Rathman was the running backs coach for the Detroit Lions from 2003-2005. In addition, he spent the past two seasons coaching the running backs for the Oakland Raiders (2007-2008).

In 1989, Rathman led all NFL running backs in receptions (73) and yards (616) while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Former 49ers fullback Tom Rathman interviewed today for the vacant position of 49ers running backs coach, a position he held with the organization under Steve Mariucci from 1997-2002.

Rathman, who played eight of his nine NFL seasons with the 49ers, met with coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan.

The 49ers did not need to receive permission from the Raiders to speak with Rathman because his contract is up.

But no interview has yet been confirmed. .

The 49ers’ decision to so quickly announce that Mike Singletary would be retained surprised nobody. Same goes for the unveiling of 27-year-old Jed York as the team’s president before kickoff of the Niners’ season-ending victory over the Redskins, considering that he pretty much has been calling the shots since training camp — with his parents’ blessings. What has definitely raised some eyebrows, however, is Singletary’s apparent reluctance to declare Shaun Hill as the Niners’ undisputed starting quarterback after Hill (7-3 as a starter over the past two seasons) was so instrumental in the team’s dramatic improvement the second half of the season. Said one team insider: “Singletary really likes Hill’s football mentality and the way he comes across in the locker room, but the fact is, there are just some plays he just can’t make. He doesn’t have that arm strength to drill a 30-yard pass downfield.”

This is a bad move on the front offices part. They better bring in someone who has serious qualities at the OC position. Hopefully the offense doesn’t do like the Rams and Lions did after Martz left there…

As far as a replacement goes Jay Glazer is reporting that former Rams head coach Scott Linehan has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Martz.

Source: Martz Looking for Work Again

Most of it is speculation but some are reporting that Singletary will look at quarterback coaches around the league and here are a couple names that Matt Maiocco thinks might be on Singletary’s short list. Mike McCoy (Panthers), Craig Johnson (Titans) and Pete Carmichael Jr. (Saints).

Team president Jed York made the announcement to the team shortly after the 49ers’ 27-24 victory over the Redskins on Sunday. There was already euphoria in the locker room, and the players erupted with cheers after they were told that Singletary would be the coach.

“I think all the guys who are happy today are going to regret it,” Singletary quipped.

Singletary is known as a straight-talking taskmaster who works his players hard. The 49ers better get prepared for a long offseason of work and a grueling training camp.

“This is the last time our season ends in December,” York said.

• Justin Smith was a great signing and since Singletary took over he has shined.
• Shaun Hill sucks in the 3rd quarter, but is money in all the rest.
• Deshaun Foster had another quality game with Gore still nursing his injury.
• Gore is the first runningback in 49ers history to rush for 1,000 three consecutive years.
• Chilo Rachal was a great draft pick and the offensive line has improved dramatically over the last nine games.
• Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are going to be great to watch for years to come.
• Takeo Spikes needs to be re-signed.
• Allen Rossum needs to be re-signed.
• JT O’Sullivan doesn’t need to be re-signed.
• Everyone knows Mark Roman sucks and he showed it again today, by missing a sack and getting hurt in the process.

“We are excited about the future of the 49ers in Jed’s hands” said John York. Previously, Jed York held the position of Vice President of Strategic Planning where he was responsible for the integration of brand strategies and projects related to the long-term operational and financial development of the organization. York joined the organization in 2005, where he held the position of Special Projects Manager and later served as Director of Strategic Planning. Jed’s prior positions with the 49ers were essential to his learning process as to how a major sports franchise functions in the NFL. “It was important that Jed learn every aspect of the 49ers and grow into this leadership role” said Denise.

Nothing’s official yet — it can’t be until after the season. But Mike Singletary is on his way to having the interim removed from his title and becoming the 49ers head coach for 2009.

San Francisco could make the announcement as early as the days after the season, according to league sources.

At this point, it will take something drastic for the 49ers not to name Singletary the head coach, and even then it is difficult to envision what that could be. Singletary already has survived some well-documented incidents that caused some to question whether he were the right man to lead the team in the future.

But through his audition, he has proven he is the right choice. The 49ers have been won at Buffalo, beaten the New York Jets, and been more competitive than they were early in the season. Singletary has ignited a spark in the players that rarely was seen before.
In fact, Singletary has been so convincing that it has gotten to the point where if he were not brought back, there would be disappointment among the masses.