Organizational Chaos Within 49ers

Several years ago here at FOXSports, I did a breakdown of organizational stability around the NFL.  At that time, I projected the 49ers’ Organization to become the next Cincinnati Bengals of this decade.  I guess I was correct in that projection. 

Since that time, the organizational structure has become even more indecisive.  John York is just not qualified as an NFL Owner.  His son Jed handles quite a bit of responsibility.  I like his effort and dedication to the organization, but he’s not the answer to lead this organization.  The two man team of Mike Nolan and Scot McCloughan isn’t an ideal solution.

I do give credit to Nolan for trying to create a more disciplined culture since joining the organization.  He’s had a few tough breaks with injuries this season and working with his third different offensive coordinator in three years.  Those factors have setback the organization this season. 

Now there are mixed opinions within the upper management regarding Nolan’s future and direction of this organization.  I believe Nolan has the right vision for where this team should go, but I believe they should have a stronger presence in the front office to work in tandem with Nolan.  Nolan knows what he wants, but he’s not a personnel man.  Scot McCloughan handles a lot of the day to day work for Nolan and is respected around the league, but regarded as a general manager type. 

Overall, Nolan needs to focus on being the coach and they need to hire a strong general manager who can strengthen their organizational direction. 

One of the unspoken fallouts from the resignation of Bobby Petrino in Atlanta has been the loss of a couple strong assistants.  Obviously, they’ll lose a few more good assistants – pending the new head coach.  But they already lost two strong assistants in Paul Petrino (wide receivers) and Brian VanGorder (linebackers).   Petrino quickly emerged as one of the league’s top few receiver coaches.  He’s very demanding in regards to fundaments, which made a difference in the play of Roddy White this season.  And Petrino was doing a good job behind the scenes with the development of rookie Laurent Robinson, who could play a big role next season.  On the other side of the ball, VanGorder has done a solid job with some of the young linebackers on the Falcons’ roster.  Michael Boley has developed into a cornerstone and rookie Stephen Nichols also adapted quickly to the NFL this season.

Among the several holes the Jets need to address this spring, the wide receiver position should see some attention.  The only sure bet for the future is Jerricho Cotchery.  Cotchery is a solid intermediate target, but has very little speed to stretch the field.  The Jets need a playmaker that can stretch the field to pair with Cotchery.  Laveranues Coles has just about reached the end of his career.  His physical skills are on a sharp decline at this point.  He’s finishing the season on injured reserve.  Coles has likely played his last game as a Jet.

The Saints will have to consider adding another cornerback this spring.  Jason David was erratic in his first season with New Orleans.  And Mike McKenzie will be battling back from a knee injury next season and his future is clouded at this stage of his career.  He’s never been a pure cover guy and has relied more on his physical skills than anything else.  Someone who must emerge for the Saints next season is Usama Young.  Young was viewed as a project when drafted last spring.  He’s very raw and wasn’t ready to see the field this season, but has very intriguing athleticism.  Young shows natural ball skills, but has a lot of work ahead of him this spring to hone his techniques and command for the NFL game.  His development will be among the top priorities during the off-season program for the Saints.

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