McCloughan is currently the 49ers' vice president of player personnel, his job is as adviser to Nolan and does not hold much power.

Rumors about changes in the front office have been swirling since the day Denise DeBartolo-York said that changes were on the way, the first of which would likely be stripping Nolan of his general manager duties in favor of a "strong general manager".

It is believed that McCloughan could be the man for the job, in the eyes of the Yorks. Among the powers likely to be handed to McCloughan would be the final say on personnel matters and possibly even the power to fire Nolan.

If there is truth to this rumor, it looks like a lateral move on the part of the ownership. The appearance of change with very little actual change. McCloughan has had an influence already in GM decisions, the only change is a shifting of powers between him and Nolan.

If this is the ownership's idea of major changes, then we are in for a long offseason.