Martz is hired by the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator Tuesday, hoping to fix a unit that floundered this season.

Martz tormented the 49ers for six years during his greatest success with their NFC West rival St. Louis Rams, but was fired by the Detroit Lions last week after two seasons as offensive coordinator.

He replaces Jim Hostler, who also was fired last week after the 49ers finished last in the NFL with 219 points. Martz, who got a two-year contract, is San Francisco’s sixth offensive coordinator in six years.

Miller Brewing Company said it would contribute a percentage of its Lite beer sales in Arizona during the coming month to Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a nonprofit group that serves aging NFL veterans with financial and medical problems.

The deal is expected to raise about $100,000, according to Gridiron Greats Executive Director Jennifer Smith.

The Miller deal is part of a broader fund-raising effort by Gridiron Greats that is tied to Super Bowl XXLII, which will be played on Feb. 3 at the Arizona Cardinals’ home field.

-- Greg Johnson

The Miami Dolphins hired a coach this week, just not a head coach.

David Lee has left Houston Nutt’s staff at Mississippi to become the Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach, Nutt said. Lee will be rejoining Bill Parcells, Miami’s new vice president of football operations, for whom Lee worked with the Dallas Cowboys.

Rex Ryan, son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan, became the third candidate to interview for the Dolphins’ head coaching job.

Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley declined an invitation to interview for the head coaching job of the Dolphins, and instead signed a contract extension with Arizona.

Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh met for four hours with Baltimore Ravens officials as the team’s latest candidate for its head coaching job.

Harbaugh, 45, who was a candidate for the UCLA job, was the sixth person to interview for the vacancy created last week when owner Steve Bisciotti fired Brian Billick and his staff after nine seasons.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor lost his title as the best player to never make the Pro Bowl.

He was added to the AFC roster, replacing Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker. Parker broke a bone in his right leg last month and pulled out of the league’s All-Star game, allowing Taylor to get his first Pro Bowl invitation.

Cleveland Browns rookie left tackle Joe Thomas was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, replacing Jason Peters of the Buffalo Bills. Peters injured his groin during the Bills’ game against the New York Giants in Week 16 and missed the regular-season finale at Philadelphia.

Chicago Bears linebackers coach Hardy Nickerson resigned after one season.