to head straight to HR. They've got your check.

Nolan: So they don't want to do this in person?

Receptionist: Coach, these are the Yorks we're talking about.

Nolan: Oh.

Receptionist: Yeah. Oh, don't forget your cardboard box, too. Whatever you can fit in it, you can take with you.

Nolan: Geez, this isn't a very big box.

Receptionist: Come on coach. Not like you have to fit A Vince Lombardi trophy in there.

Both laugh again.

Nolan: Thanks Receptionist. I'm going to miss seeing you here answering the phones.

Receptionist: Well, it's the last time you'll see me here. The Yorks like my phone bank skills so much, they've promoted me to tight ends coach.

Nolan: Terrific. Well it sounds like the organization is going to be in good hands.

Receptionist: Can't be any harder than fantasy football, right coach?

Nolan: You're a sharp one, receptionist.

* * *

That's a sucky way for anyone to lose a job. Even for a coach as disliked as Nolan. In his press conferences and interviews he had all the personality of an assistant coach. As a purported defensive guru, he was a bust. This year's defense showed some signs of life early on but then started running some sort of Swiss defense: full of holes.

However, the coach is only one part of this equation. When you read about winning organizations, winning is part of a organization's culture. Not an add-on you get with your franchise for an extra few bucks. The Niners used to have that, let's hope they get it back. A win this weekend against the hapless Holgrem 'Hawks would be a start.