Marc Trestman fired

Firing no surprise as method exemplifies "49er class"

January 21, 1997 (NHS) -- On the morning of January 15, 1997, it was widely rumored that the 49ers' offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman, was soon to be fired. After all, Trestman had taken the heat for most of the 49ers' offensive woes during the past two years. Not even the input of "The Genius" could turn the tide. But who knew it would happen like this?

At the press conference announcing George Seifert's "resignation," a reporter asked if Trestman would remain with the team. The microphone was passed around until grabbed by team owner Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. In what can be most accurately described as a belching sound, DeBartolo spewed the words, "He's gone." into the mike. With that, Trestman's stay with the loving 49er family was over.

Trestman wasn't at the press conference. He was in Mobile, Alabama, attending the Senior Bowl practices. In other words, he actually found out his job was over through second-hand knowledge and halfway across the country. DeBartolo did not even give Trestman the courtesy of firing him face-to-face. There wasn't even a pink slip, no letter-- just the words, "He's gone."

The San Jose Mercury claimed that Trestman "left as he joined the team two years ago -- with grace and dignity." Dignity? "He's gone" is dignified?? And the fact that they added Bill Walsh to hold Trestman's hand throughout the year certainly isn't graceful.

You're welcome to your own opinion, but for us, firing a person under these circumstances is not dignified and, for certain, a classy person wouldn't utter "he's gone" to a room of strangers to end a two-year employment relationship. Yet, the 49ers continue to operate under the guise, "Winning With Class." Hopefully, the public will continue to see such outbursts from DeBartolo that reveal his, and the 49ers', true character.

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