Mariucci Inherits 49ers With a Short Resume

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Standing on a podium between his predecessors, George Seifert and Bill Walsh, Steve Mariucci was admittedly overwhelmed.

“I am in awe of those two coaches. I’m happy they’re here,” he said as the trio posed for pictures.

But it was the man in the middle who was the man in the news.

With only a year’s experience as a college head coach, Mariucci inherited one of the great pro football legacies of success Thursday when he was introduced as coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

He was also clear about the mission behind his five-year contract:

“It’s my time to carry the torch, keep the high standards of excellence here that this organization has built over the past 15 years, and I understand that’s a challenge,” he said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Mariucci, 41, led California to a 6-6 record this season in his only assignment as head coach.

Team owner Eddie DeBartolo said there were two main reasons he was hired.

“We think he’s a great talent and we think he fits the 49er image to a tee. If this man is given the time that he needs, and no one gets rambunctious, then he will do the type of job that we hired him to do. He has a great history in his short years in this field.”

Mariucci is only the third coach for the 49ers in 18 years, taking over for Seifert, who resigned Wednesday after leading the team to two Super Bowl titles and surpassing Walsh as San Francisco’s winningest coach.

Mariucci is also the first person from outside the 49ers’ organization to be selected for the job since Walsh arrived in 1979 and installed his pioneering West Coast offense.

Before Mariucci came to Cal, he spent four years as an assistant with the Super Bowl-bound Green Bay Packers, getting much of the credit for turning Brett Favre into a two-time NFL MVP.

Meanwhile, Club President Carmen Policy gave Steve Young a vote of confidence, saying there will be no change at quarterback. Backup Elvis Grbac is eligible for free agency and considered likely to leave the 49ers.

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Coaching Changes

NFL teams that have changed coaches with former coach and replacement:

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TEAM FORMER NEW COACH Falcons June Jones Vacant Bengals Dave Shula Bruce Coslet Lions Wayne Fontes Bobby Ross Saints Jim Mora *Vacant Giants Dan Reeves Jim Fassel Jets Rich Kotite Vacant Raiders Mike White Vacant Rams Rich Brooks Vacant Chargers Bobby Ross Vacant 49ers George Seifert Steve Mariucci

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* Rick Venturi is the interim coach .