Interesting discussion here. Some key points...

"Mike Singletary, sensing that John York is the owner nobody wants to work for, will leave the 49ers in the offseason for either a head coaching job or simply a defensive coordinator job where he gets more money. That will create a Norv Turner-sized hole in the coaching staff, making things just as bad as they are now."

"The 49ers need to make the playoffs next year for Nolan to remain as coach. That's the only measurable progress that can be expected of a team that tanked so spectacularly this season. You have to figure there will be several holes to fill in the offseason (defensive line, cornerback, kick returner, etc.) and it remains to be seen whether they can get the right pieces to fit their puzzle."

"If the NFC has an upward swing and all of a sudden getting to the playoffs requires 11 wins or more, I think Nolan can miss them at 10-6 and still keep his job. It hinges purely on the progression of the product on the field. Clearly, the offense has been a problem, and it looks like the defense becomes undisciplined at times. But if he can find the tools to make the offense at least respectable and turn the defense into a top-flight unit, then he should get to stay on for a fifth season."

• Click here