Ex-Dallas coach known for developing running games

The San Francisco 49ers' search for a new offensive coordinator will begin -- and could end -- with former Georgia Tech and Dallas Cowboys head coach Chan Gailey, who spent Friday interviewing with head coach Mike Nolan at the team's practice facility.

Gailey, who was fired last November after going 44-32 in six seasons leading the Yellow Jackets, is a respected offensive mind who has had NFL success as a coordinator.

He served in that role in 1996 and 1997 with the Steelers, during which Pittsburgh ranked second in rushing and 11th in scoring his first season, and first in rushing and seventh in scoring his second season. He also was the offensive coordinator with the Dolphins in 2000 and 2001, during which Miami ranked 14th in rushing his first year and went from 16th in scoring his first season to eighth the following year, after which Gailey took the job at Georgia Tech.

Nolan, who has said he wants someone with NFL experience, is looking for what will be his fourth coordinator in as many seasons. Mike McCarthy and Norv Turner left after one season each to become head coaches at Green Bay and San Diego, respectively, and Jim Hostler was fired this week after one season. San Francisco ranked last in scoring and 27th in total offense this season.

The 49ers' strength is their running game, and Gailey has a history of successful ground attacks. In four seasons as an NFL coordinator, his teams ranked lower than 14th in rushing only once. He also has a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks (see: Kordell Stewart), and that's critical for the 49ers, who need to have former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith take his game to the next level.