*** Official 2011 San Francisco 49ers Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Wingnut]

Harbaugh era begins, 2011 promises to be a season of change for San Francisco.

Keep it tuned here for all your Niner needs.

49ers coaching staff

Head Coach: 	  Jim HarbaughAsst Head Coach:  Brad SeelyOff Coordinator:  Greg RomanDef Coordinator:  Vic FangioSecondary: 	  Ed DonatellAsst Secondary:   Greg JacksonLinebackers: 	  Jim LeavittDefensive line:   Jim TomsulaOffensive Line:   Mike Solari, Tim DrevnoRunning Backs: 	  Tom RathmanQuarterbacks: 	  Geep ChrystSpecial Teams: 	  Brad SeelyTight ends: 	  Reggie Davis (Greg Roman will assist)

2011 draft picks:

Rd    Sel     Ovrall  Player    	  Pos 	School1     7       7       Aldon Smith 	  DE 	Missouri2     4       36      Colin Kaepernick    QB 	Nevada3     16      80      Chris Culliver 	  S 	South Carolina4     18      115     Kendall Hunter 	  RB 	Oklahoma State5     32      163     Daniel Kilgore 	  G 	Appalachian State6     17      182     Ronald Johnson 	  WR 	USC6     25      190     Colin Jones 	  S 	TCU7     8       211     Bruce Miller 	  OLB 	UCF7     38      239     Mike Person 	  T 	Montana State7     49      250     Curtis Holcomb 	  CB 	Florida A&M

2011 Schedule

PreseasonFri 	8/12 	@Saints 	- 	5:00pSat 	8/20 	Raiders 	- 	5:00pSat 	8/27 	Texans 	        - 	5:00pThur 	9/1 	@Chargers 	- 	7:00pRegular SeasonSun 	9/11 	Seahawks 	- 	1:15pSun 	9/18 	Cowboys 	- 	1:05pSun 	9/25 	@Bengals 	- 	10:00aSun 	10/2 	@Eagles 	- 	10:00aSun 	10/9 	Buccaneers 	- 	1:05pSun 	10/16 	@Lions 	        - 	10:00aBYESun 	10/30 	Browns 	        - 	1:15pSun 	11/6 	@Redskins 	- 	10:00aSun 	11/13 	Giants 	        - 	1:15pSun 	11/20 	Cardinals 	- 	1:05pThur 	11/24 	@Ravens 	- 	5:20pSun 	12/4 	Rams 	        - 	1:15pSun 	12/11 	@Cardinals 	- 	1:05pMon 	12/19 	Steelers 	- 	5:30pSat 	12/24 	@Seahawks 	- 	1:15pSun 	1/1 	@Rams 	        - 	10:00a

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I wonder which qb we'll get. Newton? Kolb?

 

[Summer Wheat]

I wonder which qb we'll get. Newton? Kolb?

Mallet.

 

[Wingnut]

I wonder which qb we'll get. Newton? Kolb?

Mallet.

Ive read that Mallet isnt a good West Coast QB candidate...not sure how true that is since I dont watch much college...Do we go for an Orten/McNabb/Kolb/Flynn to take the reigns while our newly drafted QB holds a clipboard, or does Jimbo find someone to throw to the wolves right away???

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I've read a few places that also have said Mallet has a slow release. No clue how true that is or is not.

Whoever we get I trust will work for the team...as long as they get rid of Alex Smith I'm happy. Orton or Kolb would make me happy, depending what their price is. If we can snag either for less than a first rounder I say go for it.

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

I've heard rumors and some speculation that Cam Newton might be the #7 pick. I hope not. I don't think he'd fit well in Harbaugh's west coast offense. I'd be happy if they could get Kolb. If they draft a QB maybe they'll go after another vet to fill in until the rookie's ready. Just as long as Alex Smith is nowhere to be seen.

Pretty sure Kolb would take more than a first rounder to get him. Hell, they paid Harbaugh a boatload so why not spend what they need to and quit screwing around with the most important position on the team.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I have (perhaps too much) faith Harbaugh will find a good qb. If he trades a lot for Kolb, I'm on board. If he thinks it's not worth the price and grabs Newton, I'm on board.

If he fails miserably I'll scream for his head in three years.

 

[xfactor99]

According to Tim Kawakami, Harbaugh ain't messing around with Mallet or Locker or Gabbert:

During his talks last week with the 49ers, according to an NFL source, Harbaugh was very clear that he felt he could find a QB in the draft, and possibly wouldn’t even need to use the No. 7 overall pick to do it.

Harbaugh could be looking at a 2nd-rounder who could slide right into his system, somebody like Florida State’s Christian Ponder or Boise State’s Kellen Moore, maybe. (Moore looks more like a 3rd- or 4th-rounder to me, actually.)

There could be others. I’m sure Harbaugh feels he can identify the guy better than the draft gurus or most of the GMs in the league.

Harbaugh also seems to have plans to acquire one or two veteran QBs as temporary starters and maybe a solid back-up–though the coming lock-out could screw up all teams’ plans to go after free agents and make trades.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2011...s-might-fit-it/The team has a few other holes (looking at the secondary) but pretty much if we get a good quarterback we'll be post-hype division contenders next season. The team was so badly coached in 2010 that replacing Singletary with Harbaugh, and upgrading from the Smiths, should add a few wins at the very minimum.

 

[Fanatics]

I know QB is the biggest need but this team needs more than that. Need DL and DB help bad as well. I am against trading away the 1st for Kolb, so as someone already posted that is not going to happen then...hopefully. I do not think Newton or Mallett fit the WCO either. I believe they should draft Fairly, Peterson or Prince in the 1st...if none of them are still in play hopefully we can start trading down. In the 2nd look at the QB's with potential for the WCO. I like Moore, Ponder and maybe Devlin...we could probably get any of these a little later in the draft as well.

What is more important is that we bolster the team at the needed positions. If what I hear about Harbaugh is true, he will make the right decisions at the QB position and/or be able to coach up a stop-gap QB like maybe Hasselback.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Ricky Stanzi will be the QB steal of this draft (for a team). I have a hunch Harbaugh won't target Mallett or Newton or even trade down and target Locker.

 

[5Rings]

I wonder which qb we'll get. Newton? Kolb?

Mallet.

I hope not. Not a fan of Mallet. No touch whatsoever, doesnt' seem like a good fit (drunkenmiller ) eta--just saw that others already said he's not a fit in the WCO, right onI'm gonna throw out Josh Johnson or Kyle Orton.I also think the #7 pick will be a CB or pass rushing OLB, whomever is the best value.

 

[the rover]

Prince Amukamara, maybe? I suspect Bowers, Fairley (esp. after tonight) and Peterson will all be gone.

Mallett and Newton aren't good fits for the WCO. People love Locker, but his completion % has never blown anyone away. I like the idea of trying to find someone later and picking up a vet, or someone like Flynn if the price is right.

 

[rjv]

I think grabbing other needs first is a great idea and agree Jimbo will go this route. I believe the TCU QB, Dalton, will really blow some ppl away at the combine and Harbaugh could be one that is blown away.

 

[thecatch]

It sounds like Gabbert is the only one amongst the top ranked QBs that could comfortably run a WCO, and it seems to me that if he ends up grading out as being worthy of a top 10 pick, he won't last to SF at 7.

Other than QB, I think the team's biggest need is at CB/S. Looks like there are two top 10-worthy CBs on the board, and it seems likely that one of them would fall. This may be a stretch, but I'd also like to see the team cut Clements and use that money to take a run at a guy like Champ Baily or Nnamdi Asomugha. Nobody in the secondary rates out any higher than "average" at this point (Reggie Smith and Taylor Mays may develop, but can't bank on that), and the team has to add a playmaker or two back there.

In terms of the team's own FAs, resigning Franklin is a must. Lawson and Goldson haven't proved they are worth big contracts, so I'm fine with them walking. I'm not sure what Heitman's injury situation is, but I prefer him to Baas (FA) at center. They could also use an upgrade over Rachal at RG.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Blaine Gabbert

Harbaugh has already figured out the playing coy part of the draft process. I'm sure he doesn't want teams like Washington, Minnesota, or even Miami leapfrogging his draft spot to get a player like Gabbert.

Can't win in the NFL without a QB and even though taking a QB in the first is terrifying, you gotta bite the bullet sometimes.

 

[Wingnut]

From 49erswebzone.com:

Jan 11, 2011

Baalke: Niners will consider trading for a QB

It's long been assumed that the 49 ers will have to turn over every offseason stone to restock their quarterback cupboard. New general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that today in a radio interview with NBC Sports' Mike Florio. Baalke said the main thing the 49 ers need to do to live up to their potential is to get better execution from the quarterback position.

"We've got three ways that we're going to approach it," Baalke said. "Obviously, you've got the draft. You've got potential trades. And you've got free agency. Is the quarterback of the future on this roster? I think it's obvious that he isn't at this point, but things could change and they will change through one of those three vehicles." Florio pointed out that in most seasons, the 49 ers would be able to sign a free- agent quarterback, or trade for one, prior to the draft. This year, however, that order could be reversed if there is no collective bargaining agreement before the April 28-30 draft.

Said Baalke: "Regardless of the order that it falls -- and that's obviously up in the air at this stage -- you've got to be prepared for all three. You have to have a plan for the evaluation process and the guys that are coming out in the draft. And you have to do the same thing for free agency and you have to do the same thing via the trade. We're going to look at our options and make decisions based on how we have the guys evaluated."

One of the top free-agent quarterbacks promises to be Alex Smith. Baalke's words appear to confirm the consensus opinion that Smith will not be back with the team in 2011 , and Smith has indicated that he won't be back, either. The only quarterback who will still be on the roster after the league year ends March 3 is David Carr.

A look at some of the quarterbacks who might (realistically) be available through the three "vehicles" Baalke mentioned.

Draft:

1. Cam Newton, Auburn

2. Jake Locker, Washington

3. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

5. Christian Ponder, Florida State

6. Andy Dalton, TCU

Free agency (*restricted and unrestricted):

1. Matt Hasselbeck

2. Marc Bulger

3. Seneca Wallace

4. Matt Leinart ®

5. Bruce Gradkowski ®

6. Matt Moore ®

7. Troy Smith ®

8. ** Donovan McNabb

9. ** Vince Young

Trade:

1. Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia

2. Kyle Orton, Denver

3. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati

4. Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay *

Because of the fuzziness surrounding the CBA, it's unknown how many league years will allow a player to be an unrestricted free agent.

** Not technically scheduled to be a FAs but would be if their teams released them.

 

[RUSF18]

I was set on drafting a QB at 1.07 a week ago, but now with Harbaugh on board, I have complete confidence that he'll either develop someone or make a move for a guy he knows is right.

 

[Fanatics]

I agree that having Harbaugh and his ability to evaluate qb talent makes me a little more at ease. Also I personally do not believe that there is a qb that is worth the 7th overall selection in this draft. I really hope we get one of the top corners and find a gem later in the draft.

I would love to see what Kellen Moore can do in this league.

 

[footballnerd]

Vernon Davis: I don't miss Singletary, I love Kyle Orton

 

[Wingnut]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../SPC11H7GJB.DTL

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is spending his first week on the job meeting with the current coaching staff and interviewing potential replacement hires - including some he just left behind at Stanford.

Stanford assistant head coach Greg Roman has emerged as an offensive coordinator candidate, according to a league source aware of Harbaugh's talks with Roman.

Harbaugh also met with Stanford defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a three-time NFL coordinator who is contemplating a return to the league.

Fangio and Roman were key figures under Harbaugh in Stanford's 12-1 season that culminated with a top-five BCS ranking and Orange Bowl victory.

Roman is a 13-year NFL coaching veteran who joined Stanford after two years in Baltimore with Harbaugh's brother, John.

At Stanford, Roman was the running game coordinator in 2009 and the associate head coach this past season, all while leading the tight ends and offensive tackles both years.

He was quarterbacks coach to David Carr for two years in Houston and twice worked for former NFL coach Dom Capers.

Roman has never been listed as the play caller, and may be hired as a positional coach instead, but Harbaugh has indicated he'll have a say in running the West Coast offense no matter whom he hires as coordinator.

Stanford offensive coordinator David Shaw is a candidate to get Harbaugh's old job but also could get consideration if Stanford hires a different head coach.

Former quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson ran the 49ers offense the final 13 games of the season after offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was fired.

Harbaugh has also made it clear he wants to go in a new direction at defensive coordinator, giving Greg Manusky permission to pursue other jobs despite being under contract.

Manusky, who has led the 49ers' defense for four years, interviewed for the same position in Arizona on Tuesday. He'll interview for the defensive coordinator position today in Dallas and is reportedly heading to San Diego next.

Fangio is widely considered the lead candidate to replace Manusky, but he, too, is a candidate for the Cowboys job.

Harbaugh has been meeting with the rest of the coaching staff this week and told some to expect a decision within a week.

Wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan previously told the Sacramento Bee that he intended to retire after 19 NFL seasons, including the past six with the 49ers.

Fangio spent 11 NFL seasons as a defensive coordinator. The Panthers and Texans were expansion teams when he joined them. Here are the respective rankings of Fangio's defenses.Carolina

1995: 7th

1996: 10th

1997: 15th

1998: 30th (last in the league)

Indianapolis

1999: 15th

2000: 21st

2001: 29th

Houston

2002: 16th

2003: 31st

2004: 23rd

2005: 31st

I dont like the trend Im seeing in those rankings....

 

[Celph Titled]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../SPC11H7GJB.DTL

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is spending his first week on the job meeting with the current coaching staff and interviewing potential replacement hires - including some he just left behind at Stanford.

Stanford assistant head coach Greg Roman has emerged as an offensive coordinator candidate, according to a league source aware of Harbaugh's talks with Roman.

Harbaugh also met with Stanford defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a three-time NFL coordinator who is contemplating a return to the league.

Fangio and Roman were key figures under Harbaugh in Stanford's 12-1 season that culminated with a top-five BCS ranking and Orange Bowl victory.

Roman is a 13-year NFL coaching veteran who joined Stanford after two years in Baltimore with Harbaugh's brother, John.

At Stanford, Roman was the running game coordinator in 2009 and the associate head coach this past season, all while leading the tight ends and offensive tackles both years.

He was quarterbacks coach to David Carr for two years in Houston and twice worked for former NFL coach Dom Capers.

Roman has never been listed as the play caller, and may be hired as a positional coach instead, but Harbaugh has indicated he'll have a say in running the West Coast offense no matter whom he hires as coordinator.

Stanford offensive coordinator David Shaw is a candidate to get Harbaugh's old job but also could get consideration if Stanford hires a different head coach.

Former quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson ran the 49ers offense the final 13 games of the season after offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was fired.

Harbaugh has also made it clear he wants to go in a new direction at defensive coordinator, giving Greg Manusky permission to pursue other jobs despite being under contract.

Manusky, who has led the 49ers' defense for four years, interviewed for the same position in Arizona on Tuesday. He'll interview for the defensive coordinator position today in Dallas and is reportedly heading to San Diego next.

Fangio is widely considered the lead candidate to replace Manusky, but he, too, is a candidate for the Cowboys job.

Harbaugh has been meeting with the rest of the coaching staff this week and told some to expect a decision within a week.

Wide receivers coach Jerry Sullivan previously told the Sacramento Bee that he intended to retire after 19 NFL seasons, including the past six with the 49ers.

Fangio spent 11 NFL seasons as a defensive coordinator. The Panthers and Texans were expansion teams when he joined them. Here are the respective rankings of Fangio's defenses.Carolina

1995: 7th

1996: 10th

1997: 15th

1998: 30th (last in the league)

Indianapolis

1999: 15th

2000: 21st

2001: 29th

Houston

2002: 16th

2003: 31st

2004: 23rd

2005: 31st

I dont like the trend Im seeing in those rankings....

So he left every defense he's taken over in the bottom 3 when he left...that's bad?

 

[Brunell4MVP]

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far.

In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

 

[thecatch]

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far. In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

I think so, assuming a new CBA is in place that would allow them to do so. SI.com just published a mock draft that has Gabbert going No. 1, and given that the rest of the top QB prospects appear to be projects at best, I really think SF will have to go in another direction at 7 (CB or maybe OLB).

 

[King of the Jungle]

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far.

In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

I think so, assuming a new CBA is in place that would allow them to do so. SI.com just published a mock draft that has Gabbert going No. 1, and given that the rest of the top QB prospects appear to be projects at best, I really think SF will have to go in another direction at 7 (CB or maybe OLB).

I think Gabbert is a project as well. Shame on any team taking any of these QBs in the top 5 IMO.

 

[chinawildman]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far. In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

 

[thecatch]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far. In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

The thought of trying to teach Vince Young the WCO in a lockout-shortened offseason is, quite frankly, horrifying.

 

[chinawildman]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

SF fans...do you think they'd trade a 4th rounder for McNabb? Then use the 1st rounder for more pressing needs. They'd have McNabb, Gore, Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Morgan/Ginn, Westbrook. And use the 7th to pick up Amukamara to fill their need at CB. Pick up another RB in round 2...maybe LeShoure...or hope Locker falls thast far. In the NFC West, that makes them instant contenders.

The thought of trying to teach Vince Young the WCO in a lockout-shortened offseason is, quite frankly, horrifying.

Agreed, but I think I prefer to be horrified at this point than bored, I think Tecmo Bowl had more plays than the niners playbook last year.I notice every year the rooks are labeled as raw or NFL ready, scrambler or pocket passer, spread offense or pro offense, rocket arm or accurate passer... etc. I just hope the niners grab someone that's just a flat out gamer who has the professionalism to be an NFL QB, physical attributes notwithstanding. Colt McCoy vs. Vince Young is a good example of how preparation and professionalism trumps physical ability for QBs at the NFL level. Why they don't have new tests and drills at the combine for QBs is beyond me...

 

[Wingnut]

http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/201...s-eying-le.html

Niners eying Leavitt; OC Johnson to join Bruins?

Jim Harbaugh is considering adding former University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt to his staff as a linebackers coach, according to a league source. Leavitt was immensely popular and successful with the Bulls but was fired a year ago for allegedly striking a player during halftime of a 2009 game against Louisville.

Following his dismissal, Leavitt filed a wrongful termination suit against the school. That case was settled yesterday, and Leavitt will receive $2.75 million from USF. Leavitt was the school's only head coach in the first 13 years of the football program. He was 94-57 overall in that span and 40-24 since the Bulls joined the Big East Conference in 2005. The Bulls played in a bowl game in each of the last five years under Leavitt. Prior to joining USF, Leavitt was first a linebackers coach and then a defensive coordinator at Kansas State.

Leavitt's and Harbaugh's careers never have crossed. However, Leavitt met with Harbaugh last April at Stanford when Leavitt was touring California. He also sat in on a 49ers practice during that trip. The 49ers current linebackers coach, Jason Tarver, has been on the staff since 2001, a run that has spanned four head coaches. For the last two seasons, Tarver has split duties with Mike Singletary's nephew, Vantz Singletary.

Harbaugh has been meeting with prospective assistant coaches throughout the week but has not made any hires. It appears that both defensive coordinator Greg Manusky and offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will be headed elsewhere, however. Johnson reportedly will be UCLA's new offensive coordinator, although the school has yet to make an announcement. Manusky, meanwhile, has interviewed with the Cardinals and Cowboys about their defensive coordinator openings and plans to talk with the Chargers about theirs as well.

Other 49ers assistants also have been interviewing with other teams.

 

[xfactor99]

Alex Smith had a higher QB rating than both McNabb and Fitzpatrick last year. I would rather start over and find a (new) franchise quarterback than get some veteran retread who won't get us anywhere near the Super Bowl. I suppose Harbaugh might trade for an Orton/McNabb/etc and draft a quarterback in the middle rounds, which I'd be fine with if Harbaugh is confident he can mold 'em into a franchise qb. Drafting Gabbert or Mallett (dunno about Locker though) would be fine too. It''s Jim Harbaugh, he's a damn QB guru. Hopefully we'll be fine.

I had a mildly positive opinion of Mike Johnson, as did most 49er fans I think. Only problem is that we'll never know how much control he had over the offensive gameplan over the last 13 games, and whether to blame him or Singletary for our consistently inept offensive performances.

 

[shadyridr]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

Somebody like a Shaun Hill?

 

[5Rings]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

Somebody like a Shaun Hill?

See if we can give DET a 6th to get him back. Neither Mallet, Locker, or VY (dude is illiterate, hows he gonna be a WCO QB?) are fits.

 

[Wingnut]

I think an Orton or McNabb would be a fine bridge QB for now whie a young QB is groomed...especially McNabb, who most think is washed up, but I think a QB who is well versed in the WCO such as McNabb would be a tremendous help for a young prospect. I dont think he was happy about being traded to the Skins and didnt work hard while there, but I think he might like playing for SF with the new regime and legit weapons. Vernon has said publically that he would love McNabb as a QB...maybe the change of scenery would revitalize him....

 

[Fanatics]

What is everyone's opinion of the rumored OC Greg Roman and DC Vic Fangio? I do not know anything about them, although Fangio's DC stints in the NFL has always ended poorly, very poorly.

 

[beerbarron]

I don't know, he looked old, slow, and out of shape. I suppose anything outside of the Smiths is an upgrade, but I'd rather have vince young under center than watch mcnabb skip passes to his wrs. Wish they could get somebody like Fitzpatrick, constantly overlooked but always overperforming.

Somebody like a Shaun Hill?

I know this sounds bad.. and after watching asmith do the wrong thing at the worst time way to often last year, Im not sure smith can improve.. what about giving harbaugh an offseason to work with tsmith... asmith has to many issues with his pocket presnce.. and not sure that can be fixed.. but tsmith.. give top jimmy a chance at him.. jimmy is know for developing the QB??

 

[shadyridr]

Troy Smith would be a horrible WCO offense fit. Mr dump off Alex Smith is a better fit for the WCO offense. He has the mobility and doesnt have to throw the deep ball. Please note Im not advocating keeping Alex Smith. Id offer this years 2nd rounder or next yrs 1st rounder for Kolb but thats just me. IMO Kolb can be a GREAT WCO offense QB in the mold of a Jeff Gaycia.

 

[Wingnut]

From espn:

Harbaugh hires Greg Roman, Vic Fangio, and Tim Drevno

SAN FRANCISCO -- New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh hired away three coaches from his former Stanford staff Friday to join him in the NFL.

The 49ers hired Greg Roman offensive coordinator, Vic Fangio defensive coordinator and Tim Drevno offensive line coach. The moves were expected by Harbaugh, who received a five-year deal as San Francisco's new coach last Friday to replace the fired Mike Singletary.

Harbaugh was among the most sought after coaches this winter following a 12-1 season in his fourth year at Stanford capped by a 40-12 Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.

"I am very excited that these three men are now part of the 49ers coaching staff," Harbaugh said in a statement. "They bring a wealth of knowledge and a level of professionalism that I am certain will transfer positively to our team. Vic has 24 NFL seasons under his belt and Greg has 13, so they know firsthand what it takes to win at this level."

San Francisco (6-10) missed the playoffs for the eighth straight year this season after the Niners were the popular pick to win the NFC West. Instead, they began 0-5 and couldn't recover -- though they were still in playoff contention in the weak West until a 25-17 loss at St. Louis on Dec. 26. Singletary was fired later that night with two years remaining on his contract.

New Stanford coach David Shaw acknowledged during his introductory news conference Thursday he would have key spots to fill on his staff.

Roman replaces Mike Johnson, who took over as offensive coordinator after Jimmy Raye was fired following a Week 3 loss at Kansas City. Roman will be the Niners' ninth different offensive coordinator in as many years including Johnson's promotion for most of the 2010 season.

The 38-year-old Roman, who was Stanford's associate head coach and now begins his 14th NFL season, most recently tutored the past two Heisman Trophy runners-up: current Minnesota Vikings running back Toby Gerhart in 2009 and Orange Bowl MVP Andrew Luck this past season.

Roman guided a Cardinal offense that ranked ninth nationally in points scored this season at 40.3, 14th in total yards per game (472.5), 17th in yards rushing per game (213.8) and first in time of possession (34:34).

He and Harbaugh will likely have a new quarterback to groom right away. Alex Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, becomes a free agent.

Fangio, 52, takes over for Greg Manusky, who was hired as defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers on Friday. This will be Fangio's 25th season as an NFL coach -- and he has four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis as the anchor of his experienced and talented defense. Fangio spent 11 years as a defensive coordinator with Carolina, Indianapolis and Houston.

The 41-year-old Drevno takes on a unit that was plagued by injury the past two seasons and featured a pair of rookie first-round offensive linemen in starting roles in 2010, with Anthony Davis at right tackle and Mike Iupati playing left guard.

Drevno spent all four seasons on Harbaugh's Stanford staff, and his line allowed only 13 sacks the past two years.

Stanford returned to a bowl game in 2009 for the first time since '01 behind Gerhart and Luck. The Cardinal beat Oregon and USC in consecutive weeks to move into the AP poll for the first time since 2001, stayed in contention for a Pac-10 title until late in the season. Stanford lost the Sun Bowl to Oklahoma when Luck sat out with a broken right index finger.

Now, the 49ers coaches will try to duplicate that Stanford turnaround at the next level. San Francisco hasn't had a winning season since its last trip to the playoffs in 2002

 

[Wingnut]

Harbaugh adds Ed Donatell to Niners’ staff

Posted by Evan Silva on January 14, 2011, 6:48 PM EST

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh went a long way toward filling out his coaching staff Friday by hiring Vic Fangio to coordinate the defense, Greg Roman to coordinate the offense, and Tim Drevno to oversee the tight ends and/or offensive line. All three coaches were on Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford.

Harbaugh has now gone outside his collegiate coaching pipeline to tab longtime NFL assistant Ed Donatell as defensive backs coach, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Donatell last coached in Denver, overseeing a secondary that helped the Broncos to rank third in the NFL in 2009. Their ranking fell to 25th in 2010, mostly because of injuries and the worst pass rush in football.

Donatell brings to San Francisco a wealth of experience both as a coordinator and position coach. He was Jim Mora’s defensive coordinator in Atlanta from 2004 until 2006, and ran the defense for Mike Sherman in Green Bay from 2000 to 2003.

 

[thecatch]

I'm curious about the setup with Devno and Solari as co-OL coaches. Solari is regarded as one of the best in the biz, so I am not sure how he will take to sharing the job. However, if it means some of these young guys get more personalized attention, I'm all for it.

 

[beerbarron]

From espn:SAN FRANCISCO -- New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh hired away three coaches from his former Stanford staff Friday to join him in the NFL.The 49ers hired Greg Roman offensive coordinator, Vic Fangio defensive coordinator and Tim Drevno offensive line coach. The moves were expected by Harbaugh, who received a five-year deal as San Francisco's new coach last Friday to replace the fired Mike Singletary.Harbaugh was among the most sought after coaches this winter following a 12-1 season in his fourth year at Stanford capped by a 40-12 Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech."I am very excited that these three men are now part of the 49ers coaching staff," Harbaugh said in a statement. "They bring a wealth of knowledge and a level of professionalism that I am certain will transfer positively to our team. Vic has 24 NFL seasons under his belt and Greg has 13, so they know firsthand what it takes to win at this level."San Francisco (6-10) missed the playoffs for the eighth straight year this season after the Niners were the popular pick to win the NFC West. Instead, they began 0-5 and couldn't recover -- though they were still in playoff contention in the weak West until a 25-17 loss at St. Louis on Dec. 26. Singletary was fired later that night with two years remaining on his contract.New Stanford coach David Shaw acknowledged during his introductory news conference Thursday he would have key spots to fill on his staff.Roman replaces Mike Johnson, who took over as offensive coordinator after Jimmy Raye was fired following a Week 3 loss at Kansas City. Roman will be the Niners' ninth different offensive coordinator in as many years including Johnson's promotion for most of the 2010 season.The 38-year-old Roman, who was Stanford's associate head coach and now begins his 14th NFL season, most recently tutored the past two Heisman Trophy runners-up: current Minnesota Vikings running back Toby Gerhart in 2009 and Orange Bowl MVP Andrew Luck this past season.Roman guided a Cardinal offense that ranked ninth nationally in points scored this season at 40.3, 14th in total yards per game (472.5), 17th in yards rushing per game (213.8) and first in time of possession (34:34).He and Harbaugh will likely have a new quarterback to groom right away. Alex Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah, becomes a free agent.Fangio, 52, takes over for Greg Manusky, who was hired as defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers on Friday. This will be Fangio's 25th season as an NFL coach -- and he has four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis as the anchor of his experienced and talented defense. Fangio spent 11 years as a defensive coordinator with Carolina, Indianapolis and Houston.The 41-year-old Drevno takes on a unit that was plagued by injury the past two seasons and featured a pair of rookie first-round offensive linemen in starting roles in 2010, with Anthony Davis at right tackle and Mike Iupati playing left guard.Drevno spent all four seasons on Harbaugh's Stanford staff, and his line allowed only 13 sacks the past two years.Stanford returned to a bowl game in 2009 for the first time since '01 behind Gerhart and Luck. The Cardinal beat Oregon and USC in consecutive weeks to move into the AP poll for the first time since 2001, stayed in contention for a Pac-10 title until late in the season. Stanford lost the Sun Bowl to Oklahoma when Luck sat out with a broken right index finger.Now, the 49ers coaches will try to duplicate that Stanford turnaround at the next level. San Francisco hasn't had a winning season since its last trip to the playoffs in 2002

Seems like the niners are turning into the stanford-cisco 49ers...

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Jim Harbaugh is a quarterback coach who seemingly doesn’t have a quarterback now that he’s come to the 49ers. He might want to talk to Alex Smith and get him to stay.

I know, I know, many 49ers fans would be outraged by that. One of my readers said the 49ers should cut all three of their quarterbacks — Alex Smith, Troy Smith and David Carr — and get a quarterback in the draft.

Easier said than done. This is not a great year for quarterbacks in the draft. There are no sure things like Sam Bradford, Matt Ryan — or Andrew Luck.

The trend in college toward quarterbacks who both run and pass has created a problem for pro teams, who want their quarterback to be a great passer who runs only to escape a blitz.

The latest example of what college quarterbacks have become is Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winning quarterback from Auburn. Newton is huge and multitalented, a good runner and passer. In other words, JaMarcus Russell or Tim Tebow.

Newton won’t wash out like Russell because he has an excellent work ethic. He’s more like Tebow, but the belief in the pros is that Tebow will make it because of his athletic ability and drive — but not as a quarterback.

Even if there were a can’t-miss quarterback in the draft, the 49ers wouldn’t have a shot at him because they’re drafting seventh.

They might have a shot at Jake Locker, the Washington quarterback who decided to stay in college for his senior year — and whose draft stock plummeted because he did not have an outstanding year.

Locker is an outstanding athlete with great speed and a strong arm, but he doesn’t seem to have the instincts a top quarterback needs. He’d be a project, not a first-year starter.

Only rarely can a team work a trade for a good quarterback, or sign one as a free agent. The Kansas City Chiefs were able to pick up Matt Cassel, and Cassel was good enough to win the AFC West for the Chiefs.

Not good enough, though, to get them past the Baltimore Ravens in their first playoff game.

The Raiders traded for Jason Campbell in the offseason, and he became a legitimate starter for them in their 8-8 season.

But I wouldn’t say that either Campbell or Cassel is better than Alex Smith.



Smith’s 2010 season was in a way a microcosm of his 49ers career. When he was given good pass protection and supported by a strong defensive effort, he had some great games.

When his pass protection collapsed and the defense did, too, he had poor to mediocre games. Overall, he was in the middle of the pack statistically in the league.

This was under a coach who didn’t understand quarterbacks and jerked him around, putting the one-hit wonder, Troy Smith, back as a starter against the Rams in St. Louis.

Alex might think he has to move on because of the hostility of the 49ers fan base and the local media. But he might also think it would be nice to play for the first time under a pro coach who understands quarterbacks.

Stranger things have happened.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/nfl/2011/...s#ixzz1BH8HSPHc

 

[Wingnut]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81dc...is-niners-staff

Harbaugh hires Ed Donatell, Geep Chryst, and Jim Leavitt

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh further filled out his staff Wednesday, hiring Ed Donatell as secondary coach, Geep Chryst as quarterbacks coach and Jim Leavitt as linebackers coach.

Watch NFL Playoff games online and in HD with NFL Game Rewind. Sign up now to get full access to the Postseason archives.

Donatell was secondary coach for the Denver Broncos the past two seasons, and Chryst served as tight ends and offensive quality control coach with the Carolina Panthers from 2006 to 2010. Leavitt spent more than 30 years as a college coach, most recently as head coach at South Florida, where he was fired last January.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81dc...is-niners-staff

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- New San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh further filled out his staff Wednesday, hiring Ed Donatell as secondary coach, Geep Chryst as quarterbacks coach and Jim Leavitt as linebackers coach.

Watch NFL Playoff games online and in HD with NFL Game Rewind. Sign up now to get full access to the Postseason archives.

Donatell was secondary coach for the Denver Broncos the past two seasons, and Chryst served as tight ends and offensive quality control coach with the Carolina Panthers from 2006 to 2010. Leavitt spent more than 30 years as a college coach, most recently as head coach at South Florida, where he was fired last January.

 

[Wingnut]

Donatell last coached in Denver, overseeing a secondary that helped the Broncos to rank third in the NFL in 2009. Their ranking fell to 25th in 2010

He was Jim Mora’s defensive coordinator in Atlanta from 2004 until 2006, and ran the defense for Mike Sherman in Green Bay from 2000 to 2003.

Heres a post from the user "Lifer" over at 49ersWebZone.com:

According to denverbroncos.com, Donatell was named defensive backs coach on 1/20/09. In 2009 the Broncos had the 6th ranked pass defense in the league, as determined by footballoutsiders.com. This was, indeed, a huge improvement over 2008, when Denver's pass defense was ranked 31st (by footballoutsiders).

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef2009

In 2009 the Broncos were ranked 3rd in the league, in terms of passing yards per game, according to nfl.com. Again, this was a huge improvement over 2008, when they were ranked 26th.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?arc...e&Submit=Go

 

[Black Box]

I actually think that ASmith would make a top tier backup. He seems to pay phenomenally whenever he comes back from an injury or in short spurts here and there. Then the wheels just fall off. I can see him as a guy who comes in off the bench for some team, plays really well for a few games, and then goes back to the bench. That is a good role for him, imo.

 

[5Rings]

I actually think that ASmith would make a top tier backup. He seems to pay phenomenally whenever he comes back from an injury or in short spurts here and there. Then the wheels just fall off. I can see him as a guy who comes in off the bench for some team, plays really well for a few games, and then goes back to the bench. That is a good role for him, imo.

I can see the "Hey, he still might be our best option, especially now that he has his first QB-smart coach since Norv left..." argument...but IMO Alex Smith is way too mentally fragile to play for the 49ers ever again. Dude is gone.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I actually think that ASmith would make a top tier backup. He seems to pay phenomenally whenever he comes back from an injury or in short spurts here and there. Then the wheels just fall off. I can see him as a guy who comes in off the bench for some team, plays really well for a few games, and then goes back to the bench. That is a good role for him, imo.

I'd love to see him as a backup...for a different team. Never again in a Niners uniform, please.

 

[Black Box]

I also agree with the last two posts. Wasn't trying to imply the Niners should keep him.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I also agree with the last two posts. Wasn't trying to imply the Niners should keep him.

Though I wouldn't mind keeping Troy as a backup.

 

[shadyridr]

Id rather have a worse option than see Alex Smith in a 49er uni ever again

 

[RUSF18]

Has there been any word on what Harbaugh and Fangio plan to do with the defense, scheme-wise?