SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Mike Nolan is the new coach of the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Monday.
Nolan, 45, who has never been a head coach, succeeds Dennis Erickson, who, along with General Manager Terry Donahue, was fired Jan. 5 after two seasons.
Nolan's father, Dick Nolan, coached the 49ers from 1968 to 1975.
Mike Nolan moves to the 49ers from the Baltimore Ravens, where he has been defensive coordinator.
"We've had a great list of candidates and we thought he is the best one to lead us into the future," 49ers spokesman Kirk Reynolds said. "He has a tremendous connection into the 49ers organization with his past."
Nolan has experience as a defensive coordinator for 10 of the past 11 seasons for Baltimore, Washington, Denver and the New York Giants. He was one of a number of candidates interviewed for the San Francisco post. Others included defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel of New England and Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger.
