49ERS Erickson has front office support for 2005
His record is 8-18 since he signed a contract before the 2003 season.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- With a 1-9 record and persistent rumors about his future, Coach Dennis Erickson said Wednesday that 49ers management has assured him his job is safe for 2005.
When asked if he had been told he would be back next year, Erickson said: "Oh, yeah. I mean there's no question about that. Like I've said, we have a long-term plan, and we go ahead and go from there."
But he immediately added: "People can change their mind, you know that. A lot of people change their minds."
Heading into Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins, Erickson is 8-18 since getting a five-year, $12.5 million contract before the 2003 season. Overall in the NFL, he is 39-51 (.433), including his four-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
The 49ers' struggles this year have much to do with the team's overhauled roster. General manager Terry Donahue bid farewell to several veterans last off-season as part of the team's plan to handle the salary cap and, with that in mind, Erickson's bosses have determined the coach is not to blame for what could be the worst 49ers season in history.
York confirms claim
Owner John York, through spokesman Sam Singer, confirmed Erickson's version of his job security.
"That's correct. There have been zero discussions otherwise," Singer said.
Over the weekend, reports resurfaced linking Erickson to the vacancy at the University of Washington. Quoting an anonymous source, profootballtalk.com said Erickson was headed for Washington and that the only question was whether he would finish the 49ers season or leave early to get a head start on recruiting for the Huskies.
Erickson has vehemently denied interest in the Washington opening, saying, "I'm going to finish this thing and do what I came to do."
A spokesman from the University of Washington said the school would not comment on its coaching vacancy. He said only that a search conducted by athletic director Todd Turner and school president Mark Emmert was ongoing.