Mike Nolan facts for kids
Nolan in 2008
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| Michigan Panthers | |
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| Position: | Head coach |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 7, 1959 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Woodside (Woodside, California) |
| College: | Oregon |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | NFL 17–36 (.321) USFL/UFL 11–9 (.550) |
| Postseason: | USFL/UFL 0–2 (.000) |
| Career: | NFL 17–36 (.321) USFL/UFL 11–11 (.500) |
Michael Tullis Nolan (born March 7, 1959) is a well-known American football coach. He is currently the head coach for the Michigan Panthers. This team plays in the United Football League (UFL).
Before joining the Panthers, Nolan was a head coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He also worked as a defensive coordinator for many teams in the National Football League (NFL). These teams included the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Cowboys. He also coached linebackers for the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, and New Orleans Saints.
Contents
- College Football Years
- Coaching Career Highlights
- Starting in College Football
- First Stint with the Denver Broncos
- New York Giants Role
- Washington Redskins Defense
- New York Jets Coordinator
- Baltimore Ravens Experience
- Leading the San Francisco 49ers
- Second Stint with the Denver Broncos
- Miami Dolphins Defense
- Atlanta Falcons Defense
- San Diego Chargers Linebackers
- New Orleans Saints Linebackers
- Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
- Michigan Panthers Head Coach
- Head Coaching Record
- Personal Life
College Football Years
Mike Nolan went to the University of Oregon. He played football there as a safety for three years.
Coaching Career Highlights
Starting in College Football
Nolan began his coaching journey at the college level. He coached at Stanford University, Rice University, and LSU. After these college jobs, he moved on to coach in the NFL.
First Stint with the Denver Broncos
In 1987, the Denver Broncos hired Nolan. He started as a special teams coach under head coach Dan Reeves. By 1989, he was promoted to coach the linebackers.
New York Giants Role
Nolan followed Dan Reeves to the New York Giants in 1993. There, he became the defensive coordinator. This meant he was in charge of the team's defense.
Washington Redskins Defense
In 1997, Nolan took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins.
New York Jets Coordinator
The New York Jets hired Nolan in 2000. He served as their defensive coordinator under head coach Al Groh.
Baltimore Ravens Experience
In 2001, Nolan joined the Baltimore Ravens as a wide receivers coach. The next year, in 2002, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.
Leading the San Francisco 49ers
In 2005, Mike Nolan became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. This was special because his father, Dick Nolan, had also been a head coach for the 49ers. Mike Nolan also acted as his own general manager for a time.
The 49ers chose Alex Smith as their top pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Nolan believed Smith was smart and calm. He also considered Aaron Rodgers, but felt their personalities might not work well together. In 2005, the 49ers finished with 4 wins and 12 losses. The next year, they improved to 7 wins and 9 losses. This led to high hopes for the 2007 season, but an 8-game losing streak ended their playoff dreams. Nolan was fired on October 20, 2008. His assistant, Mike Singletary, took over.
The Sideline Suit Story
When Nolan became the 49ers' coach, he wanted to wear a suit and tie on the sidelines. He wanted to do this to honor his father. The NFL first said no because of a contract with Reebok. This contract required coaches to wear team-branded clothing.
However, the rule changed during Nolan's second season. Coaches were then allowed to wear a full suit for two home games each season. These suits were made by Reebok. Nolan first wore a suit in a game against the Seattle Seahawks in November 2006. After more discussions, the NFL and Reebok agreed to let coaches wear suits for all home games in the 2007 season. After leaving the 49ers, Nolan went back to wearing regular team gear.
Second Stint with the Denver Broncos
In 2009, Nolan returned to the Denver Broncos as defensive coordinator. He worked under head coach Josh McDaniels. The Broncos started the season very strong, winning their first six games. They allowed very few points during this time. However, they struggled later in the season and missed the playoffs. Nolan resigned from his position in January 2010.
Miami Dolphins Defense
Nolan joined the Miami Dolphins as defensive coordinator in January 2010. In the 2010 season, the Dolphins' defense was strong. They ranked well in points and yards allowed per game. They continued to perform well in the 2011 season.
Atlanta Falcons Defense
In January 2012, Nolan became the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. In 2012, their defense was good, ranking 5th in points allowed. However, in 2013 and 2014, the team's defensive performance declined.
San Diego Chargers Linebackers
In 2015, Nolan was hired by the San Diego Chargers. He coached their linebackers.
New Orleans Saints Linebackers
Nolan moved to the New Orleans Saints in 2017. He continued to coach linebackers for them.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
On January 5, 2020, Nolan was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator. He worked again with head coach Mike McCarthy. The 2020 season was challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This made it hard to train players and implement new strategies. The team finished with a losing record. Their defense allowed a lot of points. Nolan was fired by the Cowboys in January 2021.
Michigan Panthers Head Coach
On February 3, 2023, it was announced that Nolan would be the new head coach for the Michigan Panthers. This team is part of the United States Football League (USFL). This was his first head coaching job since 2008.
2023 Season
In his first season with the Panthers, Nolan led them to a 4-6 record. This was an improvement from the previous year. The Panthers made it to the playoffs. They played the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL North Championship Game. They lost a close game in overtime, 31-27.
2024 Season
The USFL and XFL leagues merged to form the UFL. Nolan kept his job as head coach for the Panthers. The team had a great season, finishing with a 7-3 record. They were second in their conference. Nolan also won the UFL's Coach of the Year award. However, the Panthers lost to the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship Game, 31-18.
Head Coaching Record
NFL
| Team | Year | Regular Season | Post Season | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| SF | 2005 | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 4th in NFC West | — | — | — | — |
| SF | 2006 | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3rd in NFC West | — | — | — | — |
| SF | 2007 | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 3rd in NFC West | — | — | — | — |
| SF | 2008 | 2 | 5 | 0 | .286 | Fired | — | — | — | — |
| SF Total | 18 | 37 | 0 | .327 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |||
| Total | 18 | 37 | 0 | .327 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |||
USFL/UFL
| League | Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | |||
| USFL | MICH | 2023 | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | 2nd in USFL North | 0 | 1 | .000 | Lost to Pittsburgh Maulers in North Division Championship Game |
| UFL | MICH | 2024 | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | 2nd in USFL Conference | 0 | 1 | .000 | Lost to Birmingham Stallions in USFL Conference Championship Game |
| Total | 11 | 9 | 0 | .550 | 0 | 2 | .000 | ||||
Personal Life
Mike Nolan is married to Kathy. They have four children: Michael, Matthew, Jennifer, and Christopher.
Nolan went to Bellarmine College Preparatory and Woodside High School in California. His father, Dick Nolan, was also a famous football coach. Dick Nolan passed away in 2007. Mike Nolan coached a game the very next day to honor his dad.
