49ers Hire Rathman to Coach Running Backs
The San Francisco 49ers have dipped into the past to replace dismissed running backs coach Tony Nathan. Tom Rathman, a former 49er player from the teams glory years was named as the teams running backs coach after an interview with head coach Mike Singletary, Wednesday, (1/07).
Rathman was a versatile fullback for San Francisco from 1986-93, winning two Super Bowls during his tenure. Rathman also coached the 49ers running backs under former head coach Steve Mariucci, from 1997-2002. Rathman followed Mariucci to Detroit before joining the Oakland Raiders coaching staff in 2006, where he has spent the last three seasons. In his 11 seasons as an NFL coach, Rathman has built a reputation as a running backs coach with experience and expertise in the West Coast offense.
Despite the presence of 1,000 yard rusher Frank Gore, the 49ers finished 27th in the league in rushing in 2008, and Singletary has made it very clear that he wants the 49ers to be a run oriented team in the future.
The search for a replacement for recently fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz continues.
Contributions from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Posted: January 8th, 2009 under National Football League.
