Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports that 49ers V.P. of player personnel Scot McCloughan is expected to be offered the position of General Manager.  The offer could come as early as next week.

It would be more than a change in titles.  The move would give McCloughan full power over the personnel aspect of the operation, which would be a blow to the authority of head coach Mike Nolan.

Nolan has yet to receive any public assurances regarding this future with the team.  Given his catfight with quarterback Alex Smith, it could be that Nolan will be out the door.

If Nolan becomes available, look for him to be quickly in play for other head-coaching jobs and/or defensive coordinator positions.

And if McCloughan gets the gig, he might have to sign the contract with a bum arm.  During Sunday’s win over Tampa, he smashed a window in the press box while celebrating a Nate Clements interception, and has stitches.  A league source tells us that a couple of assistant coaches were cut by the flying glass.