Coach Mike Singletary informed the quarterbacks this afternoon at Shaun Hill will replace J.T. O'Sullivan as the team's starter for the Monday, Nov. 10, game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Hill is always upbeat, but he seemed particularly so this afternoon. He declined to talk about the decision -- saying the announcement should come from Singletary. Just moments ago, Singletary confirmed Hill as the starter.
* * *
Vernon Davis said he and coach Mike Singletary talked briefly this afternoon. Davis said he did not do much talking. Instead, he listened to what his coach had to say.
"He pretty much told me that I have to be aware of what's going on on the field," Davis said. "If someone says something to me, I can't let it bother me. I have to be bigger than that. I agree. I shouldn't have retaliated after the guy said what he said."
Singletary talked a lot about respect today. Does Davis feel like he was showing Singletary respect?
"Well, one thing about me, when I get heated, I just want to be to myself," Davis said. "I didn't really hear him calling me at the time. I was just in another world . . . I didn't say anything to the coach. I just did what he said. He told me to sit down, I sat down. He told me to go inside, so I went inside."
When asked if he talked back to Singletary, Davis said, "No, not at all. . . . I didn't say a word."
"I believe we can make it work," Davis said. "Coach Singletary really wants to win. He's excited. This is his first time handling a big job like this. He has to get comfortable and we have to get comfortable with each other. I think he's going to do a good job."
Singletary intimated that Davis was not a team guy. (OK, he didn't intimate it, he said it.) How did that make Davis feel?
"I know I'm a team guy," Davis said. "I asked him about that comment he made. He basically told me that he didn't mean that. He knows I'm a team guy. I am. My teammates know it. I love my teammates. I love the coaches. I think they're doing a good job around here. I would never do anything to hurt my teammates or put them in any kind of trouble."
I like to think I am level headed fan, but last week I finally had enough after JTO's first fumble. It's clear that JTO has serious problem that is bigger then just not having enough experience. I don't know think Hill is the answer, but he may make the defense look good given they won't be on the field all day defending a short field. Thanks for update Matt.
JTO had his chance... Too bad it didn't work out. Good call on naming Hill the starter, but he should have kept the Cards guessing.
I was a big JTO believer, probably more than I would like to admit, but my entire section at yesterday’s game was ready to run on the field and bench him ourselves, me included. Enough is enough. This was the right call to make. I watched the players closely after JTO threw the pick 6 on the sidelines yesterday and let’s just say that the likes of P-52, Manny and others were not pleased. They were as sick of it as the fans and everyone else not named Mike Martz. Hill's dink and dunk style will benefit this teams strength. We need an offense that will chew up the clock and go on long slow drives gaining 5-8 per play. Love or hate it, but Vernon, Delanie, M-Robinson, and Gore are the strength of our offense. Let’s see what Hill can do against the Cards under the bright lights of Monday night.
Randy - had they not opted to take Hill COMPLETELY out of the competition in the preseason, waiting may have been an option. Unfortunately, Hill is now behind the proverbial eight ball and will have to spend two weeks with the first team in an effort to get up to speed. Can't mess around splitting snaps just to keep the other team guessing. Obviously the practice reports would have let the ca tout.
I never said they had to split reps. Hill should get all of them. I simply said he could have waited to officially announce the starter. The Cards would have had to game plan for both...
From Yahoo..."After last season, owners John and Denise DeBartolo York promoted McCloughan from vice president of player personnel to general manager with the intention of firing Nolan, sources close to the situation said. McCloughan’s first act as GM was to talk his bosses out of making a coaching change, persuading them that the team had enough talent to make a playoff run in ‘08 and that Nolan gave them the best chance to pull it off." Do the York's not have any balls? It is their team and they are so gutless that they have to promote someone to do the firing. Good thing they inherited (or married in the good docs case) their wealth, as they obviously could not have done it on their own.
Matt -
Great update. Your work is really appreciated. My question is, as you where interviewing Davis did you get the sense he was sincere or is he just saying what he thinks he needs to say? I am probably one of the few that actually believes Davis has great potential if used properly and to a large extent I understand his frustration. I hope Martz figures out a way to use him more. I know he had success with Hill so maybe thats the answer!
Matt, as speculation is a perogative of us fans, here I go. If Alex Smith is healthy today, would we be seeing his resurection as starting quarterback? Thank you, Ron
With all the razzle dazzle of the Singletary fireworks, let's not forget that both the offense and defense were awful yesterday at home against a 1-5 Seattle team that we beat at their place a few weeks ago, using their second string QB. It was just a miserable performance. I agree with some of the other comments and wonder if we don't have the horses to compete. If McCloughan really told the Yorks we have the talent to make a playoff run, what does that say about McCloughan?
Hill should have been the starter from Game 1... missed opportunity here... now we've got to win every single game if we want to have a chance of a playoff appearance. That's
Hi Matt, Hill will bring stability to the position and I think you'll see a few long passes thrown in. As far as the Davis situation it involves more than the player, his agent and the endorsement sponsers come into play which affect his earning potential. We haven't heard the last of this act.
Matt
Great blog--I'm addicted. With things changing so quickly in 49erLand, this is the place to go. Think we are due for another "reset" next year. New coach, GM, and QB. For all the longtime 49er fans out there, this reminds of the late 70's, Pre-Bill Walsh teams. Every year, there'd be hope, followed by disappointment. Anybody out there remember the immortal Tom Owen and Scott Bull? That's what JTO and Hill remind me of--scrap heap guys who are just not the answer.
At this point, give Hill a shot. We have nothing to lose...
If Coach Mike Singletary is able to convince (or order)
Mike Martz to adopt his offense to fit Hills' strength,
it will be a great proof that Singletary will be
a successful coach. Mike Martz is very proud of his
"high risk/high reward" offense but it is clear that
the 49ers can't support this "yet". I always believe
that a great offensive coordinator would always
design the right offense to fit the team's ability.
I am hoping to see that in the next game.
After reading the Silver piece and absorbing countless opinions on the do's and dont's of coaching Matt, I have to that Singletary was around this team as an assistant and knows full well what has and hasn't happened in that locker room all along.
Now that he has been given the lead role, I think he was well within his right to lay down the law so to speak.
I have contended for a long time that Nolan was a control freak and felt too comfortable with the business as usual approach figuring he had the plan and 5 years to do it.
Kudos, for once, to the Yorks for preparing the cutting room floor last year, and I would add that Scot may want to take some immediate steps to give Singletary the coaches he may want to succeed in this role.
Scot's head is the next one I'd prepare to roll because the personnel are as much his responsibility as Nolans.
Any indications as to where the Martz/Singletary union might go now with the ouster of JTO in game one life after Nolan?
Singletary is a breath of fresh air and any good franchise in today's game is still deeply rooted in tradition. New school athletes are a challenge, but I find that those that truly honor the game will appreciate an old school leader like Mike Singletary.
I'm gonna watch closely now to see whether Martz will bend or protest the process of aerial assault vs. hard nosed ball control offense. If they do get along and work together, protection issues should clear up immediately just by virtue of respect for a running game.
Mike deserves this shot, he's gonna learn the ropes as he goes, but one thing's for certain, he won't accept less then 100%.
That in itself is all I can ask for, until the attitude becomes infectious, and translates into team chemistry and ultimately, more wins.
It seems to me that Martz can either tone down the big-play-at-all-cost offense and keep his job 'til the end of the season, or throw Hill to the wolves (since his arm is not up to a vertical game and he won't do any better with the rush pressure invited by the old game plans than JTO did) and disappear sooner. Either way, he is gone next year--the new coach, Singletary or whoever, will bring in his own staff. We just don't have the personnel for the Martz offense, and I don't see the Yorks replacing Singletary with Martz as head coach.
Hill is obviously the right man for the job! I mean seriously, look how he took control of the second half of the game. I know he has only played a handful of games, but compare his QB rating to JTO's in that amount of time. It's night and day. I am very excited to see what Hill is going to do. The team now has a good chance to beat the cards and a good chance to win the division. High hopes I know, but FINALLY someone up there in management is making some good choices for the team. JTO with all due respect is clearly and has been clearly not the man for the job.
Bruce I hope you're ready to catch some TD's
Sunday's events were a wake-up call for this team...they understand this sheriff won't accept anything less than 100%. No coddling...no excuses. I'd look for more changes...perhaps on OL and DL for starters. I'd like to see Wragge at C and Rachal at RG. Snyder can play RT with Sims out. Our OL has to get more consistent. On defense, I think we'll see a lot of Balmer int he 2nd half. I'd like to see Fields alongside him. Both Sopoaga and Franklin just aren't cuttin' it. In Coach Sing's world, either you poop or get off the pot.
Allright...lets see what Hill can do with some reps at practice (my understanding is that he has not taken first team reps since the beginning of pre-season).
As for the Vernon situation...I hope the media stops making this a bigger issue than it needs to be,
Hey Matt - BTW I can't wait for your I made a quick and wrong call on A.Smith article.....Do you still think A.Smith has played his last game for the niners?.......It is really fun to see all those that critize me say "THANK YOU ONENINER FOR SEEING THE REAL JTO". - its ok you are all welcomed!!!!
Hill will make the DEFENSE BETTER instantly!!!
oneniner,
Welcome back, I hope your dad is doing well unemployed! You were really right about that one! Good job with JTO though!
From everything I've read VD is an outstanding worker. He has a tremendous amount of physical ability. I don't think he'll ever be at the level of Gates or Gonzalez but he can be a much better player if he just gets his head right. Thats why I like Singletary's move so much. Davis is a guy who beats his chest after a relatively small gain when the team is down by 20. He's a guy who gets stupid penalties at crucial times. He's a guy who always blames the qb when he drops the ball. Singletary's actions may not pan out with VD but at least the ball is now in VD's court to become accountable.
They drafted a C in Cody Wallace. At this point
I would move Heitmann to LG and play the rookie at
center. Play Rachal at RG with Snyder and Staley
as your tackles. Rachal is suppose to be the strongest
lineman on the team, well I think its time we
play the kids. It cant get much worse then it is
right now. This will get them ready for next year.
Coach Hudd - How is it possible a rookie is the strongest lineman on the team?.....I mean where is the common sense/logic in that comment....
Here is Vernon Davis' blog comments about the incident with Coach Singletary:
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Talking_to_Coach/358521
Davis seems to be handling public relations better than Singletary.
PhillyNiner | October 28, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply
"Davis seems to be handling public relations better than Singletary."
I agree. Singletary is in over his head (very little coaching exp., never been a coordinator). should I blame the Yorks or McLoughan for putting him in charge?
Seems like Jed has the power right now.
Mike in SF#2, I agree that it is time to try out Hill, but I could care less how displeased the defense looked on the sidelines. Tell them to take care of their own house before worrying about the offense. The D this year has consistently been a major disappointment, and that includes games where the offense didnt turn it over.
Defense was meant to be this team's strength, and they've been playing like utter crap. Last week they made Wallace and Weaver look like stars.
Oneniner, just because you are a rookie does not mean that you can not and arent the strongest lineman. Rachal is a beast and needs to play I am sick of watching Heitmann and our guards watching D-Lineman blow past them on every play.
HEY MATT CAN YOU LOOK INTO THIS ......"When did Smith's shoulder experience the stress fracture? Was it when Rocky Bernard crushed him to the turf, separating his shoudler? Was it the strenuous weight-lifting on a shoulder unsupported by the clavicle? Was it Martz's strenuous throwing regimen before training camp? No one can answer that question, but regardless, a bone fragment found itself floating inside Smith's shoulder, ending his season.".........
I don't buy into Singletary's ranting and raving. I hate to say it... I think we need to bring in Shottenheimer or Vermeil. I hate both of them because I don't think either of them has the toughness necessary to get a team through the playoffs, although Vermeil has certainly done that more than once. All said, both coaches are really good at developing talent. Once we get into the playoffs on a routine basis, we can fire either of them and find a man who can take us farther. But until we learn some discipline, fundamentals and proper execution, we have very little hope with this personnel. So I'm ready to bite the bullet and bring in one of these two clowns to get us to respectability.
Nevyn - I agree with you, but one always plays off of the other. That’s football. If your offense goes three plays and out (and this year its a turnover not a 4th down punt) after the D just stopped them suddenly they start to get discouraged and you don’t play with momentum. That’s when a careless offense starts to trickle over to the rest of the team and makes for a careless D and Special teams. Its inevitable. You cannot separate the two. Everyone on that team was getting sick of JTO’s turnovers: 22 in 7 and a half games? And that doesn’t include the ones we recovered. I just wonder how he lasted that long… that’s TERRIBLE. We now have 8 games to find out if Nolan and his over-scheming opponents was to blame for the D’s problems or if we all really did overrate this D’s potential. So far - Example # 1 is Manny – Nolan doesn’t have him play in Seattle because he was in love with his Big-sub alignment, yet he plays Sunday and has 9 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defensed, and at least +2 tackles for a loss.
I think it's crap that the overall culture of the NFL now is generally "don't bother me, I'm a highly paid athelete." When you don't perform at your job, you should recieve a proper "kick in the pants." If VD is the athelete he thinks he is, he'll perform accordingly. This Moss/Owens syndrome is garabage. Teams can be successful without those types. I like VD a lot, and want him to be great for the Niners, but if Samuri Mike wants to check some players I'm all for it, no matter who you are.
I for one am excited to hear Singletary talk. Maybe it's because I'm used to the Coach of the niners not say much of anything. It's refreshing. At this point the season is probably out the window- and this oportunity is good for the team and Coach Sing to get some discipline, motivation and experience. Let's see what the rest of the season has in store- I'll definatly be watching. I too was a JTO backer- he shows the flash of being brilliant- but there is no excuse to hand over the ball as much as he does. The Hill move was a no brainer. Next year at QB we still need to bring in a proven Vet, and draft some talent to move forward. Actually, the more I think about our needs- the list is quite large. You would think the team would be in better shape at this point of the "rebuilding" process. Sheesh.
ALSO- Can we please stop talking about Alex Smith? If 7 games were enough for the JTO experiment- then 3 years were def enough for the Alex Smith Experiment. He still doesn't lead recievers, he still holds on to the ball to long, he just can't make a decent throw unless he's running. Time to move on and buy a new sheet set for your bed- put away your jersey- GET OVER IT.
You want discipline you've got it with
Singletary. Why you would want has beens
at the nursing home to coach a team like
this is a head scratcher! If this team
takes on their head coaches personality
then it won't be long before the San Francisco 49ers are on top of the NFC west. Next year McCloughan fired, Holmgrem
hired. Martz fired, ? hired.
I know Holmgren promised his wife that he would take a year off. However I dont think he thought a situation like ours would come up. I say with Holmgren running the team from a management standpoint and Singletary as the Head Coach this team could make a little noise next year in the NFC West. Holmgren has a proven track record of finding could talent. I think if the GM spot for the niners is there and avilable to him he would take it. One can dream!!
Davis spoke to the media Monday afternoon. His answers to our questions were posted verbatim on his blog. That's why I had those quotes several hours before they went up on his blog. --Matt M.
Matt,
Sean Hill and Jason Hill seem to have great chemistry on the field. Any chance Martz will recognize that fact and get Jason a little more playing time in the next game?
NEW FLASH - The San Diego Chargers have announced that defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell has been fired.The move is likely a shot across the bow at Turner, who could be on the way out as well if the 3-5 Chargers don’t turn things around in the second half of the season........oh oh...What if Turner is fired, A.Smith can then cpome back and continue his success under turner......WHAT IF....HEY MATT, HOW ABOUT THAT?....HAVE YOU STARTED WRITING YOUR "I AM SORRY I JUMPED THE GUN ON A.SMITH PLAYING HIS LAST NINER GAME" story....:)
gabrielb = "I too was a JTO backer"...Nice to be honest but Dude you just lost all credibility to even comment on QB's....Alex Smith under Norv turner in 1 yr was an average QB, in 2 yrs he could have been a good QB.....In this Martz offense he would be great.....listen to the one-guy that told you JTO was a bust from birth.
Holmgren hasn't shown us anything with regards to being a GM or management material. Remember he was stripped of those powers in Seattle and the Hawks actually started drafting a lot better.
Thanks for the reply Matt. I did read his blog comments and it really was verbatim what you had already wrote. I guess its safe to assume Vernon doesn't sit down and write his own blog entrys. It could be worse, at least he doesn’t have T.O.’s “25 Million reasons” PR representative talking about press conferences for him.
Because unlike Singletary both grandpas (Schottenheimer and Vermeil) have proven track records at turning teams around and getting them on a winning track. Seems like Singletary is constantly "learning from his mistakes".. prior to this season as well as after his first game. This guy is not head coach material. He's already falling prey to Nolan's mistakes of last year. Listen carefully- I don't think for a second Schottenheimer or Vermeil can get us to a Superbowl. But I definitely think either of them can bring back the winning attitude and expectations this organization sorely needs. These guys have the magic touch in terms of turning perennial losers into winning teams.
OR....better yet....Norv Turner is on the hot seat, Phillip Rivers starts turning into garbage and losing games, and then Norv, in the heat of panic, calls McClueless and offers a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Smith, which is accepted, and we go on to draft a real QB who has something less than an 8 second read/release time and balls that are 7 feet over WRs heads. This sounds even better to me. Remember....the only reason we had to deal with JTO in the first place is because Smith was really the second coming of Tim Couch. if JTO's read/release isn't quick enough, then Smith would surely fail even worse in this system. He was ok in the Mountain West with a spread O and no pass rush anywhere near him, but this is the NFL and he hasn't proven in 3 years he is anything but a 3rd string backup in the bigs.
Hey Matt- I always like your work, very thorough. I also like the spirit Mike S brings to the 9ers. But I think it is too bad we all know this much about what he said/did. When these kind of things happen in public everyone suffers. Great sound bites but isn't airing dirty laundry always a problem? The team needs to know he will lead in this way but do I need to know all this detail? Also, am I the only one who thinks he sounds wishy washy and wimpy after how he back tracked on VD Monday? And, what is with all the praise about him being such a great speaker...he sounds near illiterate if you ask me. I still like him but what is up with all the boot licking?
Oh my God, you either poop or get off the pot! That was brilliant, made my day too! I know Singletary won't take any BS out there. You act like a child, get treated like one. From what I was hearing on what Davis was doing was UNACCEPTABLE to me that he would gesture like that to his coach.
I disagree with you on the subject of Alex Smith.. We cut Smith, we take a cap hit. WHat part of that can't you get? I don't care if cutting Smith means a 'lesser hit', fact is MONEY STILL GOES OUT THE FREAKING WINDOW and we don't get the FA or the drafted player, and then we
'll wind up like Redskins trading this and that for money we don't have.
Alex Smith should be kept on this team. You're about as bad as Obama and PRop 8 wannabes crying about this and that. I'll always support Alex Smith as MY starting QB. Smith will start in 09.