49ers downplay rift between Smith, Nolan (AP)

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The San Francisco 49ers moved quickly Tuesday to refute the latest report on the perceived rift between Mike Nolan and Alex Smith, insisting the third-year coach and his franchise quarterback still can work together if both return to the team next year. Smith criticized Nolan in comments to the San Jose Mercury News on Monday, just a few hours before Smith decided to undergo season-ending surgery...

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