He would coach there for eight seasons from 1968 through 1975, noted for developing the defense and taking the team to three straight NFC West division titles (1970–72), twice missing the Super Bowl by only one game (1970–71).

They cratered from there, with a 35–14 lead versus the Oakland Raiders at home unraveling into a 42–35 loss (with 21 coming in the final quarter).

His last game was on November 24 of that season, a 27–7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football at home, where fans took to throwing paper airplanes.

[11] Upon the dismissal, GM Steve Rosenbloom stated Nolan was "a man of character, class and dignity."

The Saints finished the 1980 season 1–15, as interim coach Dick Stanfel won only one of his four games, a 21–20 victory over the New York Jets in week 15.

His alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park, interviewed Nolan for the head coach vacancy created when Jerry Claiborne left for Kentucky, but ultimately, chose Bobby Ross, instead.

The NFL has since disallowed this practice in most circumstances due to the league signing exclusive apparel deals with sportswear companies (specifically Reebok and Nike).