Niner’s Can Head Coach Steve Mariucci

The San Francisco 49ers have fired head coach Steve Mariucci after six seasons without a trip to the Super Bowl. His dismissal comes three days after the 49ers were clobbered 31-to-6 in a playoff game by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The news comes from a source on the team who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Last season, Mariucci wanted a contract extension but didn´t get it. Mariucci went 57-39 while leading the 49ers to four playoff berths. Jacksonville is thought to be interested in Mariucci.

Mariucci made just over $2 million this season – the 19th-highest salary among the NFL´s 32 head coaches.

Mariucci and his family enjoy living in Northern California, and he said recently he wanted to return to San Francisco.

He angered the 49ers last winter by campaigning for a new contract – and then talking to the Buccaneers about becoming their coach. When Mariucci waffled – Tampa Bay hired Jon Gruden.

After rejecting Tampa Bay – Mariucci changed agents and rededicated himself to the 49ers. They recaptured the division title and finished 10-6 despite significant injury problems on defense.

In a wild-card playoff game earlier this month, San Francisco rallied from a 24-point deficit to beat the New York Giants 39-38.