Thanks for all the questions. There were a lot of overlapping questions, but I tried to hit on as many as I could.
Maiocco: Singletary was ill-prepared on his four interviews for head-coaching positions because he did not have a list of coaches ready to join him. After his interview with the Chargers in 2007, he hired an agent and started making calls to assemble a list of assistants who would be willing to join him. Shockingly, Singletary has not told me who's on his list, but I'd assume he might have talked to a couple players-turned-coaches.
* * *
Is Singletary going to make any changes to the Offensive line?
Maiocco: He already has. In the first game, David Baas replaced Adam Snyder at left guard. When Jonas Jennings is healthy, he's expected to take over for Barry Sims at right tackle. Also, there is a chance rookie Chilo Rachal could start working in at right guard.
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With so many draft and free agent personnel mistakes, why isn't McCloughan under more criticism from the press and the fans?
Maiocco: Since 2005, Mike Nolan was the front man of the organization. He had the final say on all personnel matters, so he was going to get the credit or the blame, depending on how things ended up. Now, with Nolan out of the picture, everybody will be placing more scrutiny on McCloughan's work as general manager.
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I was wondering, do you know if the players are showing any difference in attitude or work ethic under Mike Singletary?
Maiocco: I have not seen any noticeable difference. The only thing I've noticed is that Singletary speaks to the team after practices more often and for longer periods of time.
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With all the intensity that Singletary is calling for at practice, is he still giving the "older" veterans a practice day off? I'm thinking of Walt Harris as one who got Wednesdays off. Has the changed?
Maiocco: There has been only one true Wednesday practice since Singletary took over and, yes, Harris was rested.
* * *
If they're looking to get Brooks on the field at one of the end positions, who's playing time is that most likely to cut into?
Maiocco: They're looking at Brooks as a third-down pass rusher. So it would likely be cutting into the play time of Roderick Green (or Tully Banta-Cain).
* * *
based on your years of covering QBs and coaches, was (O'Sullilvan) being asked to do something (in a desperate-for-a-win situation) that was unreasonable in view of his experience, the high risk nature of the Martz-style offense, and the degree of pass protection available?
Maiocco: What O'Sullivan was asked to do is typical of what Mike Martz expects out of his quarterbacks. Therefore, I'd say the answer is no - he was not asked to do anything unreasonable.
* * *
What are the chances Chilo Rachal and Reggie Smith get more playing time?
Maiocco: Rachal is expected to get some playing time as the season progresses. But there are still too many people ahead of Smith for him to see much action in the near future.
* * *
So knowing Spikes contract is up in one year, I am wondering if it is a safe assumption he will have proved himself valuable enough to get a contract with a more competitive team next season, leaving us with a spot for Brooks or a newcomer?
Maiocco: I think that's a reasonable assumption. With how this season has gone, and all the uncertainty heading into next season, I'd think a veteran such as Spikes would be hard-pressed to stick around if the money is competitive elsewhere.
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ver the years, which player was the most incisive, most compellng interview?
Other than football, which sport would you love cover? As a youth, did you aspire to become a writer, or is it something you just stumbled upon? If you weren't a sports writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Maiocco: Tim McDonald and Steve Young were about as good as it gets, as far as interview subjects. The sport I wanted to cover when I first got into this business was baseball. I was single then, so it would have been fun to be on the road for six weeks of spring training and nearly 100 days during the summer months. Football is the best sport to cover for a family guy because it involves the least amount of travel. This occupation combined my passions for sports, writing and reporting. If I weren't doing this, I'd probably be a teacher.
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What is it that the 49ers do on their respective Road Trips that make them play like garbage? I realize their home record this year is garbage at 1-4, but has Singletary evaluated what they do on road trips from start to finish to see if there is something that they could do differently to help make for a more positive outcome on Sunday? Your thoughts?
Maiocco: Frankly, teams that fare well on the road are good teams. If you're a bad team - and the 49ers have been bad for several seasons - then it only goes to figure that they're going to get lit up in opposing stadiums. People can always point to those 49ers teams of the '80s and say how they were good road teams. But, first and foremost, they were great teams, period.
* * *
I'm curious to know if you have since changed your mind about Condaleeza Rice joining the franchise as a distinct possibility? Is McCloughan to be evaluated at the end of the year on job performance?
Maiocco: I don't have a say in the matter. I was citing what Jed York and the 49ers have said on the matter. The 49ers say they are not interested in adding a team president. But Jed York said if Condoleeza Rice called to pitch her services, he would give her the courtesy of listening to her case.
* * *
PLEASE no politics! I have sick and tired of the last two years.
What I want to know is when do the 49ers fly out for away games? Bill Walsh always left on Friday for Sundays games. Is that still the rule.
Maiocco: Don't worry, Marco. When I write about the political leanings of the 49ers, it will be clearly labeled. And I promise there will be no other football news in that post, so you will not be tricked into reading something you don't want to see. If it's a subject that does not interest you, please just skip it.
The 49ers always fly on Fridays for games at the
* * *
Now that Nolan has been relieved and Scot is left to carry on the duties, do you see the attitude of Best Player Available taking any new direction? Is this roster stocked well enough in depth to perhaps allow more focused position of NEED selections?
Is there really a plan to build a 3-4 vs 4-3 and if so, who's plan was it?
Maiocco: I don't think the philosophy if best-player available for the first two or three rounds of the draft should ever change. In other words, if a team has a need on defense, but the highest-rated player on their board by a large margin is an offensive player, that's the player they should take. Only on the second day of the draft, should teams try to grab specific needs.
It appears defensive coordinator Greg Manusky is more comfortable running a 3-4 defense. The 49ers used a 3-4 scheme almost entirely on Sunday against the Seahawks. That allowed Manny Lawson to see his most playing time of the season.
* * *
What's your midseason record prediction for the end of the season? Tied in with that who do the niners take with their top 5 pick?
Maiocco: Things really look as if they're falling apart. In the 49ers' final eight games,
* * *
What are your thoughts on this: With the team giving up 30 points per game why is Manusky not on the chopping block?!
Maiocco: I think every coach on the staff has an uncertain future with this club.
* * *
Seeing as you have concluded the '08 season already a washout and I completely agree, I have two quick questions for you. (1) Who do you see as hot candidates for the head coaching position? (Browns are having a subpar year so do you consider Chudzinski a contender). (2) With the college QB class the weakest in maybe decades and Matt Stafford (if he comes out) probably getting snapped up by the Lions in the top 3, what plans do you think the 49ers would have for getting a signal caller?
Maiocco: Right now, the biggest contender in my mind is
No matter what happens the rest of the season, the 49ers would be wise to draft a quarterback within the first four rounds.
* * *
Any word on Singletary making changes to the defensive secondary?
Maiocco: Nothing yet. That unit is banged up right now. I know you're probably referring to the possibility of Dashon Goldson moving into the lineup. But Goldson might miss another game or two with a knee injury. And even when Goldson has played this season, he hasn't exactly lit it up.
* * *
Matt, Is the team required to give the players so many days off during the bye week? It seems to me that considering their recent play, they could use a lot more practice days. Even "light" practices and extra coaching at various positions would seem to be helpful.
Maiocco: Teams are required to give players at least one day off a week. The bye week is often used to let players recharge their batteries. This was a light week for the team. That's typical for bye weeks. It is generally seen as counter-productive to hold hard practices during the down week.
The 49ers have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. They'll return for meetings on Monday and a Tuesday practice. With a Monday night game, they'll take off Wednesday and then get back to work Thursday to prepare for the Cardinals on Monday.
* * *
What is the SF future at QB? Personally I don't see any solution other than drafting another QB which translates into 3 years of losing.
Maiocco: Whatever happens the rest of the season, the 49ers will definitely be in the market for at least one quarterback in 2009. Shaun Hill is the only QB on the roster who figures to be assured of returning next season.
O'Sullivan is a free agent, and he probably won't be back if Martz isn't back. The same goes, of course, for Jamie Martin.
McCloughan said in early September that Alex Smith would not return if he did not establish himself as the starter this season. He is out for the season. If the 49ers want him back (we're not sure they do), and Smith is willing to play for the lowest contract the league will allow (we're not sure he will), he could compete for a job.
* * *
I know it's just been one game but what are the chances you think singletary will be coach next year?
Maiocco: Based on his first week on the job, his chances are zero. Luckily for him, he has two more months to settle in, calm down, and make amends for his rough beginning.
* * *
I know Martz prefer the vertical pass plays but 49ers clear don't have the players to do it. Shouldn't Martz adjust his play calls based on the personal if he is a great OC?
Maiocco: He appeared to adjust the play-calling in the second half of last week's game with Shaun Hill at QB. I'd expect him to do the same on Nov. 10. Hill is more adept at the short-passing game. Still, he'll have to mix in a seven-step drop and deep pattern from time-to-time just to keep the defense honest.
* * *
I was curious is this song about you?
If it isn't I think it should be your theme song or something. I swear she is saying "Matt Maiocco".
Maiocco: OK, how the heck would somebody stumble upon that? It's absolutely hysterical. Back in my previous life, people used to think "My Sherona" sounded like my name. But this one takes the cake. Good work.
* * *
Hi Matt,
In regards to Coach Sing's taking off his pants, I don't know really what the big deal is because it is a locker room and how he conducts himself in front of his team is his own business.
Now if they would have come back and won, no one would care. At least I would agree with Tom Tolbert on that. However, as far as people like Ralph Barbieri, he has nerve to comment on football first and foremost, because as we know, that joker only knows about baseball and now supposedly hockey.
But I'm surprised how he has reacted to Coach Sing's antics as well because Ralph has already translated the situation to Coach Sing not being smart enough to be head coach. After one game, huh?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I think that Coach Sing recognizing that Shaun Hill gives us the best chance to win because, as Coach Sing has said, Hill manages the game and gives us the best chance to win. Translation: we cannot keep gunslinging like Martz wants us to do because we probably don't have the personnel and everyone is no longer surprised with Martz's MO.
Why isn't he given credit for that? Instead, everyone is focused on his antics. Hell, if I was head coach, I would be pissed at that performance as well.
All I say is give the man a chance.
Traj
Mike Mularkey!!!! -He was the best Steelers WR on Tecmo Superbowl! : P
I love the hell out of Singletary, but I think this team needs an experienced coach with everything in check, and devout coordinators that won't run out on us within the first 3 years.
Move MS to Defensive coordinator, I swear his fire would work wonders in that slot, and give him more time to hone up on experience in terms of connections, and meeting other experienced coordinators for a future head coaching job.
But keep nagging Singletary for that list, Matt, I'd like to see who he would have in mind if he was to prove himself this year!
I don't think someone dislikes Coach Sing. I think someone is just leaking stuff. Just like Nolan getting fired this also leaked. This isn't good, we have a Rat. The 49ers need to find him and fire him! Matt, do you think its the same person?
Oh dear. I've read the many comments re: Singletary dropping his pants.
To those who claim that it isn't news:
Oh yes it is news! None of us Niner fans want it reported, nor do we even want to hear about it, because it's heaping more misery and embarrassment on this sorry franchise...but, make no mistake about it, IT IS NEWS! And yes, it will be forever associated with Singletary, just like, Dennis "the Bears are who we thought they are" Green, and Jim "playoffs??" Mora. Reporters report. They write articles to generate interest and sales. Of course this is news...how many other times have you heard of an NFL coach dropping his pants at half-tine? It pains me to read it as much as the next Niner fan, but it is news and it will be reported. Now, as for Singletary...he's now in the same class as Mike Nolan, imho. Not suited to be an NFL HC. Singletary has managed to kill his head coaching career in just one week. You don't go public with player malcontent, and you definitely do not drop your pants in front of the players. Ok, the search for next years HC had better be well underway, coz it will not be Singletary, it will not be Martz, and it will not be Manusky. My vote goes to Marty S.
Matt, thank you and your technical bods for fixing the blog. I gave up posting on the old, faulty version.
I've not been on here all week, but have caught up this morning, and just want to address a few more issues. After I posted that there weren't any positives from the Seahawks game, a few people said that there were, namely the play of the defense. Well, not to be an ass, but how can anybody possibly take any positives from that game? We got butchered by the worst offense in the NFC and the worst passing attack in the entire NFL...by some margin. They whupped us. From start to finish. The worst team in the NFC (mumurs abound from Detroit..."oi, what about us, TJ?"), ok, the equal worst team in the NFC, playing without their Pro Bowl QB and a heavily weakened set of WR's managed to come to our house and whup us... I'm sorry, I can't take any positives from that. Maybe, you could argue that we held their running game in check...but, that's about as hollow a "moral victory" as you can get due to the fact that they outscored us by 21pts, and whupped us. Sorry, but imho, it was our lowest point of another low season. I was disgusted. Appalled beyond belief. Angry, even. But hey, hopefully next year... (rolls eyes and groans so loudly that the dog comes over to see if I'm ok...). Oh yeah, and to that fan who claimed that Holmgren had achieved nothing...and that he only won a Super Bowl because of Brett, and that all the great team building was done by Ron Wolf...PUHLEASE... I'd take Holmgren in a heartbeat. We HAVE to gut this entire "leadership" set-up and start again. Scot must go. His results do not impress and his appearance on Razor and Mr T was, quite frankly, embarrassing. Ralph tore him a new one, and Scot just let himself get pushed around. Ralph slated the Yorks, slated the team and pretty much vented 5 years worth of frustration at supporting this dysfunctional, disorganised, joke of a franchise...and all Scot could muster up was a timid, "I didn't come on here to listen to that"...and he just sat there and carried on listening to it... He came across as pretty spineless, imho. Ok, apologies for this less than joyous post, I'm just so depressed with this team. I'm glad we are off this week, I need a break from the misery. Losing to the pathetic Seahawks...at home...in a must win game...having 34pts put on us by the 2nd worst O in the NFL...and then having Singletary publicly slate some players (cancer)...and then hearing about him dropping his pants...oh my god, I feel like I'm having the worst nightmare ever.
On a bright note, the Colts, Pats, Bills, and Titans (well, Oilers)have all been laughing stocks at some point during my time of following the NFL, so there is hope...
Oh, and if Condi Rice joins us, that will be the final straw for me, I'll give up on the team and the sport. Could never in a million years root for any other team. But will never support a team with that evil hag on it. New World Order, anyone? 9/11, anyone? Loss of basic freedoms, anyone?
Amazingaaron, that video is one of the funniest things I've seen in reference to this blog!!
The Seahawks were a bit beat up & their best player was not playing, but remember that they were still poised to be the #1 seed from the NFC West (5 years running + a Superbowl). That along with just this ONE FACT.... Mike Holmgren is their Head Coach. Since 98'it has always been a Holmgren personal season priority, BEAT THE NINERS! All game, EVERY GAME! And after being embarrassed TWICE by the Nolan team in 06', it has taken on a more personal flavor. Holmgren has always kinda had that Bellicheck-esque knack for being able to put together a gameplan to beat a specific team (except maybe the Vikes' in the Metrodome). As long as he is coaching against them, you can bet he is going to spend a few minutes extra "kickin' the tires before heading out on the road".
Condi Rice join this organization? We could only wish that would happen. Why would an intelligent lady want to join a team ran by retards? The rumors surrounding this team are amazing.
Matt the song is hilarious... I agree you should keep a copy of the song posted 24/7 or use it as an intro (5 secs) to the blog...
That song is incredible. Maiocco has a theme!
Matt, your reaction please! I like Brady Quinn. Cleveland has rejected #1s from other teams. Niners could make same draft offer and add an intriguing incentive. Davis for Winslow. Helps both teams.
maiocco song is classic!
about qb's any chance we snatch a qb ala favre/hassleback/delhomme from another team. Any chance we take a flyer on a player like Clemens/Beck/Ramsey.
I hope Coach Sing finds out who that is and cuts him. Whoever can't keep stuff in the locker room should be gone!
Another (even sultrier) cut of the Matt Maiocco song :)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28auq_rose-laurens-mamy-yoko_music
Sources revealed. As it was pretty easy to figure out one of Michael Silver's sources was TBC for his provocative Yahoo article, is it that hard to figure out how an Arizona Cardinals beat reporter got an exclusive on the 49ers locker room? Especially since we have on our team an ex-Arizona Cardinals players on a 1 year contract, that has NOT lived up to expectations, and now find himself playing behind Josh Morgan? Hmmmm. Cannot imagine who that “source” was… MM - love the song. Priceless!!!
TJ Hooker,
You were convincing me that the incident was newsworthy...
Until you mentioned Marty S. as Niners Head Coach... Talk about someone who thinks he is Patton.
I rather head Coach Sing make a speech and drop his pants than for Smarty to talk about how this game is war, we are soldiers...
This is exactly why he got run out of town in KC and SD.
Traj
You're probably right about Johnson. Singletary is hunting down the leak, so we'll find out soon enough...
Condi Rice would be a HUGE upgrade over any person working in the 9ers front office right now. Even if she had her heart set on joining the 9ers, the Yorks would find a way to screw it up.
Amazingaaron, GREAT FIND with that song!!!
Nice bird dogging fellas!
He is disgruntled free agent that took the money and forgot how to play. If you guys are right about Johnson, let's get a pool together of cash for a greyhound bus ticket and get him the hell out of town.
The Mike Singletary regime is already imploding in San Francisco. This guy's going to be long-gone come January. You think it would take longer than 1 week to realize he has no idea what he's doing up there. Watch as the entire locker room starts to tune him out by Week 3. I agree we needed fresh blood in the coaching position but there is a reason why this guy has flunked every head coaching interview prior to this, and no it's not just about failing to have a staff ready. He might be a decent coach someday but right now he's just too raw.
Mike, I really enjoy your columns and KNBR work. Here's a perspective I haven't heard (yet): the operant word here is risk, something that niner coaches and players have assiduously avoided in years past (throughout the tie-wearing Nolan era where intensity took a backseat to neatness), and don't look past the reality that Mike Singletary risked his reputation and any future coaching opportunity he may have to give this team a well deserved view of his boxer-behind, pun intended re "boxer". This team, and the media and perhaps public, suffers under the Puritan Ethic irony that in a sport that glorifies violence ("Call me Assassin, bounty for game/season/career-ending injury, dog-fighting, promiscuity, late-night rampages, etc. etc.), such a furor over revealing boxer shorts to these gladiators, as Jack Nicholson as McMurphy said, "Oooooo, oooooo!" What a world. And add Palin preaching abstinence and prohibition of human-interaction education in school with a pregnant, underage, unwed daughter, and defending THAT, a bit more bite to that irony but no less than ironic than the uproar in an NFL locker room at half-time over a coach showing is boxers to a team with its tail between its collective legs. This intense coach has risked all to turn this team around; THAT should be praised rather than ridiculed. Perhaps this is what Robert Browning forecast in "Man's reach should exceed his grasp/Or what's a heaven for?"
Matt, you don't sound like you are Singletary fan.
Your comments sound like you don't support the man. Why?
I wouldn't go that far. I'll wait and see how the players react on the field against the next few opponents before I write Singletary off.
I like what he has done so far. This team is in need of leaders and toughness. Go get 'em Mike.
Matt, is it true you rarely hear what goes on in these "closed door" meetings or are they just not this interesting? It seems naive to think at least a few from a room of 60 plus people would not be snickering about this kind of dirty laundry afterwards. Good to know there is a serious investigation into who the Leak" was.
Dear Mike,
We loved you as a player with your eyeballs rolling around like a slot machine. But as a coach, you remind me of when Magic Johnson took over the HC job for the LA Lakers back in 94. All heart, but not quite enough upstairs to manage all of the intricacies and complexities of such a dysfunctional ball club.
Just keep the seat warm for Holmgren or Spagnolo... but do keep your britches on.
I have nothing but favorable opinions about Mike Singletary on a personal level. I have raised some very reasonable questions about how he has approached his first week on the job. That's all it is. I wish him all the best in the future. --Matt M.
Matt, I just have to comment on your consistant derogatory comments re Dashon Goldson. Come on bro get off Roman's jock. Goldson has not been given a chance to play the entire game yet and we will only really know how he compares or if he deserves the job until he gets that chance. He definitely works harder, gives more effort and has more talent than your boy you keep defending. I also agree with traj below on his/her opinions on Coach Sing. The media(including you)just needs something to talk about but oh yah "you really like him personally" lol. Peace.