The real question here is why they hired Erickson in the first place. If you're going to fire a coach, Steve Mariucci, who has taken your team to the playoffs, shouldn't you be sure you've got someone better lined up? I think Donahue should be gone, too. It's his job to acquire talent, and the 49ers are lacking.

(Later note added by Vinny Gauri: As expected, 49ers general manager Terry Donahue was also dismissed today. Donahue had signed a four-year contract extension reportedly worth about $5 million only four months ago. Erickson went 9-23 in two full seasons and had three years and $7.5 million remaining on his contract. If York was charging players for postage on fan mail before, I can't wait to see how he recoups these kinds of costs. Meanwhile, to steal a line from Tony Kornheiser: Pete Carroll, please pick up the white courtesy phone.)

Posted by: Michael David Smith on 05 Jan 2005

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