Sports Editor

Michael Nowels

Mike Nowels is the sports editor for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. He has roots in Colorado and Arizona and joined the Bay Area News Group in March 2019. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in elementary education and minors in teaching English as a second language and sociology. He holds a Master's degree from Arizona State's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Kyle Shanahan said he and the coaches analyzed statistics to determine whether to receive the ball or kick it away, but that apparently was not relayed to the 49ers' players.

San Francisco 49ers |
49ers' Shanahan defends OT choice, but players didn't know rules

February 12, 2024 at 8:51 a.m.

Kyle Shanahan said he and the coaches analyzed statistics to determine whether to receive the ball or kick it away, but that apparently was not relayed to the 49ers' players.

Agonizing defeat for 49ers as Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City's game-winning touchdown drive in overtime

San Francisco 49ers |
Heartbreak for the 49ers as Mahomes leads game-winning drive. Chiefs win the Super Bowl

February 12, 2024 at 4:11 a.m.

Agonizing defeat for 49ers as Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City's game-winning touchdown drive in overtime

Catch up with the 49ers in Las Vegas, where they'll play in the Super Bowl on Sunday

San Francisco 49ers |
Where to find our 49ers coverage ahead of Super Bowl LVIII vs. Chiefs

February 9, 2024 at 12:11 p.m.

Catch up with the 49ers in Las Vegas, where they'll play in the Super Bowl on Sunday

George Kittle and Kyle Shanahan were in a joking mood Monday night, six days before Super Bowl LVIII

The 49ers’ top quips at Super Bowl Opening Night, from Purdy’s wedding to McCaffrey’s brother

February 6, 2024 at 4:08 a.m.

George Kittle and Kyle Shanahan were in a joking mood Monday night, six days before Super Bowl LVIII

Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce talk 49ers to kick off Super Bowl festivities in Las Vegas

San Francisco 49ers |
Super Bowl LVIII: 10 key quotes from Chiefs at Opening Night

February 6, 2024 at 4:08 a.m.

Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce talk 49ers to kick off Super Bowl festivities in Las Vegas

Fanatics, which operates the NFL's team shops, is under criticism again.

San Francisco 49ers |
49ers’ team shop doesn’t have the actual Super Bowl LVIII jersey

February 3, 2024 at 8:34 a.m.

Fanatics, which operates the NFL's team shops, is under criticism again.

49ers came back to beat Lions and will now play Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII

San Francisco 49ers |
What the 49ers said after beating the Lions in the NFC Championship Game

January 29, 2024 at 3:15 a.m.

49ers came back to beat Lions and will now play Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII

The 49ers have All-Pros lining their offense, from Samuel to Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams to George Kittle.

San Francisco 49ers |
Vote now: Is Deebo Samuel the 49ers’ most important offensive player?

January 24, 2024 at 8:05 a.m.

The 49ers have All-Pros lining their offense, from Samuel to Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams to George Kittle.

Warriors star Stephen Curry, 35, has never played in the Olympics.

Golden State Warriors |
Steph Curry’s first Olympics? Warriors star is a finalist for Team USA roster

January 24, 2024 at 4:12 a.m.

Warriors star Stephen Curry, 35, has never played in the Olympics.

The 49ers are not seeking a new coach, but several coaches with Bay Area ties are being connected to openings

San Francisco 49ers |
NFL coaching carousel: David Shaw interviews for gigs, as do ex-49ers Harbaugh, Slowik

January 23, 2024 at 4:11 a.m.

The 49ers are not seeking a new coach, but several coaches with Bay Area ties are being connected to openings