Pressured, Seifert Hires Walsh

George Seifert insists it was his idea to bring back Bill Walsh, his former boss. What made it even more appealing was Walsh’s willingness to return as an assistant.

“When I asked Bill, did he again want to be a head coach and he said, ‘No,’ I knew I had my man,” Seifert said Tuesday, breaking into a laugh.

However, a source close to the team said Seifert’s hand may have been forced after several offensive stars, including Steve Young and Jerry Rice, complained to team president Carmen Policy that Seifert was tinkering in the offense, including calling plays.

They said offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, who has been fired twice for taking on head coaches, declined to intercede.