Nolan coached the 49ers and while there drafted Patrick Willis. That alone makes him the greatest hire we could have possibly gotten. In fact, that's pretty much how the entire interview would have gone had I been running shit. "You drafted Patrick Willis, right?" "Yes." Ping. New defensive coordinator.
Nolan was defensive coordinator with the Ravens (2002-04) and Jets (2000) as well as the Giants and Redskins. He runs the 3-4 and is credited for turning around Denver's defense last year and doing it with a shitload of ex-Dolphins players. He takes over a Fins defense that allowed 390 points last season. Most importantly right now, he's on board just in time to travel with the rest of the staff as they prepare to coach the South squad in the Senior Bowl next week.
And nothing could be more badass than that. Except perhaps me with a mustache. And leather pants.
