Mike Nolan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, asked the NFL if he could wear a suit on the sidelines during games, instead of the team sweater, poncho, jacket, whatever. The league turned him down, saying that he and all other coaches must wear NFL-sanctioned team clothing.
It's part of their marketing plan, because you know most fans decide to buy team merchandise based on what the coach is wearing. If he were to dress like legendary coaches Tom Landry, Hank Stram, and Vince Lombardi, it might affect sales of jerseys and running shoes, and we can't have that.
Speaking of coaches' garb, I still don't understand why baseball managers wear a uniform during the game. It's not like there are any player/managers in the game these days. Tony LaRussa wasn't going to take over behind the plate after Jadier Molina's injury. I can't hear Wayne Hagin saying, "Here comes number ten, the skipper, as a pinch runner!" Not gonna happen, so why not let 'em wear street clothes in the dugout? Same thing goes for the pitching coach and the rest of the non-playing staff.
Maybe Nolan should suit up in a full 49ers uniform, complete with pads, for a game next season.