Fortyniners

Defense

Crennel will interview with Cleveland on Friday, San Francisco on Saturday. It’s looking like New England will lose both coordinators this season.

Nolan’s father coached the team frm 1968-1975. He has accepted the job offer and is working on a contract. Baltimore is now looking for two coordinators.

FOX’s Jay Glazer reported earlier in the day that McCloughan is out because “he’s got to deal with some personal issues,” and that the GM’s removal “was NOT a power struggle or anything like that.” McCloughan has already been connected to his old pal, Packers GM Ted Thompson, and Raiders owner Al Davis, but may need time off to gather himself before taking another job.

He spearheaded the 49ers rebuilding plan and will need to show results starting next season.

It’s something new Bucs coach Greg Schiano is getting used to, as he was blocked from interviewing two offensive coordinator candidates before settling on Giants QBs coach Mike Sullivan. The Broncos DBs coach in 2009-10 before joining the Niners last season, Donatell also has seven years of NFL coordinating experience.

In his first season as an NFL head coach, Harbaugh led the 49ers to a 13-3 record and a berth in the NFC Championship Game. Distancing himself from Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy, Harbaugh earned 45 to McCarthy’s three and Broncos coach John Fox’s two votes. Among other accolades, Harbaugh is credited with resurrecting the career of quarterback Alex Smith and working with Vic Fangio to organize a defense that allowed the fourth fewest yards per game in 2011.

While the team expects Jimmy Williams and Shawntae Spencer to play, it could get ugly in San Francisco Sunday.

Teams can block assistants from interviewing for jobs below head coach. It’s the second year in a row the 49ers have prevented Donatell from seeking a coordinator job, as the Bucs expressed interest last February. It suggests coach Jim Harbaugh views Donatell as DC Vic Fangio’s heir apparent. Fangio is considered a future head coach in many circles.

“I have not been contacted, I don’t expect to be contacted and I’m not interested,” Carroll said. San Francisco will have a hard time finding a coach if they want someone established. Look for a coordinator and/or first-time NFL head coach to get the job.

San Francisco has an extremely young coaching staff. They will look to switch to a 3-4 defense, which could be good for Julian Peterson’s numbers.