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| Wednesday, January 24 Associated Press | |||
| SAN FRANCISCO -- Marty Mornhinweg's departure from the San
Francisco 49ers won't leave Steve Mariucci in the lurch.
When the Detroit Lions introduce Mornhinweg their new coach on
Thursday, Mariucci will promote highly regarded quarterbacks coach
Greg Knapp into Mornhinweg's spot as the 49ers' offensive
coordinator. The team plans to announce the move shortly after
Mornhinweg is officially hired in Detroit.
Knapp, credited with helping Jeff Garcia's development into a
Pro Bowl quarterback, was signed to a contract extension by San
Francisco earlier this month after he flirted with the Arizona
Cardinals' offensive coordinator position.
"He has decided to stay with us, to be patient," Mariucci said
Friday. "He has had interest around the league, and he has decided
that he will stay with us for at least another year. He loves
living here, he loves coaching here, and we love having him here."
Mornhinweg's new position gives Mariucci a sense of pride, he
said. Mornhinweg was a candidate for Green Bay's coaching position
last year, which was filled by Mike Sherman, and he was coveted by
both the Lions and the Browns this season.
"I'd like to be in a position where I see my assistant coaches move on to be head coaches, like Bill Walsh," Mariucci said. "I'd like to see my assistants here be successful enough here to be the lead dog."
Mornhinweg was one of the first coaches hired by Mariucci when he left Cal in 1997 to take over the 49ers. They had worked together in Green Bay, where both spent time as Brett Favre's position coach.
Mariucci called the plays during his first two years in charge,
but he began giving play-calling responsibility to Mornhinweg
during the 1999 season. Since then, Mornhinweg has been the primary
play-caller. Mariucci plans to return to play-calling duties next
season, though Knapp will take over eventually.
Even with the 49ers' rebuilding project in full swing, Mornhinweg and Mariucci have maintained an offense that ranked among the NFL's most prolific all season and sent its three most important skill players -- Garcia, receiver Terrell Owens and running back Charlie Garner -- to the Pro Bowl.
| ALSO SEE
Mornhinweg will replace Moeller as Lions coach | ||