Quote: SFGate

"Do you think he's coming back?" two defensive starters asked point-blank. The question was startling. For obvious reasons, they didn't want their names used. Told that Nolan appeared safe for a fourth season, both players reacted negatively. "This win shouldn't gloss over anything," one player said. "I really hope it doesn't."

Both players said they wanted a coaching change, citing numerous issues with Nolan they said have been setbacks for what they consider to be a strong defense: questionable personnel schemes, such as abandoning the base 3-4 scheme too often in favor of nickel and dime sub packages that left the edges and middle of the field exposed; favoritism that determines playing time; poor game and clock management; poor communication that extends beyond the Nolan-Alex Smith injury flap. "No way we should be 5-10 right now," another player said. "Look at the personnel we have. Something is wrong."