Popular former 49er, Raider retires from coaching
Tom Rathman, who was popular on either side of the Bay Bridge as a fullback and assistant coach for both the 49ers and Raiders, announced his retirement Thursday after 31 years in the NFL.
The 58-year-old Rathman spent the last three seasons as the Indianapolis Colts running backs coach, a position he held for 14 years in two stints with the 49ers and for three seasons with the Raiders.
“During more than two decades as a 49er, he left an indelible mark on our organization, the players he coached and the defenders he battled,” read a statement from the 49ers. “Tom coached his players the same way he played the game, with a selfless, hard-nosed dedication to getting the best out of himself and those around him.”
Perhaps better known for being the hard-nosed fullback for back-to-back Super Bowl-winning 49ers teams in 1989 and ‘90, Rathman played eight seasons in San Francisco before finishing his career with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1994.
After coaching running backs at Serra High in San Mateo for a season, Rathman embarked on a 23-year coaching career when head coach Steve Mariucci hired him as the 49ers running backs coach.
Rathman spent parts of 23 seasons with the 49ers and in 2017 became one of just 29 members of the 49ers’ Hall of Fame.
“It was an honor to represent the NFL for more than 30 years as a coach and player. I was proud to represent and coach some outstanding players,” Rathman said in a statement released by the Colts Thursday.
Niners all-time leading rusher Frank Gore shared his appreciation for his position coach, capped with Rathman’s signature phrase.
“Tom was a father-figure to me. He came into my life and career at the perfect time. He challenged me every day to be better, both on the field and off, and I always wanted to make him proud,” the free agent Gore said in a statement released by the 49ers. “Tom helped me see the big picture of football and I wouldn’t have had as much success throughout my career without him. I love him. SQUEEZE IT!”