Dick Nolan's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the New York Giants in 1954. A defensive back, Nolan quickly established himself as a reliable player on the field. His tenure with the Giants was interrupted by military service, but he returned to the team and played a crucial role in their defense. During his time with the Giants, Nolan was part of a squad that reached the NFL Championship Game multiple times, although they did not secure a victory.
In 1962, Nolan transitioned to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a defensive back. His playing career concluded with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played from 1962 to 1966. It was with the Cowboys that Nolan began to transition into coaching, serving as a player-coach under the legendary Tom Landry. This experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors on the sidelines.
After retiring as a player, Nolan fully embraced coaching. He initially joined the Cowboys' coaching staff, where he honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of defensive strategies. His coaching acumen did not go unnoticed, and in 1968, he was appointed as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Under Nolan's leadership, the 49ers experienced a resurgence. He guided the team to three consecutive NFC Championship Games from 1970 to 1972, although they fell short of reaching the Super Bowl each time.
Nolan's tenure with the 49ers lasted until 1975, after which he took on the role of head coach for the New Orleans Saints in 1978. His time with the Saints was challenging, as the team struggled to find success on the field. Despite the difficulties, Nolan's experience and knowledge of the game were evident, and he remained with the Saints until 1980.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Dick Nolan was known for his strategic mind and ability to adapt to the evolving nature of the game.
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