2010 San Francisco 49ers: Have They Come Full-Circle?

From 1981 to 1998, the San Francisco 49ers enjoyed one of the longest and most prolifically successful stretches in the history of the NFL. However, they had to go through their share of trying times to get to that point.

Indulge me if you will on a trip down memory lane (admittedly not my personal memories, but nonetheless).

After head coach Dick Nolan led the team to its third consecutive division title in 1972, the 49ers would fail to win more than eight games in any of the next six seasons (albeit prior to 1978, the NFL season was only 14 games, so eight wins constituted a winning season). These struggles culminated in a dismal 2-14 season in 1978.

Edward DeBartolo Sr. bought the team in 1977, and surrendered controlling interest to his son, Eddie DeBartolo Jr.,...

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