News Archive
logo.jpg (11350 bytes)


-


Conflict? Not A Chance.
January 10 2002
By Bryan Hersh of 49ers Paradise
Steve Mariucci joined the 49ers after George Seiferts ‘resignation’. It’s seems like ever since then the media has been trying to create a rift between him and the organization. One day Mariucci is not satisfied with his role with the team, the next, the team isn’t satisfied with the coach. Hard to believe all this is going on while Mariucci has taken the 49ers to the playoffs every season he’s been with the team with the exception of the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

More likely than not, the media is blowing this out of proportion for the sake of having something to write about. Evidence strongly supports this argument too. Not only do both parties refute each side of the story, and even go as far as expressing their good feelings from one another - but it’s even been caught on camera.

Just last week after the 49ers third shut out of the season, Mariucci showed his good faith to the executives of the team. Handing out game balls, Mariucci gave one to John McVay, the former general manager and current director of player personnel of the team. Mariucci sited McVay’s life time achievements with the team for warranting the game ball, including being there for the building, the dynasty, and the rebuilding of the 49ers. It was most certainly a nice gesture by the coach, and well accepted by McVay on his birthday.

It wasn’t the first gesture of the sorts, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. With gestures such as these it is extremely hard to believe the bad publicity the press usually gives the interaction of these two sides to be true. I stand by my belief that both sides are very happy with each other - and I’d be very surprised if the 49ers don’t give Mariucci a contract extension this off-season.

Talk about it in the 49ers Paradise Forum

fball.jpg (6395 bytes)fball.jpg (6395 bytes)