The capacity to lead is an extraordinary skill. Imagine truly being at the top of your game, or regularly being 'in the zone.' Inspiring that mindset within your organization is a critical quality of success. Human capital is the single most important asset in any organization, but particularly in football. What does all that management mumbo-jumbo have to do with John York? Everything and nothing at all.

Dennis Erickson is quietly inquiring about life back in the college coaching ranks, and mentioning to friends that being fired - might not be a bad thing. No position personifies "human capital" more than the head coach, and the Niner's coach has one foot out the door and the other dialing the phone.

When Erickson eventually goes public with his desire to duck his contract, you can just hear the daft-headed York again quip, "Well that is just one more thing we'll have to work through." Work through to what exactly; perennial status as the Montreal Expos of the NFL?

Why is Erickson cultivating options, because he has a problem? He is on a team that has no NFL IQ where it really matters, and no prospect of getting any until the Niner's ownership changes. Championships start at the top with owners who understand how to attract, nurture, and retain talent, from the front office down to the equipment manager.

Eddie knew how. As a Forty-Niner player, you never had to worry about whether your car was being burglarized during a team function. Parking lots were guarded, a common problem for Raider's players in the past. As a Niner your family was his family. Details like gift baskets on holidays were standard fare during the Niner's glory years. Eddie created the class organization of the NFL. His brother-in-law charges coaches for using company postage.

How is that type of penny-pinching going to develop a climate of success? It won't. York doesn't know how or doesn't care. The Niners will not see the sunny side of a .500 season until York 'n Dork accepts his limitations and lets go.