Carmen Policy, a chief architect of the San Francisco 49ers' success in an eight-year run as the club's top executive, has resigned as team president, CNN/SI reported on its Web site Tuesday night.
Policy reportedly informed NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue of his decision last weekend and resigned in person to Marie Denise DeBartolo York. She gained control of the franchise in December from her brother, Eddie DeBartolo, amid reports he could be indicted in a federal investigation involving a Louisiana gambling fraud case.Messages left at the 49ers' headquarters in Santa Clara and their summer training camp in Stockton, Calif., were not immediately returned. Policy was in Cleveland on Tuesday night to meet with Al Lerner, who has an interest in the Cleveland Browns' expansion franchise.
Team vice president Dwight Clark later confirmed the report to the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa.
"I'm not exactly stunned, but I'm sorry that it came to this," Clark said.
A team insider told the newspaper that coach Steve Mariucci was "blown away" by the resignation.
CNN/SI reported that Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, who led San Francisco to three Super Bowl wins in 10 years as coach, is a likely candidate to replace Policy.
Policy's departure had been discussed in recent weeks amid reports that Eddie DeBartolo was seeking to regain control of the team.
He and his sister, who own equal 45-percent shares of the club, have been negotiating the possible transfer of full ownership to Eddie DeBartolo.
DeBartolo and Policy, friends for 30 years, had a falling out, and Policy had said he expected to be ousted.