Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 to 2008 and he had authority over personnel decisions from 2005-07.
He compiled an 18-37 record, but laid the ground work for the success the 49ers are enjoying now.
He drafted core players running back Frank Gore, tight end Vernon Davis and linebacker Patrick Willis, who are still heavily featured under current head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“There are still several players that I coached when I was there so that’s always an interesting group for me to go against,” Nolan said. “But it’s exciting as well.”
Michael Singletary took over for Nolan after he was fired seven games in to the 2008 season. Singletary was fired with one game left in the 2010 season. Harbaugh, working off the foundation laid by Nolan and Singletary, has posted three straight 10-win seasons.
Harbaugh’s biggest win was a 28-24 victory over the Falcons in the NFC Championship game on Jan. 20 that lead to the storied franchise’s sixth Super Bowl trip.
“I think the most telling tale about their football team is that they have a lot of experience now,” Nolan said. “Experience and playing with one another is quite an asset. It’s great to have good players, but when those players have played together, they play with much more confidence because there is a lot more trust in what’s going on around them. That’s what they’ve got throughout their football team.”
