Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan said he had expressed interest in the team's defensive coordinator job before the position was filled. As a courtesy, new head coach Chip Kelly called Nolan back after the hiring of former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil.
Ex-49ers coach Mike Nolan said he expressed interest to Chip Kelly about DC job. Kelly called him back as courtesy when he hired Jim O'Neil.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) February 6, 2016
Nolan was the head coach of the 49ers from 2005 until 2008. He has a great deal of experience as a defensive coordinator, having served in that role with the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and most recently, the Atlanta Falcons.
Nolan was 18-37 during his run as head coach of the 49ers. He was fired on October 20, 2008 and replaced by assistant head coach Mike Singletary. In 2012, the Falcons defense ranked fifth in the league in points allowed. That ranking fell to 27th by 2014.