Steve Mariucci leaves 49ers

[Guest oldschoolwrestling]

The 49ers and coach Steve Mariucci have decided to part ways, SportsLine.com learned Wednesday.

 

 

SportsLine.com has learned that 49ers owner John York has decided to release Mariucci because of "philosophical differences."

 

General manager Terry Donahue told SportsLine.com that he is unsure who the new coach will be, but it will not be Donahue, putting to rest a long-standing rumor.

 

"We will be looking first for people on our own staff and then conduct an extensive search to put the best man in that slot for this football team," he said.

 

The hot candidate for the position could be former Vikings coach Denny Green, who was once a 49ers assistant.

 

The team was expected to hold a news conference later Wednesday, where Donahue was to answer questions about the stunning development.

 

"Steve and John sat down and had a discussion and decided to part ways," Donahue said. "Philosophically, John and Steve saw things differently."

 

Mariucci immediately becomes the top candidate for the Jaguars job. He has been owner Wayne Weaver's first choice.