Come to think of it, the San Francisco 49ers' coach's public discourse sometimes sounds an awful lot like a presidential briefing.

Whether reeling from a blowout loss or basking in a stunning win, Nolan always stands behind the official seal on his podium and says pretty much the exact same thing _ all while wearing one of his many sharp suits, of course.

His team will stay the course, he vows. He has unwavering faith in his oft-criticized assistants, and he has a strong mandate from the only fans who really matter: John York and Denise DeBartolo-York, the club's embattled owners. Nolan's 49ers, he promises, will set lofty goals, pay attention to details and meet any challenge.

During his first 1{ seasons in charge, it was sometimes hard to take Nolan seriously when he parroted the same lines with no tangible evidence his plan had any hope of working.

Oh, and he has also said some things with more bravado than brains behind them: Shortly after he took over a club that lost 14 games in 2004, he claimed the Niners should immediately challenge for the division title.

Instead, his first team went 4-12 and finished last in total offence and defence. When San Francisco lost games by 41, 31 and 29 points in a brutal stretch earlier this season, the coach's steadfast faith in his plan started to seem a bit complacent and stubborn.

But it's a wonder what a few victories will do for a leader's credibility.

With a three-game winning streak that has taken even some of his players by surprise, Nolan's 49ers are 5-5 and one game out of first place in the NFC West behind the Seattle Seahawks, who were beaten 20-14 at Candlestick Park last Sunday.

Though much of the sellout crowd Sunday turned out for Jerry Rice's official retirement ceremony, the 49ers gave a performance that was even more entertaining than the strange spectacle of their great receiver insisting on running off the dais to catch one last pass from Steve Young during halftime.

Frank Gore rushed for a franchise-record 212 yards, largely behind Larry Allen and Jonas Jennings _ two of Nolan's infrequent-but-judicious free-agent signings. The defence made three stops in the final 4{ minutes, enthralling the crowd with each big hit and turnover.

The 49ers appeared to be ready for bigger things. The San Francisco fans with still-strong memories of the glory days can't wait to paint the erstwhile NFC doormats as a playoff contender.

And given Nolan's zeal for a consistent message of high expectations, it was surprising to hear a note of caution creep into his voice on Monday.

``I really don't talk about (the playoffs) right now, because I don't think we've proven ourselves to be there,'' Nolan said. ``It does not help our football team or help me to be jumping ahead. It will take care of itself. Right now, I'm all for the dreaming, but we've got teams to play that are in our way. We've got things to accomplish to make that happen.''

But here's the great thing about this lightning run of success: Even if the 49ers finish their season with six straight losses _ a thought that still seems more likely than a playoff game in January _ Nolan has proven he's on the right track.

San Francisco has the league's attention for the first time in roughly four years, with Gore's run at the rushing title and Alex Smith's burgeoning maturity attracting the greatest interest.

Just three weeks after the 49ers' defence gave up 41 points in the first half of a loss in Chicago that dropped the club to 2-5, the concept of a playoff run in San Francisco is no longer far-fetched _ it's real, starting with Sunday's road showdown with the Rams, their longtime rivals.

That's no small achievement for a career assistant coach who was given total control of an NFL franchise _ from personnel decisions and front-office hirings to acting as the club's public face while still running the defence _ by a desperate owner clumsily attempting to replicate the successful power structures in New England and Philadelphia.

So while York catches the brunt of fan furor over the team's struggles, meager payroll and embarrassing ineptitude in the latest chapter of its bid for a badly needed new stadium, Nolan has become the face of hope for a city that hasn't had much ever since York took over.

Fans loudly booed the Yorks and their son, Jed, during Rice's retirement ceremony. Nolan, wearing his suit and tie during a game for the first time, got nothing but cheers when the 49ers finished off the win.

Though Nolan's consistent message is now buffeted by caution, it's still a message worth hearing. The season's final six weeks could cement that progress or create more obstacles for next year _ but at least for now, San Francisco is going crazy for its sharp-dressed man.

``It's like being in the middle of the storm and not having radar,'' Nolan said. ``You don't know which way it's going, or if it's going to pass. You're just kind of riding it out, and then you look back, and you'll know where you're at.''