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Mike Nolan
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Michael Tullis Nolan[1] (born March 7, 1959) is an American football coach. Nolan previously served as a head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, and a defensive coordinator for the National Football League (NFL)'s Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Cowboys.[2] Nolan is a former linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, and New Orleans Saints.
Key Information
College years
[edit]Nolan attended the University of Oregon and was a three-year letterman in football and starter at safety.
Coaching career
[edit]College
[edit]Nolan had coached at the collegiate level at Stanford University, Rice University, and LSU before moving on to the National Football League.
Denver Broncos
[edit]In 1987, Nolan was hired by the Denver Broncos as a special teams coach under head coach, Dan Reeves. In 1989, he was promoted to linebackers coach.
New York Giants
[edit]In 1993, Nolan followed Dan Reeves to the New York Giants and he was hired as defensive coordinator.
Washington Redskins
[edit]In 1997, Nolan was hired as defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins.
New York Jets
[edit]In 2000, Nolan was hired by the New York Jets as their defensive coordinator under head coach Al Groh.
Baltimore Ravens
[edit]In 2001, Nolan was hired as wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2002.
San Francisco 49ers
[edit]In 2005, Nolan was hired as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, following in his father's footsteps, the former San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints head coach, Dick Nolan. He also served as his own general manager.
Nolan and the 49ers selected Alex Smith with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Nolan thought Smith to be cerebral, introspective, and non-confrontational. Nolan also evaluated Aaron Rodgers, but did not believe that Rodgers's attitude could co-exist with him.[3][4] Nolan finished the 2005 season with a 4–12 record. The next season, Nolan led a late season run and the 49ers improved to 7–9. That led to expectations for the 2007 season which included at least 9 wins and a playoff appearance. The season started well at 2–0, but an 8-game losing streak ended all hope of a playoff run. During the season, he publicly disagreed with Smith over the severity of the quarterback's shoulder injury.[5] Nolan had been under intense scrutiny in the Bay Area. After the season, Nolan lost his general manager position and on October 20, 2008, Nolan was fired and replaced by his assistant head coach Mike Singletary.[6]
Suit issue
[edit]Following his hiring by the 49ers, Nolan asked the NFL for permission to wear a suit and tie on the sidelines as a tribute to his father. The league initially denied Nolan's request because of the contract it had with Reebok for its coaches to wear team-logo attire, a ruling that was changed during Nolan's second season as coach. In the new NFL policy, coaches were allowed to wear a full suit for only two home games per season. The suits were designed, marketed and labeled under the Reebok corporation. Nolan debuted the suit in a game at home against the Seattle Seahawks on November 19, 2006. A day later, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio sported another Reebok suit on Monday Night Football.
After further lobbying by Nolan, the NFL and Reebok reached an agreement to allow suits to be worn at all home games in the 2007 season.[7]
After his firing from the 49ers, however, he has simply worn team-issued apparel in all subsequent coaching jobs.
Denver Broncos (second stint)
[edit]In early 2009, Nolan was hired by the Denver Broncos as the defensive coordinator under head coach, Josh McDaniels. With a new 3-4 defense the Denver Broncos gave up the fewest points in the NFL (66) during the first six games of the season, and made their way to their first 6–0 start since the 1998 season in which they won Super Bowl XXXIII. The Broncos went 2 and 8 the rest of the way, and missed the playoffs. On January 18, 2010, Mike Nolan and Josh McDaniels mutually decided Nolan would resign as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos.[2]
Miami Dolphins
[edit]On January 19, 2010, Nolan was hired by the Miami Dolphins as defensive coordinator. In the 2010 season, the Dolphins finished 14th in points allowed per game (20.8), 6th in yards allowed per game (309.3) and 12th in Football Outsiders' DVOA. In the 2011 season, they finished 6th in points allowed per game (19.6), 15th in yards allowed per game (345.1) and 13th in Football Outsiders' DVOA.
Atlanta Falcons
[edit]On January 17, 2012, Nolan was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as defensive coordinator. In the 2012 season, the Falcons finished 5th in points allowed per game (18.7), 24th in yards allowed per game (365.6) and 9th in Football Outsiders' DVOA. In the 2013 season, they finished 27th in both points (27.7) and yards (379.4) allowed per game, and 26th in Football Outsiders' DVOA. In the 2014 season, Atlanta finished 27th in points allowed per game (26.1), 32nd in yards allowed per game (398.2) and 31st in Football Outsiders' DVOA.
San Diego Chargers
[edit]In 2015, Nolan was hired by the San Diego Chargers as their linebackers coach.
New Orleans Saints
[edit]In 2017, Nolan was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their linebackers coach.
Dallas Cowboys
[edit]On January 5, 2020, Nolan was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator. He reunited with head coach Mike McCarthy who was his offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Nolan faced heavy restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of physical contact with the players, their availability due to a positive test for COVID-19 or having been exposed to someone who had it, a reduced training camp schedule and the cancellation of preseason games, which made it difficult to implement his defensive scheme. To make matters worse, most of the free agent signings for the defense were ineffective. The team would finish with a losing record (6-10), while the defensive unit allowed the most points in franchise history (473), finishing 31st in the league in run defense (158.8 YPG), 28th in scoring defense (29.6 PPG), 11th in pass defense (227.6 YPG), 20th in sacks (31) and allowed 69 plays of 20 yards or more. On January 8, 2021, the Cowboys fired Nolan, along with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.[8]
Michigan Panthers
[edit]On February 3, 2023, it was announced that Nolan was hired by the Michigan Panthers of United States Football League (USFL) to be their head coach, succeeding Jeff Fisher.[9] This was Nolan's first head coaching job since 2008 with the 49ers.
2023
[edit]In Nolan's first season with the Panthers, he guided them to a 4–6 record, improving on last season where they went 2–8. Despite the mediocre record, the Panthers reached the playoffs, and faced the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL North Championship Game where they lost 31–27 in overtime.
2024
[edit]Due to the Panthers surviving the USFL and XFL's merger into the UFL, Nolan kept his job as head coach. The Panthers improved from last season, and finished with a 7–3 record, which was 2nd in the USFL conference. Nolan also won the UFL's Coach of the Year award.[10] Unfortunately for Nolan, the Panthers lost to the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship Game 31–18 after leading 18–3 at halftime.
2025
[edit]The Panthers finished the season with a 6-4 record, failing to improve from last season, but for the first time ever, the Panthers defeated the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship Game 44-29 which was Nolan's first career playoff win. Unfortunately for Nolan, the Panthers lost to the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship 58-34.
After the season ended, the Panthers’ franchise folded, and Nolan wasn’t hired by any of the other UFL teams.
Head coaching record
[edit]NFL
[edit]| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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[11] | 18 | 37 | 0 | .327 | 0 | 0 | .000 | |||
USFL/UFL
[edit]| 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 |
| MICH | 2025 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | 2nd in USFL Conference | 1 | 1 | .500 | Lost to DC Defenders in UFL Championship Game | |
| Total | 17 | 13 | 0 | .567 | 1 | 3 | .250 | ||||
Personal life
[edit]Nolan is married to his wife, Kathy, and has four children, Michael, Laura, Jennifer and Christopher.[12]
Nolan attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California and Woodside High School, the alma mater of Julian Edelman.
Nolan's father, former 49ers and Saints coach Dick Nolan, died at age 75 on November 11, 2007, just a day before Mike's 49ers were to take on the Seattle Seahawks. Nolan decided to coach the Monday Night Football game in honor of his dad. The 49ers lost the game 24-0.
References
[edit]- ^ Denver Broncos 1981 Media Guide (profile on page 78). Retrieved January 23, 2021
- ^ a b "Defensive coordinator Nolan leaving Broncos". Archived from the original on January 21, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
- ^ Peterson, Gary (January 26, 2011), "Peterson: 49ers fans can play fantasy football over Aaron Rodgers vs. Alex Smith and Mike McCarthy vs. Mike Nolan", San Jose Mercury News, archived from the original on October 6, 2012, retrieved January 26, 2011,
Nolan was no-nonsense, a strong personality who didn't like to be challenged. He met with Rodgers and Smith before the draft. He caught a whiff of attitude from Rodgers, and that was that.
- ^ "Nolan explains taking Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers". NFL.com. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ Lynch, Kevin (October 20, 2008). "Why Mike Nolan was Fired". sfgate.com. Hearst Communications. Archived from the original on August 18, 2013.
- ^ "Niners fire Nolan after 2-5 start". Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
- ^ "Dressed to the 49s: Nolan gets permission to suit up at S.F. home games". Archived from the original on June 19, 2007.
- ^ Archer, Todd (January 8, 2021). "Dallas Cowboys fire defensive coordinator Mike Nolan". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ "USFL hires Mike Nolan as Michigan Panthers head coach". FOX Sports. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
- ^ "Michigan Panthers Mike Nolan Named UFL Coach of the Year". www.theufl.com.
- ^ "Jim Mora Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ Giants 70th Anniversary Year Book. p. 10.
Mike Nolan
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Birth and family
Mike Nolan was born on March 7, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland.[1] Nolan was the third of six children born to Dick Nolan and his wife Ann; his father was a former NFL safety who played for the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals before transitioning to coaching, eventually serving as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.[10][11] Dick Nolan's career deeply influenced his son's path into football, instilling values of patience, thorough preparation, and a strong family-oriented approach to the game.[10] Nolan's siblings included older brother Rook, older sister Nancy, younger brother Kelly, younger sister Lisa, and younger brother Jim, all of whom grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area amid their father's professional commitments.[11] From a young age, Nolan gained direct exposure to professional football through family connections, serving as a ballboy for the 49ers starting at age 9 and regularly attending team meetings, which provided early insights into the sport's inner workings.[10]College years
Mike Nolan attended Woodside High School in Woodside, California, where he had limited playing experience in football. He later attended the University of Oregon, where he pursued his undergraduate education while participating in college football.[2] Influenced by his family's deep football heritage—his father, Dick Nolan, was a longtime NFL coach—Nolan joined the Ducks' program.[12] As a defensive back, Nolan earned three varsity letters and served as a starting safety, primarily during the 1978 and 1980 seasons.[8] His role on the team was as a contributor in the secondary for the Pac-10 program, appearing in 22 games across those years. Nolan's playing statistics were modest, reflecting his developmental status; he recorded six interceptions total—two in 1978 and four in 1980, the latter tying for fifth in the conference.[13] No tackles or other defensive metrics are extensively documented from his era, underscoring his limited but steady involvement on a competitive squad.[14] Nolan completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981, marking the end of his collegiate athletic career. This graduation positioned him for an immediate pivot to coaching, a path shaped by his father's prominent legacy in professional football and Nolan's own immersion in the sport throughout his youth and university years.[8]Coaching career
College coaching
Nolan began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Oregon, where he served as a graduate assistant in 1981 after playing safety for the Ducks.[15][16] He then moved to Stanford University, coaching the linebackers from 1982 to 1983.[15][16] In 1984, Nolan took on the role of defensive line coach at Rice University from 1984 to 1985.[15][16] He continued his progression at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he coached linebackers in 1986.[15][16][17][18] During these early roles, he focused on developing defensive units and mentoring young players, building foundational expertise in defensive strategies that influenced his later professional career.[15]Denver Broncos (first stint)
Mike Nolan joined the Denver Broncos in 1987 as special teams coach and defensive assistant under head coach Dan Reeves.[19] In this initial role, he focused on improving the coverage and return units while supporting the defensive staff, helping the team achieve a 10-4-1 regular-season record and advance to Super Bowl XXII.[20] Nolan continued in a combined special teams and assistant linebackers capacity in 1988, contributing to a defense that ranked seventh in points allowed (288) and supported punter Mike Horan's Pro Bowl selection with a league-leading net average of 37.5 yards per punt.[21] Promoted to full linebackers coach in 1989, a position he held through the 1992 season, Nolan emphasized technique and physicality in player development, working with key contributors such as Bill Romanowski, who emerged as a Pro Bowl linebacker during this period after being drafted in 1988.[20] Under his guidance, the linebacker group helped anchor a defense that propelled the Broncos to Super Bowl XXIV following the 1989 season, where Denver posted an 11-5 record and limited opponents to 15.1 points per game en route to the AFC Championship.[21] During Nolan's tenure, the Broncos' defenses consistently ranked among the league's top units in key metrics, such as takeaways and third-down stops, laying foundational elements for the team's sustained success in the early 1990s playoff runs, including the 1991 AFC Championship appearance.[1] His work with the special teams and linebackers units during this era was credited with enhancing overall defensive cohesion and special teams efficiency, setting the stage for Denver's competitive edge in high-stakes games.[19]New York Giants
Mike Nolan joined the New York Giants as defensive coordinator in 1993, following head coach Dan Reeves from the Denver Broncos, where Nolan had served as linebackers coach.[1] At age 34, he became the NFL's youngest defensive coordinator at the time.[16] Nolan's arrival marked a significant overhaul for a Giants defense that had struggled in 1992, allowing 367 points (ranking 20th in the league).[22] Under Nolan's schemes in 1993, the Giants' defense experienced a dramatic turnaround, finishing first in the NFL in scoring defense (205 points allowed) and fifth in total yards allowed (4,663).[23] The unit excelled in generating pressure, contributing to the team's 11-5 record and NFC East division title—their first playoff berth since 1990.[23] This defensive resurgence was pivotal, as New York advanced to the NFC Wild Card playoff game, though they fell 44-3 to the San Francisco 49ers.[23] Nolan's emphasis on versatile fronts and aggressive play-calling helped integrate young talents like rookie defensive end Michael Strahan, laying a foundation for sustained improvement.[24] Nolan remained as defensive coordinator through the 1996 season, during which the Giants' defenses ranked respectably overall (average 13.9th in total defense per ESPN analysis).[24] In 1994, the unit placed 11th in yards and eighth in points allowed, supporting a 9-7 record and another playoff appearance, though the team lost in the Wild Card round to the 49ers.[25] Subsequent years saw declines amid offensive struggles and injuries, with 1995 (17th in yards, 16th in points) and 1996 (14th in yards, 10th in points) yielding losing records of 5-11 and 6-10, respectively.[26][27] Despite the later inconsistencies, Nolan's early impact established him as a rising defensive mind, leading to his departure after 1996 to pursue new opportunities.[1]Washington Redskins
Mike Nolan served as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins from 1997 to 1999 under head coach Norv Turner.[1] Following a successful tenure as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants from 1993 to 1996, where his units helped the team reach the playoffs in 1993, Nolan aimed to replicate that defensive prowess in Washington.[1] During Nolan's first season in 1997, the Redskins defense ranked eighth in the NFL in points allowed at 18.1 per game, contributing to a 10-5-1 regular-season record and a wild-card playoff berth, though they lost 10-0 to the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason. The unit struggled more in 1998, surrendering 26.3 points per game (24th in the league) amid injuries and personnel changes, as the team finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs. In 1999, the defense improved to a mid-tier performance, allowing 23.6 points per game while ranking 14th in total yards permitted at 356.6 per contest, which supported a 10-6 record and an NFC East division title under new owner Daniel Snyder. However, the Redskins fell 27-13 to the St. Louis Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs, where Nolan's defense held the high-powered Rams offense to 100 rushing yards but allowed 327 passing yards. Nolan's contract was not renewed after the 1999 season, and he was released by the Redskins in January 2000 amid a staff shake-up following the playoff exit.[28]New York Jets
Mike Nolan was hired as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets in February 2000 under head coach Al Groh, marking his return to the New York area following three seasons as defensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins.[29][30] In his one season with the Jets, Nolan's defense allowed an average of 20.1 points per game, ranking 13th in the NFL.[31] The unit contributed to a balanced team performance, but the Jets finished the 2000 season with a 9–7 record, placing third in the AFC East and missing the playoffs.[31] Nolan's tenure in New York showcased his ability to coordinate a solid defense, paving the way for his subsequent promotions and eventual hiring as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2005.Baltimore Ravens
Mike Nolan joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2001 as wide receivers coach, following his tenure as defensive coordinator with the New York Jets.[20] After the departure of Marvin Lewis to become offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, Nolan was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2002 season.[32] Drawing on his prior experience as a defensive coordinator with teams like the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, Nolan implemented schemes that emphasized a strong front seven, leveraging the talents of linebacker Ray Lewis and the secondary led by Chris McAlister.[20] During Nolan's first year as defensive coordinator in 2002, the Ravens defense allowed 354 points (19th in the NFL) and 5,353 total yards (22nd), but excelled against the run by permitting just 1,762 rushing yards (13th).[33] The unit finished the season with a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs amid offensive struggles, though Lewis recorded 144 tackles and 3.5 sacks.[33] In 2003, Nolan's defense improved markedly, ranking first in the league in rushing yards allowed (1,536 total, 64.1 per game) and seventh in points allowed (281 total, 17.6 per game), contributing to a 10-6 record and an AFC North division title. Key contributors included Lewis, who earned Defensive Player of the Year honors with 178 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions, while rookie linebacker Terrell Suggs added 5 sacks in a rotational role. The Ravens advanced to the wild-card playoffs but lost to the Tennessee Titans, 20-17. The 2004 season saw continued success under Nolan, with the Ravens defense allowing a league-low 268 points (second overall) and ranking third in rushing defense (1,681 yards allowed).[34] Safety Ed Reed emerged as a star, intercepting 9 passes and earning Defensive Player of the Year, while Suggs recorded a team-high 12 sacks and Lewis tallied 138 tackles. Despite a 9-7 record and another wild-card berth, the defense held opponents to 17 fewer points than in 2003, though the team fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, 20-13.[34] Nolan's schemes effectively utilized the 3-4 alignment, fostering a physical, opportunistic unit that forced 28 turnovers in 2004.[34] Following the 2004 season, Nolan departed the Ravens to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, ending his three-year stint as Baltimore's defensive coordinator.[20]San Francisco 49ers
Mike Nolan was hired as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers on January 17, 2005, succeeding Dennis Erickson after the team's 2-14 season, drawing on his experience as defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins from 1997 to 1999.[35] Nolan, whose father Dick had coached the 49ers in the 1960s and 1970s, aimed to rebuild the franchise through defensive emphasis and key draft selections.[36] In his first season, the 49ers finished 4-12, showing modest defensive improvements but struggling offensively.[37] The 2006 campaign marked Nolan's most successful year, with the team achieving a 7-9 record, including a late-season surge that kept playoff hopes alive until the final weeks, though they missed the postseason.[38] Nolan's draft decisions contributed to this progress, notably selecting running back Frank Gore in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft despite concerns over Gore's injury history; the 49ers honored their pre-draft commitments to Gore by securing a four-year contract extension in 2007, allowing him to emerge as a cornerstone player.[39] However, the momentum faded in 2007 with a 5-11 finish, hampered by injuries and inconsistent play.[1] Early in 2008, after starting 2-5 with four consecutive losses, including a 29-17 defeat to the New York Giants, Nolan was fired on October 20, culminating in an overall tenure record of 18-37.[37] A notable controversy during Nolan's early tenure involved his desire to wear a business suit on the sideline to honor his father, clashing with the NFL's apparel policy sponsored by Reebok, which required team-branded clothing.[40] In May 2005, Nolan petitioned the league for permission but was denied, sparking public debate over professionalism and tradition; he ultimately complied without facing a fine.[41] The issue persisted, leading to limited approvals—such as for two games in 2006 and all home games in 2007—before Nolan adopted Reebok-designed suits.[42] This episode highlighted tensions between personal expression and league uniformity but did not impact his coaching duties directly.[43]Denver Broncos (second stint)
Nolan rejoined the Denver Broncos in January 2009 as defensive coordinator under new head coach Josh McDaniels, marking his return to the organization where he had begun his NFL coaching career in special teams and linebackers roles from 1987 to 1992.[21][2] This second stint came during a transitional period for the Broncos, following the end of Mike Shanahan's long tenure and amid roster upheaval, including the trade of quarterback Jay Cutler. Nolan installed a 3-4 defensive scheme to overhaul a unit that had ranked near the bottom of the league in 2008.[44] The Broncos' defense showed early promise under Nolan, starting the season 6-0 while allowing just 11.0 points per game during that stretch, but it faltered later, surrendering 25.8 points per game in the final 10 contests.[45] For the full season, the defense ranked 12th in the NFL in points allowed, yielding 324 total points at 20.3 per game.[46] The team finished with an 8-8 record, missing the playoffs and ending a streak of nine consecutive non-losing seasons.[47] Following the 2009 campaign, Nolan was released by the Broncos on January 18, 2010, as part of staff changes under the McDaniels regime; he became the third assistant from that year's coaching staff to depart.[45][48]Miami Dolphins
Mike Nolan was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins on January 19, 2010, under head coach Tony Sparano.[49] He brought experience in implementing a 3-4 defensive scheme, having converted the Denver Broncos to it in 2009, which aligned with Sparano's preference for that alignment.[49] In his first season, Nolan oversaw significant improvements in the Dolphins' defense, which finished the 2010 campaign with a 7-9 record.[50] The unit ranked sixth in total defense, a jump from 22nd the previous year, and 14th in points allowed, up from 25th.[51] Early in the season, the defense held opponents to the league's lowest yardage in several games, including limiting the Buffalo Bills to 166 total yards in Week 2.[52] The 2011 season saw mixed results for Nolan's defense amid the Dolphins' 6-10 finish, with interim head coach Todd Bowles taking over late in the year after Sparano's firing.[53] The unit excelled against the run, ranking third league-wide by allowing just 1,530 rushing yards—the fewest in the NFL—but struggled in pass defense, finishing 25th with 3,992 yards allowed.[53] Overall, it ranked 15th in total yards (5,522) and sixth in points allowed (313).[53] Nolan departed Miami in January 2012 after the Dolphins permitted him to interview for and accept the defensive coordinator position with the Atlanta Falcons, releasing him from the remainder of his contract.[54]Atlanta Falcons
Mike Nolan joined the Atlanta Falcons as defensive coordinator on January 17, 2012, amid the team's rise as an NFC contender under head coach Mike Smith. With over 25 years of NFL coaching experience, including previous roles as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens (2002–2004), where the defense ranked among the league's elite following the team's 2000 Super Bowl victory, Nolan was tasked with elevating Atlanta's unit.[30] In 2013, Nolan's second season coordinating the Falcons' defense, the unit faced significant challenges due to injuries and personnel turnover, resulting in a sharp decline in performance. The Falcons surrendered 6,070 total yards, ranking 27th in the NFL, a drop from the previous year's fifth-place finish. This contributed to the team's disappointing 4-12 record and exclusion from the playoffs, marking a stark contrast to their 2012 NFC Championship appearance.[55][56] Despite the struggles, the Falcons extended Nolan's contract for two years in December 2013, signaling continued faith in his schemes. However, the defense remained middling in 2014, allowing 5,781 yards (23rd in the league), as Atlanta finished 6-10. Following the season, with Smith's dismissal on December 18, 2014, Nolan departed the organization and was not retained for the new regime.San Diego Chargers
Mike Nolan joined the San Diego Chargers as linebackers coach in January 2015, bringing his extensive experience from previous roles, including as defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons where he implemented aggressive schemes emphasizing pass rush and coverage. Under his guidance, the Chargers' linebacker unit showed notable improvement, particularly with inside linebacker Manti Te'o, who achieved a career-high 83 combined tackles (63 solo), along with 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in 12 starts.[57] Te'o credited Nolan's old-school approach for fostering a playmaking mentality, stating that the coach emphasized aggressive play to turn defenders into offensive threats on the ball.[58] The Chargers' overall defense ranked 20th in the NFL in points allowed during the 2015 season, surrendering 398 points (24.9 per game) over 16 games.[59] Mid-season, Nolan contributed to adjustments in linebacker assignments, helping to stabilize the run defense after early struggles; the unit allowed 122.2 rushing yards per game overall but showed better containment in the latter half, with key performances like Te'o's 13-tackle game against the Cleveland Browns in October.[60] Despite these efforts, the defense ranked 21st in total yards allowed (5,527), contributing to the team's disappointing 4-12 record and failure to reach the playoffs.[61] Nolan was not retained by the Chargers after the 2015 season, parting ways in January 2016 as the team restructured its coaching staff under head coach Mike McCoy.[62]New Orleans Saints
Mike Nolan joined the New Orleans Saints as their linebackers coach on January 30, 2017, marking his return to the NFL sidelines after a year away from coaching in 2016.[63] In this role, Nolan drew on his extensive prior experience as a defensive coordinator, including stints with the Atlanta Falcons (2012–2014) and earlier teams, to focus on player development at the linebacker position.[64] During his first season with the Saints in 2017, Nolan mentored young linebackers, notably working closely with third-year player Stephone Anthony, whom he described as someone he had met with extensively to build rapport and refine skills.[65] Anthony responded with a starting role in all 16 games, recording 72 tackles, under Nolan's guidance. The Saints finished the 2017 regular season with an 11–5 record, securing a playoff berth as NFC South champions. In 2018, the team improved to 13–3, again winning the division and advancing deep into the postseason, with Nolan continuing to oversee a linebacker group that contributed to a stout defense allowing just 22.1 points per game. Nolan's tenure extended into 2019, where the Saints once more posted a 13–3 mark, clinched the NFC South title, and reached the divisional playoffs, bolstered by effective linebacker performances in a defense ranked among the league's best. He departed the Saints after the 2019 season, hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator in January 2020.[66]Dallas Cowboys
Mike Nolan joined the Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator on January 5, 2020, following three seasons as linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints. His hiring reunited him with head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he had previously worked as defensive coordinator during McCarthy's tenure as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2008.[67] Nolan, bringing over 30 years of NFL coaching experience including prior stints as a defensive coordinator with five teams, was tasked with revitalizing a defense that had ranked in the top 10 the previous season under Rod Marinelli.[68] In the 2020 season, Nolan's Cowboys defense experienced significant struggles, contributing to the team's 6-10 record and absence from the playoffs. The unit allowed a franchise-record 509 points, ranking 28th in scoring defense at 29.6 points per game, 31st in rushing defense at 159.1 yards per game, and 11th in passing defense at 227.6 yards per game.[69] Nolan introduced a hybrid defensive scheme emphasizing multiple fronts and a "swarming" mentality, which included repositioning key linebackers Leighton Vander Esch to the middle and Jaylon Smith to the weak side to leverage their athleticism in coverage and run support.[70] Despite entering the year with optimism for Vander Esch's return from neck surgery and Smith's continued growth post-injury recovery, the linebacker group and overall defense underperformed, with the team surrendering the most rushing yards in the NFL and struggling against the run throughout the campaign.[71][72] Nolan's tenure ended abruptly after the season, as the Cowboys fired him on January 8, 2021, along with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, amid widespread criticism of the defensive regression.[73][67] The move was part of a broader staff overhaul under McCarthy, who sought to address the unit's inability to maintain the personnel's potential amid injuries and schematic mismatches.[74]Michigan Panthers
Mike Nolan was hired as head coach of the Michigan Panthers for the 2023 USFL season on February 3, 2023.[75] In his debut year, Nolan guided the Panthers to a 4-6 regular-season record, securing a wild-card playoff berth as the North Division's second seed. The team fell in the divisional playoff to the Pittsburgh Maulers, 27-31 in overtime, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.[76][77] Following the 2024 merger of the USFL and XFL into the United Football League (UFL), Nolan returned for a second season with the Panthers, leveraging his extensive NFL coaching background to stabilize the roster amid league realignment. The team improved markedly to a 7-3 regular-season record, earning the USFL Conference's top seed and Nolan the 2024 UFL Coach of the Year award for his leadership in fostering team cohesion and offensive efficiency. In the conference championship, however, the Panthers lost to the Birmingham Stallions, 18-31, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.[78][2][79] In 2025, Nolan's third season, the Panthers posted a 6-4 regular-season mark, qualifying for the playoffs once again. They advanced by defeating the Stallions 44-29 in the USFL Conference Championship at Protective Stadium, marking their first win over Birmingham in franchise history and showcasing Nolan's emphasis on player development, including kicker Jake Bates, who converted key long-range field goals throughout the postseason. The run ended in the UFL Championship Game, where the Panthers fell to the DC Defenders 34-58 at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Over three seasons, Nolan compiled a 17-13 record, significantly contributing to post-merger team building by integrating talent from both predecessor leagues and elevating undrafted or journeyman players into standout contributors.[6][80][7]Head coaching record
NFL
Mike Nolan's NFL head coaching tenure was limited to the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 to 2008.[1]| Years | Team | Regular Season | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2008 | San Francisco 49ers | 18–37 | 0–0 |
UFL
Mike Nolan began his head coaching tenure in the United States Football League (USFL) in 2023 with the Michigan Panthers, continuing into the merged United Football League (UFL) through 2025.[2] Under his leadership, the Panthers qualified for the playoffs in all three seasons, achieving a regular-season winning percentage of .567.[76] Nolan was named the 2024 UFL Coach of the Year after guiding the team to a 7–3 regular-season record and a conference championship appearance.[78]| Year | League | Regular Season | Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | USFL | 4–6 | 2nd (North) | Lost North Division Championship vs. Pittsburgh Maulers (0–1)[76] |
| 2024 | UFL | 7–3 | 2nd (USFL Conference) | Lost USFL Conference Championship vs. Birmingham Stallions (0–1)[78] |
| 2025 | UFL | 6–4 | 2nd (USFL Conference) | Won USFL Conference Championship vs. Birmingham Stallions (1–0); Lost UFL Championship vs. DC Defenders (0–1)[81][82] |
| Total | 17–13 (.567) | 1–3 (.250) |