Do you have a sense that this is something both sides will want to pull the trigger on?

Rathman is still under contract as RB Coach with the Raiders? They allow him the interview for a job with a different team? Which does not even include a promotion? Do they want to get rid of him? Or do they want him to stay because he wants to stay and not because he has to?

Excellent news Matt! Now we can bring in a proven OC who Mr.
Rathman can learn under in the event of another early departure. Continuity is key in the forward thinking of Coach
Singletary.

Nice first interview. Step in the right direction.

Matt, if we get Rathman as RB coach, what do you think about the possibility of adding Kevin Jones to the mix at RB? He had his best season while Rathman was coaching him.

Does it make sense to hire a RB coach before the OC? Not that I wouldn't mind Rathman as our RB Coach (frankly, I'd be ecstatic), but shouldn't we hire the OC first, and then talk to him about bringing in Rathman?

Rathman is a quality coach who has a great philosophy from when he was a player. The WCO-walsh edition with a bit of smash mouth too! Rathman caught balls out of the back field, ran hard and "imposed his will". Good first step

C'mon now, interviewing for RB Coach before even one interview for OC??? Find that a little hard to believe. He's interviewing for OC no doubt what ever they say. It's the only thing that makes sense.

Dirk: I think it's a case of "if he doesn't want to be here, let him go", with the Raiders and Rathman. I would love to have Rathman back. Good coach, very good player, great attitude and a link to our glory days...what's not to like about one of our former "Nebraska Niners"? What excites me about our team now, as opposed to under NoWin, is the attitude. Singletary might not be the sharpest coach, in terms of X's and O's and/or fancy schmancy systems, but his attitude, and the attitude he wants his team to play with is possibly more conducive to success. With a good OC, we may just be ready to resume our annual trips to the postseason party...and man, wouldn't that be nice!

Re the interviewing of a running backs coach before an OC: I continue to think that Singletary has an OC in mind but cannot yet announce/hire because of playoffs, etc. If I am correct, Rathman is part of a pre-approved package. Just a hunch.

Great news! Sign him already Singletary ;-)

Talking to and getting Rathman would be excellent. In one package you get: an experienced, knowledge position coach, groomable for the future as an OC, and one that would buy in totally to the "smash-mouth, fear us 'cause here we come" philosophy that the team will be. Although I reluctantly feel Scot and Sing will know what they're doing when they reach the OC front - quizzes/questions, etc., , I am nevertheless getting a tad nervous. Either this person is out there and willing to come on board - or they don't have a clue who to talk to to get exactly what they want. For some vague reason, I don't totally buy into the existence of so called "list" of candidates - sorry. If there is such, then get on with it and stop being all mysterious and cute. We gain NOTHING with this waiting, and could potentially loose a hell of a lot. Just thinking out loud.

Geeze, why even interview, pull the trigger and bring Rathman home

Comment: C'mon now, interviewing for RB Coach before even one interview for OC??? Find that a little hard to believe. He's interviewing for OC no doubt what ever they say.

My response: Tom Rathman believes he would do a good job as offensive coordinator, but he has no desire to take on that role right now. He really loves working with running backs, and that's what he wants to do. Believe me, he interviewed for the 49ers' vacant position of RB coach. I don't think it's imperative that the O.C. hire the RBs coach. Rathman will mesh well without whomever the 49ers hire as coordinator. The new coordinator will have the say on the QB coach, though. --Matt M.

This would be a really good move. Rathman really fits well into what Singletary is trying to build on offense: a team that may not run on every play, but one that can run when it needs to, be it for first downs, to control the clock or whatever.

It would also be insurance if the new OC were to pursue an HC job in a year or two. Then we'd have our pick of Rathman OR the new QB coach to step in.

Dirk and Dr T - If you read MM's post above (asking too much I know), he explains why he is able to interview - his contract has expired with the Raiders.

Who cares? I don't think it is a big deal in hiring the RB coach before the OC. Rathman has been under the 49ers radar since 07. Nolan could not get him and went to Hostler. Rathman probably met all the criteria the 49ers are looking for right now, and they could have penciled him to be the OC in the near future. Nowadays, with the new philosophy, all big corporations in the US must have a succession planing. They have to think ahead what if the key people leave. Rathman is no doubt, will step in the OC role if the new guy ends up leaving in a year or two.

Great scoop MM. I hope we don't get into a bidding war with the 49ers reunion coaching staff up North, which will now be known as your 2009 Seattle Seahawks.

rathman was a beast in techno ball.

I do not and will not follow the Raiders, so I have no idea how Rathman has done as their RB coach. I loved Rathman as a player, but can I get some opinions how he has done as a coach? Thanks

Rathman's contract is up with the Raiders, that's why he can interview with the Niners. They should sign him.

When Rathman joined the Raiders they started running the ball effectively. When Rathman was with the Niners they had good running teams with mulitple 1000 yd rushers.

Rathman has done a very good job as far as I can tell with the Raiders. I think his most impressive job was with Justin Fargas, who had a breakout season with him last season. He was sidelined a good bit this year with a "running back by committee" group, which they had to do in order to get the talented McFadden and Bush in there.

It is hard to tell how well he developed Michael Bush and McFadden since both were pretty NFL ready to begin with, but I think the fact that they didn't have a lot of fumbles and breakdowns in pass protection in their first years playing in the NFL is a credit to his coaching. You would expect more of that from rookies. He also had to work with a last minute signing at FB because their starting FB was hurt at the end of the preseason I believe.

Knapp has been hired by the Seahwaks. Let's hope we lock Rathman up quick or he will be in Seattle before we know it. Helicopter tour perhaps? Or was that Nolan’s move.... "New Seahawks head coach Jim Mora is wasting little time getting the band back together. Adam Schefter reports that Greg Knapp, who served as offensive coordinator for the Falcons when Mora was their head coach."

2009 NFL Draft: Updated Big Board .... http://profootball.scout.com/2/826599.html .......you can tell who wll not be a bust by looking at the size of their necks....micheal johnson looks sure.

Any questions? The floor is open for a little while (about an hour).

what can you tell us about Adam Gase?

Any update on Alex Smith.... when was the last time you saw him, what was he doing and how does he look physically

You are a smart guy,......give us your opinion of sings relationship with A.Smith?

When will the Niners cut Alex Smith since they will either cut and let him go or cut and resign to a minimum deal?

Hey Matt

I am following your blog since years from vienna/austria in europe.
Its one of the few "links" i have to my 49ers.
My question would be: when do you expect to hear something "official", meaning a hire or the message that it didnt work out.
Do you think there will be more interviews for the RB coach Job or will they work like their list top down ?

Does Rathman indicate that the OC that will be hired does not have to be the long term solution ? It seems to me the 49ers want to built their future OC in Rathman. So is it more possible now that they sign some experienced guy for lets say 1-2 years to get Tom prepared ? If the OC leaves then like Norv or Martz would have (i believe) we would have our guy ready.

Thanks for your great work here

Question: When will the Niners cut Alex Smith since they will either cut and let him go or cut and resign to a minimum deal?

My response: I'd think Smith's future will be cleared up next month. --Matt M.

Coach Sings seems to imply he will be working closely with scotty....and it is obvious scotty wants A.Smith as our QB (when he said he had no doubt A.Smith will be a very good QB in the nfl)........both men scotty and sing both have had discussions in the past bout dtrafting players, even though Sing wasn't thrilled about willis, scotty was able to convince sing to take another look......wont you say its VERY possible scotty could convince sing A.Smith is the QB for this team?........I mean it will be very hard for coach Sing to not follow scotty's wishes...wont you agree?

Has A.Smith personality changed ?.......He did get married this yr, didnt he?

Question: what can you tell us about Adam Gase?

My response: Steve Mariucci hired Gase in 2005 as an offensive assistant. He served two years with Martz with the Lions, first as offensive quality control and then as QBs coach. Then, Martz brought him to the 49ers as offensive assistant. Singletary must think highly of him or I'm sure he would've relieved him of his duties last week when he fired Martz, Tollner and Nathan. Gase is 30 years old. --Matt M.

if Scott Linehan is hired, dont you think the relationship he has with A.Smith family makes it clear he will like A.Smith to be his QB.....

Question: when do you expect to hear something "official", meaning a hire or the message that it didnt work out. Do you think there will be more interviews for the RB coach Job or will they work like their list top down ? Does Rathman indicate that the OC that will be hired does not have to be the long term solution ?

My response: I don't know if they plan on interviewing anyone else, but I'd expect Rathman to be hired before the end of the week. I think they want to hire an offensive coordinator that will be around for a while. Rathman told me he really has no desire to be an offensive coordinator, but he feels he would do a good job if that were his role. --Matt M.

If the four LBs are Lawson, Willis, Spikes, and Haralson, and three Dline guys are a combo of Smith, Franklin, Soap, McDonald, and Balmer - who gets replaced if we draft or sign a FA who's a stud pass rusher/NT?

Seems Frank Gore is not a true leader on the team.....sure he his on the field.....i get a feeling he whines alot backdoors.....WHY?.....he was not too happy his previous FB was cut, even though he didn't express himself publicly, multiple reports say Frank Gore was not too happy to chat or friendly with the new FB keasy....true or false?

Interesting fact... Tom Rathman coached Tom Brady in high school.

Do you think Jennings will be cut?......What is the relationship like between Jennings and Coach Sing?

Question: If the four LBs are Lawson, Willis, Spikes, and Haralson, and three Dline guys are a combo of Smith, Franklin, Soap, McDonald, and Balmer - who gets replaced if we draft or sign a FA who's a stud pass rusher/NT?

My response: Mike Singletary loves to create competition, so the guys who perform the best will start and the others will have backup roles and have to continue to fight for playing time. That said, if the 49ers sign a stud outside pass rusher, it would be Roderick Green whose role as a third-down pass rusher would be in jeopardy. --Matt M.

another one from europe ;)
Does the fact that no OC Interviews were done yet indicate that the top-candidates are still on playoff teams so there cant be any interviews now ?

If Sing got his list and the top candidates are out there in the offseason, why wait until maybe someone else grabs them away ?

Are the old-yorks still in charge of spending or is baby-york now in charge of spending their money?.....who says yes or no to scotty about paying a FA like suggs big money.

Hope they hire Rathman. I always thought ex-niners Looked terrible in Silver and Black, just a major down grade.

Matt , a while ago I threw out an idea re: Nate Clements. With safties playing a big part in at least 2 playoff games so far, I think Nate, being a very complete DB( good speed, good coverage abilities and great tackling as well as being a playmaker, he'd make a very good free safety. It would have him involved in a lot more plays. You have any thoughts on that.

Hey matt, just curious... have you taken a look at the draft and is there anyone you'd like to see the niners draft? i'm developing quite the man-crush on taylor mays myself.

You have become more bitter - no fun as the season went.....is this a result of the team's losing or is your bozz stressing you or is it something else?

What do you know about Coach Sings family?

What are Rathman's strengths and weaknesses as a RB Coach. We really don't see a lot of what they do functionally. It seemed that Gore missed a bunch of cut back lanes this year. What is Singletary's #1 offseason on the field priority? (OLB/OT/WR/Safety)

Question: Does the fact that no OC Interviews were done yet indicate that the top-candidates are still on playoff teams so there cant be any interviews now ? If Sing got his list and the top candidates are out there in the offseason, why wait until maybe someone else grabs them away ?

My response: Not necessarily. Coaches who might be attractive hires are going to want a chance to see what else is out there, too. The only coordinator I know who's been hired is Greg Knapp, and everybody has suspected for several months that he would be heading to Seattle with Jim Mora. It wouldn't surprise me to see the 49ers bring in a candidate tomorrow. It's all rumors at this point. Scott Linehan, Gil Haskell and Paul Hackett are the only names I've heard directly linked to this job. --Matt M.

Question: With safties playing a big part in at least 2 playoff games so far, I think Nate, being a very complete DB( good speed, good coverage abilities and great tackling as well as being a playmaker, he'd make a very good free safety. It would have him involved in a lot more plays. You have any thoughts on that.

My response: Nate Clements is the team's best cornerback. I don't see any advantage in taking a guy who gets paid a heck of a lot of money to play a vital position and moving him into a role he has never before played. It's best to sign or draft someone for that specific position. --Matt M.

Matt,

I believe that Singletary and McLoughan have a plan and a list. Since it is pretty clear that Linehan is on that list, do you read the fact that Linehan has not been interviewed yet to mean that while Linehan may be high on the list, he is not #1 on the list and the Niners are waiting because they want to interview in list order as they plan to start at the top of the list and only move down if the interview doesn't confirm their perceived order of priority? I say this because I glean that Nathan was fired with the knowledge that Rathman's contract was expiring and Sing/McL, subject to a confirming interview, wanted him. If this theory is plausible, who is/are the OC candidates that are presently unavailble who might be higher than Linehan on the list?

Question: What are Rathman's strengths and weaknesses as a RB Coach. We really don't see a lot of what they do functionally. It seemed that Gore missed a bunch of cut back lanes this year. What is Singletary's #1 offseason on the field priority? (OLB/OT/WR/Safety)

My response: One of Rathman's areas of expertise is blitz pickup. He takes a great deal of pride in his "Bring-It" sessions. He is also a stickler for footwork from the RB position. Obviously, he relates well to the players knows how to get a lot out of them.

I'm not sure there is a No. 1 priority. But I think pass-rusher, offensive tackle and safety are Nos. 1a, 1b and 1c -- in no particular order. They need upgrades at each of those spots. --Matt M.

Matt, I agree with you regarding Clements, that'd be silly. But one name I've brought up previously for a shift to safety is Walt Harris. Still a good corner, but getting a little long in the tooth and there appear to be good options behind him. I was thinking a Rod Woodson-like shift could be a possibility. I believe they ran him at safety over the top on Moss, when he slipped. Your thoughts?

Question: Hey matt, just curious... have you taken a look at the draft and is there anyone you'd like to see the niners draft? i'm developing quite the man-crush on taylor mays myself.

My response: No, I really haven't started looking at the draft. I don't start getting "into it" until I know who is coming out and who is staying in. I don't blame you for your feelings about Taylor Mays. He certainly looks the part. --Matt M.

Question: Matt, I agree with you regarding Clements, that'd be silly. But one name I've brought up previously for a shift to safety is Walt Harris. Your thoughts?

My response: Yes, that makes a little more sense to me, as long as they don't weaken the cornerback position with his move to safety. Still, I think the 49ers would like to draft or sign a safety who figures into the team's long-term plans. --Matt M.

the term you're looking for is Mantastic.

Thank you for your questions. I have to duck away now and get ready for a rare NBA assignment of Warriors vs. Lakers. (They tell me the ball is round.) Have a good evening.

--Matt M.

Matt,what do you know about the uniforms being changed?last season you said we would have new uniforms by this season.

National Football Post is reporting that the 49ers have hired Rathman to the position of RBs coach. Can you confirm yet?

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/01/rathman-back-in-san-fran/

Hey Matt, I think that this is a great move, but isn't this contrary to what Coach Singletary said was his reason for firing Tollner and Nathan in the first place? I believe his stated reason was so that the new offensive coordinator could hire his own coaches. Just wondering.