Mariucci has long been known as a players coach, and this year in camp he’s certainly proved. Already this summer, Mariucci has give players an extra day of summer, shortened a week of practice and most recently played a practical joke on some of the players in conjunction with Candid Camera. Terrell Owens, Scott Gragg, Mike Rumph, Kevin Curtis, Dana Stubblefield and Jason Baker were all victims to the prank, that involved being interviewed by a radio host who was awfully confused, and in taping commercials for products such as ‘lice remover’.

Both Owner John York and General Manager Terry Donahue have recently spoken out in favour of Mariucci. “At the end of the season, regardless of what goes on during the season, Steve and I will sit down and discuss an extension,” said York. Clearly the 49ers want success from their coach, but despite what some believe, Mariucci does not need to beat the Rams or win the Super Bowl this season to secure a new contract with the 49ers. Donahue was quite optimistic about Mariucci’s future too: "I think everything will work out. I think Steve will be our coach for the long haul. I think he and John and Denise will be able to get to a conclusion that is satisfactory for both parties. I don't think it'll necessarily be easy. I think Steve will be a 49er coach (long term), but I don't know when that will get accomplished.”

York also stated that Mariucci has told him in no uncertain terms that he wants to be the coach of the 49ers. York stated “He has told me that directly”. This of course should quickly end any talk about Mariucci fishing around for coaching jobs elsewhere.