Mike Nolan finally allowed to wear suit

[Tokyo Slim]

NFL allows Nolan to wear suit for Sunday's game While the 49ers hope to make a statement with a third consecutive victory, 49ers coach Mike Nolan is ready to make a statement of his own - a fashion statement. The NFL has given Nolan permission for the first time to wear a suit on the sideline. He is expected to wear a coat and tie on the sideline Sunday when the 49ers face the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks at Monster Park. Nolan's attire will be on a trial basis. He might be allowed to wear a suit for only two games this season. "There's a strong chance he'll be wearing a suit for this game," said a source close to Nolan on Tuesday. "But at the end of the day, they still want to sell hats and shirts instead of blazers." Nolan originally asked the NFL for permission to wear a suit on the sideline shortly after he was named 49ers head coach in January 2005. The league denied his request, deciding he must wear the NFL-sponsored garb like every other coach in the league. Nolan met with representatives from Reebok last year and again in June to discuss alternatives. NFL coaches have worn clothes from a limited wardrobe, including sweater vests and polo shirts, since 1993 when the league formed its NFL Properties division. Reebok is the official sponsor of sideline clothing for coaches. The league's $250 million contract with Reebok runs through the 2012 season. Nolan has said he prefers the sideline attire worn by coaches of previous generations, most notably his father, Dick, and former Cowboys coach Tom Landry. Dick Nolan, who coached the 49ers from 1968 to '75, regularly wore a coat and tie on the sideline. Landry fashioned a similar ensemble, along with his trademark fedora. One of Nolan's major coaching influences, Dan Reeves, was the last NFL coach to wear a jacket and tie on the sideline. But Reeves was forced to don NFL-licensed gear along with all the other coaches when he went to the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. Nolan said in the past that head coaches should be allowed to dress in a manner that commands respect. He said several other NFL coaches have also expressed their desire to wear suits on the sideline. Last month, Nolan intimated he would be allowed to wear a suit before the end of the season. He said the league had given him reason to beleive a compromise would be reached. Nolan, who was busy in meetings preparing for Sunday's game, was unavailable for comment Tuesday evening. The league office had no official comment.

All I have to say, is that it's about damn time. Congrats to you Mr. Nolan on your class (though the suit was lacking, I understand that it had to be made by Reebok and I appreciate the compromise). Thank you for sticking up for your beliefs that you should dress appropriately for your position, and the belief that a suit and tie are not going to be detrimental to the sales of liscencable NFL merchandise. I don't know anyone who has bought NFL branded gear beause they idolize Bill Belichick's frumpy, baggy sweatpants and stained hoody look. The coach is there to represent the the organization and be a model of professionality and leadership for his players. I think they have very little influence on the purchasing habits of the fans of team merchandise. For someone in your position, a suit and tie (and possibly hat) should not be an affectation, they should be a standard. And yes, the loss by my Seahawks to your 49ers today stung. But I won't let that spoil my admiration of you. Again, congratulations, and good luck.

 

[broady]

Pics?

 

[tiecollector]

Maybe Reebok will start making casual suits and you'll start seeing gangstaz wearing nike and reebok suits instead of oversized sweatpants.

 

[Tokyo Slim]

As requested:

 

[grimslade]

No pocket square?

 

[montecristo#4]

Originally Posted by grimslade

No pocket square?

Unless the Reebok logo is embroidered into the breast pocket, you'd think the pocket square would be a perfect branding opportunity.

 

[DMcG]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Slim

As requested:

You can see it in this picture, but I noticed pretty much everytime they showed him that the collar notch on the left side seemed noticeably higher than the notch on the right side. Anyone else see this? I'm wondering if it was because of the radio pack they wear with the headsets or if the fit was just that much off. Anyways, its still a lot better than what the coaches used to be forced to wear.

 

[Jared]

Supposedly he was wearing sneakers.

I think the tie is too muted - especially with a black suit and white shirt they shouldn't have held back on the 49ers' colours. (cf. Canadian politician Jack Layton often wears an orange tie, the official colour of his party.)

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by DMcG

You can see it in this picture, but I noticed pretty much everytime they showed him that the collar notch on the left side seemed noticeably higher than the notch on the right side. Anyone else see this? I'm wondering if it was because of the radio pack they wear with the headsets or if the fit was just that much off. Anyways, its still a lot better than what the coaches used to be forced to wear.


In that picture, one shoulder is noticeably higher than the other.

 

[Quirk]

The sleeves are too long, but considering it was made by Reebok, it doesn't look bad, based on this pic. Any info on the fabric?

 

[acidboy]

Forcing coaches to wear "official gear" is pure corporate evil. EVIL!!!!

 

[tsloop]

after tonight, the suits are up 2-0

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Originally Posted by tsloop

after tonight, the suits are up 2-0

I was noticing that... perhaps a new era of suit and tie football coaching is upon us!

Personally, if I were a football coach, I'd wear a uni. Just like they do in baseball. I'd also have chrome spikes coming out of my shoulderpads, facepaint, and a big ass headdress that announced my status as warrior-chief. I'd probably have to coach the Raiders, but I suppose I could live with that.

 

[retronotmetro]

Originally Posted by Quirk

The sleeves are too long, but considering it was made by Reebok, it doesn't look bad, based on this pic. Any info on the fabric?

I don't believe the suit was made by Reebok. If Reebok made, or was willing to make suits, none of the coaches would have had to request a waiver.

 

[Morris]

I miss the days when Tom Landry patroled the sidelines looking like a CEO.