In reaching the NFC Championship Game two years running, the 49ers have had to topple two of the best quarterbacks in recent years. But if San Francisco is to be Super Bowl-bound for the first time in 18 years, they’ll have to down one more today. “He fits right in with that group, the elite ones,” 49ers defensive end Justin Smith said of Atlanta’s fifth-year quarterback, Matt Ryan. “And he’s playing awesome football right now.” His teammates agree. Almost. Read More

Over the past week, the 49ers have gone from a team many so-called experts were predicting to lose in their playoff opener against the Green Bay Packers to the national media’s new darling. Read More

49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman wants to be a coach one day soon, and he already knows at least one person he’d hire on his staff. Try running back Frank Gore. “I always tell Frank, ‘Man, when you’re done playing, come find me or I’ll find you,’” Roman said Thursday. “Because he’s a guy I love working with as a player, and I’m sure I’d love working with as a coach.” Read More

Mike Nolan’s 3½-year tenure as coach for the 49ers offered few highlights on the field. An 18-37 record before a mid-season firing in 2008. No playoff berths for a franchise used to winning championships. A parade of offensive coordinators unable to develop Alex Smith at quarterback. Read More