Mariucci Sacked as 49ers Coach
URL:http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=576&ncid=755&e=6&u=/nm/20030116/sp_nm/nfl_mariucci_dc
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Steve Mariucci was fired as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (news) Wednesday over "philosophical differences" with owner John York on how the team should be run.
Reuters Photo
Mariucci's sacking came just three days after the 49ers were crushed 31-6 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (news) in an NFC divisional playoff game.
In six seasons with the 49ers, Mariucci, who had one year remaining on his contract, guided his team into the postseason four times while compiling a record of 58-39.
The Niners finished this season with an 11-7 record, capturing the NFC West title. But the 47-year-old coach failed to get the 49ers to the Super Bowl, which they have won five times in 20 years, the most recent in 1995.
"Dr York has a strong feeling on how he wants the team structured," said Niners general manager Terry Donahue.
"He wants a president, a general manager, a head coach. He wants people with clearly defined responsibilities.
"From a fundamental standpoint, there was a conflict with where the owner wanted the organization to be and where he wanted it flowing."
Mariucci had been seeking a bigger say and a more prominent role in the operation of the team, lobbying for the position of vice-president of football operations.
Last winter Mariucci alienated himself from the 49ers front office by talking to Tampa Bay about its coaching vacancy after openly campaigning for a contract extension.
"I don't believe we ever had a major conflict," said Donahue. "I don't think we had any minor conflicts."
Mariucci might not be out of work for long.
He is expected to be a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars (news) head coaching vacancy. |
