The dress-up detente was the result of nearly three years of negotiations among Nolan, the league and Reebok. Though the league determines what apparel can be worn on the sideline, Reebok provides that clothing for coaches — from Bill Belichick's sleeveless sweatshirts to the black suit Nolan was allowed to wear in two games last season.
"As I mentioned before, I made this request out of the high amount of respect I have for the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers, my father and all of the former coaches who have worn suits," said Nolan, who's 11-20 in two seasons with the Niners.
Ever since he got the 49ers' top job in 2005, Nolan has sought permission to dress like his ex-coach father while projecting an image of authority. He got a trial run last year when both Nolan and Del Rio were allowed to suit up in coat-and-tie ensembles manufactured by Reebok during two home games.
But Nolan wanted to wear his old-school outfit at every home game. He saw the move as a tribute to the league's great coaches of the past — including his father, Dick, who coached the 49ers from 1968-75Now, the rest of you may ask why this is news, or, at the very least, why exciting news? Well, first off, who doesn't love a man in a suit? (Assuming you go in for men, that is.) Then, there is the old school, throwback-ness of it. Its the football version of revisiting a classic. It's like when the Bills wear their throwback jerseys, your little heart just soars. Maybe that's just me...
For a moment, just picture Belichick. Ok, so I have a well-nurtured dislike of him brought on by bitter defeats, but the point stands - that ugly gray sweatshirt he wears is hideous! Let's take a look, shall we?
Although he might be the most egregious example, sadly, Belichick is not the only one trolling the sidelines in offensive outfits. Granted, plenty of other sports don't require their coaches to dress the part (see baseball), but it really can be a perk. I mean, do you remember Sidney Lowe and his red sportscoat during the ACC Tourney, what fun!
But I digress.
A few more things of note. The first is that while the NFL debated whether or not to allow suits, some Niners fans planned to wear their own as a sign of solidarity to their coach. Granted, it never came to that, but a bit of grassroots pressure never hurts.
Why all the fuss you ask? Because, first and foremost, the NFL is a business and they have a very nice deal with this small company you may have heard called Reebok. So Reebok will make these NFL-sanctioned suits. Because they make all NFL apparel.
Which, in turn, made me realize that Belichick's ensem was not homemade, not hastily cut up, but rather the result of careful design and planning at Reebok HQ. Were there multiple sketches and he picked his favorite? Speaking of, will Nolan & Del Rio be involved in the design process for their new, NFL & Reebok approved duds? Project Runway, season 4 challenge in the making! If they want an accent piece, like a fedora, will Reebok employ a special hatter or connect with a haberdasher, or will they use the same vendor that makes the rest of the NFL caps. The possibilities are endless...
