Nevertheless, Clark's future with the 49ers beyond this year remains murky.
"The speculation in the media is inappropriate and incorrect," said Larry Thrailkill, who assumed the 49ers' presidency on an interim basis July 22, when Policy quit to join Al Lerner's successful bid for the expansion Browns.
"Our front-office staff will be the same through the end of this year as it is right now," Thrailkill said.
Clark traveled to Cleveland last weekend to meet with Policy to discuss some 49ers-related transitional issues, as well as unspecified personal matters. He cleared the trip with Thrailkill, 49ers co-owners Eddie DeBartolo and Denise DeBartolo York and the league.
After he was seen together with Policy at a Cleveland Indians playoff game Friday night, reports began circulating Clark planned to leave the 49ers for the Browns.
In another matter, Thrailkill said he plans to bring back John McVay, the chief football administrator under former coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert, as a special assistant to advise him on league-related issues. McVay would be retained on an interim basis.
Clark, who oversees all football operations for the 49ers, is seeking an expanded role with greater responsibility and would also like to be considered for the team presidency.
Because of the team's uncertain ownership picture, however, a decision on a permament club president won't come until at least the end of this season.
Eddie DeBartolo retains his 45 percent ownership stake, but ceded control of the team to his sister last December when he was linked to a gambling fraud probe in Louisiana.
Last week, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report a crime as part of a plea bargain. He alsoagreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors and he's expected to testify in the case.
DeBartolo hopes to regain control of the 49ers, but NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has said DeBartolo's inactive status will continue through at least this season while the league reviews the matter.
