I've started this blog as a forum to post my open letters to the San Francisco 49ers as my dissatisfaction and frustration with the entire organization has increased to the point of cancelling my season tickets for the 2011 season after the seats have been in my family for three generations.
Following the 2002 season, the franchise had reached a crossroads, deciding that regular postseason appearances and Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback play wasn't good enough for the Yorks, or (presumably) the 49ers' fanbase. Steve Mariucci, who had guided the team back into the postseason for two consecutive seasons after losing franchise quarterback Steve Young during the '99 season, was fired and replaced by Dennis Erickson. A year later, under the regime of GM Terry Donahue, Jeff Garcia was shown the door.
While you can make an argument that both of these dismissals may have been the right thing to do, there is no denying that the 49ers had no plan to replace either of these key componnents to their organization. Failing to realize that if you fire a head coach, you better make an upgrade with your subsequent hires, the 49ers began what has been an eight year tailspin into the depths of NFL irrelevance, never attaining a winning record or reaching the postseason since with three head coaches and an endless parade of failed quarterbacks.
I still contend that Mariucci and Garcia could have walked into 49ers headquarters prior to any one of these lost seasons and immediately made the team better, perhaps even winning a few playoff games along the way.
During this time, the 49ers organization has continued to raise season ticket prices despite zero onfield success and the worst gameday stadium experience in the league. Their front office has made bold guarantees and pronouncements, and not a single one has come to fruition.
These are actual letters I've sent over the past few years, chronicling my disgust at the ineptitude this formerly proud franchise has consistently displayed since 2003.
I agree with almost all of your points. Especially getting rid of Mariucci and Garia and replacing them with Erickson and banking on Tim Rattay.
ReplyDeleteI have bitched and moaned for years about all the same stuff, including increased ticket prices despite the fact we haven't made the playoffs in a decade. However........the cost of business goes up each year, player and coaches salaries go up, and stadium leases go up. Hell, Mike Singletary made more per year than Bill Walsh! WTF, you might ask yourself.
Ticket prices go up too, regardless of whether the team wins or loses. I just come across a ticket stub from 1980, it was $12, now in 2011 they will be $99.
Gas goes up, food goes up, houses go up, cars go up, so do tickets. It's just a fact of life.
I understand being mad and frustrated at John and Denise, they didn't really want to be in the football business anyway. Jed deserves a few years, he may turn it around. As long as he sits back, signs checks, and lets the football people do their jobs I will be happy!
Come on Meyer! Let's be positive! You should change the name of your blog from "Adios Niners" to "A New Beginning!"