Hey, Mike Singletary, have you agreed to a multiyear contract?
Hey, Mike Singletary, did you make up your mind to fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz even before the final game?
Every time Singletary heard a form of those questions, he dodged it. Then, he said his focus was solely on the Washington Redskins.
We can assume Singletary discussed the future with team executives early this week. I wonder exactly where the game against the Redskins ranked on the agenda. Singletary said he is focused on the Redskins, but certainly his actions say something different.
And, really, who can blame him? The 49ers should be thinking a lot about the direction the franchise will take in the days immediately following the season.
After all, if the entire 49ers organization was intent on keeping the focus on the game, there are probably better ways of accomplishing that task than allowing word to leak out that the person entrusted to call the offensive plays will soon be unemployed.
Martz has perhaps the most important game-day role of anybody with the 49ers. How do you figure the report of his impending firing is going to keep him focused on his job of calling plays in the season finale? How amenable is he going to be to Singletary's suggestions or requests?
Singletary was initially irate when a report surfaced that he dropped his pants in the locker room at halftime of his first game. That was nothing compared to this. That locker room was crowded with as many as 70 individuals.
But there is one positive aspect for Singletary. Head coaches must regularly deal with controversies and distractions. This game will present a great challenge for Singletary, as his ability to keep a team focused faces a severe test.
As far as distractions go, this is a good one. Although Mike Martz might have a different opinion.
* * *
Then again . . . The 49ers might be getting a lucky break. After all, they'll be facing a Redskins team that was eliminated from the playoffs last week and have to travel cross country a couple days after Christmas.
* * *
Congratulations and thank you to 49ers center Eric Heitmann, this year's winner of the Garry Niver Award. The beat reporters who cover the team vote on the award, giving annually to the 49ers player who exhibits the most professionalism and cooperation in dealing with the media.
Among the others worthy players who received votes this season were Takeo Spikes, Vernon Davis, Shaun Hill, Joe Staley, Michael Lewis and Michael Robinson.
Past winners include Frank Gore, Bryant Young, Julian Peterson, Jeff Ulbrich, Jeff Garcia (twice), Dana Stubblefield, Lance Schulters, Jerry Rice, Tim McDonald (twice), Ray Brown, Steve Wallace, Steve Young and Jesse Sapolu.
The award is named after Garry Niver, a long-time beat reporter who covered the 49ers for the San Mateo Times.
* * *
The last 49ers player to register 10 or more sacks will be on the field tomorrow. Bill Walsh engineered the trade to enable the 49ers to move up to No. 7 overall to select Andre Carter in the 2001 draft. Carter twice led the 49ers in sacks, including 12.5 in 2002. He left the 49ers to sign a lucrative free-agent deal with the Redskins after the 2005 season. For the pages of today's Press Democrat, I wrote about Carter's
* * *
Double digit sacks? Andre Carter was a disappointment. Do you think that any offensive coordinator ever had to game-plan around Andre Carter?
Matt
Great blog! I'm sure that all of us want the 9er's to win tomorrow, but with all the hype about coach Sing and the OC I'm more concerned about the players being distracted than the coaches. Getting back to football mode in practice and starting to focus on Wash will be critical for the players. A loss romorrow will wipe away some of the gains we've accomplished so far. I don't want to see another 3 1/2 quarters of the same as last week. Wash is alot tougher than the Rams.
If Obama was able to smile and invited Hillary to be his Secretary of State, then Singletary should be able to co-exist with Martz (although both men has an ego at the size of the football.) Probably, Sing is very mad because Martz recently gave him the finger or somethin'. The Yorks and Singletary must do their calculation carefully because they will suffer a big backlash if their new OC finishes 4-12 in 2009. Fans have been bored with the conservative offense for so long, and they are sick of losing. Patience is running out!!! Unless they get Norv Turner, any untested OC is considered a big gamble for Singletary.
We are starting a Championship journey, enjoy it now! Easily within 5 years the Super Bowl will be back in San Francisco. When we were in the middle of winning the previous 5 Super Bowls, I told my family no one can ever take this away from us. Those 5 Super bowls could last me a lifetime. Thanks Eddie, Bill,Joe, and the rest of the team.
I think Coach Singletary has some tough decisions on his hands after the WAS game. Msrtz has showed what he can do with his system in the beginning of the season, it was a vertical offense which really kept the D guessing, the only problems were Gore not getting the ball enough, turnovers by the QB and too complicated for the O to learn in half a year.
The DET game really showed what the O can be. So it would be hard to start over with a new OC with a different system knowing that the O will probably start off slow or be out of sync.
I think If Martz wants to stay the 9ers should let him. Giving him another year may improve the O and have enough time to evaluate the type of scheme the 9ers want to use.
The real question is Martz could be a HC or OC somewhere else, OAK needs an HC or OC and you know they want to go vertical and DAL OC is not that great.
Actually Nolan should be HC for DAL or SD.
The real question is what about Manusky? someone just might pull him out of here for an HC job. I dont think HC Sing will jump ship or pull a Saban,Petrino move unless hes with the Bears or a team with alot of talent and needs someone to put the smack down.
Its not only the players need to be on the same page but the coaches do too regardless of who it is.
BUT THEY NEED TO FOCUS ON WAS this is the all out game.
Matt, you seem to be assuming that Martz didnt know Singletary would not want to retain him before word leaked out. It is entirely possible that they discussed this when Singletary took the job. Even if they didnt, the writing was certainly on the wall when Singletary told Martz he wanted to play physical, low turnover, pound the rock football.
I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that Martz has known for weeks this is his only year with the niners, and that he has just been doing what he can to rehab his image.
Singletary must be given control over his staff. And, one of the things that Singletary has shown is the benefit of the team pulling together - all three phases being fully integrated. Thus, if the creative differences are too wide, Martz must go.
Further, we need to keep in mind that the Niners want continuity so, as has been said, if Martz really wants to be a HC, he cuts himself out of the job anyway. Ideally then Singletary's Niners should want someone already well versed in a WCO type system who will not soon be a candidate for a HC position. It appears that a great majority's dream candidate is Norv Turner but Turner is not available. Nonetheless, for analysis purposes, if Turner's departure isn't a deal killer from the Niners perspective then rehiring Mariucci shouldn't be a problem on the Niners side of things. Mooch is not an HC candidate as he has said on NFL Network that he would only coach again on the west coast as he and his family do NOT wish to move and have made northern California their home. Seattle has a new coach, Mooch is not going to Oakland and if San Diego comes calling in a year or so then Turner, by definition, is available as a replacement. Thus, Mooch is available and local, the WCO is his forte' and he is still familiar with the NFL from his NFL Network gig. And, he knows Singletary as when Singletary was hired Mooch said he felt bad for Nolan but happy for Singletary and he sees them both every week as their (Nolan and Singletary's kids) go to the same high school that Mooch's kid coaches at. If Mooch will work for the Niners again this seems like a no brainer to me.
Comment: Matt, you seem to be assuming that Martz didnt know Singletary would not want to retain him before word leaked out.
My response: No, I think Martz knew all along there was a strong chance he would not be retained. But, if I were him, I'd be annoyed that this is the way it came out, rather than being afforded the courtesy of being told face-to-face. --Matt M.
Matt, regarding the coaching staff as well. My understanding everyone on the staff this is their last years on their contract. Who do see Sing might want to keep on his staff? I have heerd he wants to keep Manusky as his DC, but what are the chances if San Diego looses tomorrow he plucks his old Bears Teammate Ron Rivera as his DC?
I don't understand the comments about a running ball control offense. We have one good RB in Gore that has demonstrated that he doesn't have the body for 30+ carries a game. His backups have also proven they are not good enough to carry the running game on their own. Since neither Singletary or Martz has confirmed the speculation that Singletary asked for a running/ball control offense, I doubt that happened. I suspect that Singletary merely asked for the turnovers to be dramatically reduced. Martz obliged with a series of game plans designed to cut them down. Excellent game plans in my opinion.
I agree with you Drew that Singletary should have control who hires on his staff. That is why Lane Kiffin left Oakland because he does not have control who he wants to hire. Also, even lets say Martz stays or says he is staying he could also pull a Norv Turner and get a head coaching job and it is late for Singletary to get a replacement. Also, I think Sing has already someone in mind already as his OC or who he wants even before becoming head coach for the 49ers. Remember as well he played with a Hall of Fame Running Back in the late great Walter Payton (may he rest in peace), and he visions and wants to use Frank Gore the way Payton was used.
I'd also suggest that it's Jed York that insisted on the executive review meeting. I quite agree the timing sucked as did his firing of Nolan.
I'd also vote for a big no to a Turner return. The guy showed a complete lack of loyalty and integrity in taking the SD job leaving the Niners no time or opportunity to recruit an experienced successor. No other club would have agreed to the Niners interviewing their coaches so close to the season start. So saying that Nolan could have gotten a better qualified successor isn't true.
Stating that it's quite understandable to throw his integrity out the window because the SD job was so marvelous is total BS. Many of us have had tempting job offers which would entail breaking commitments. It's hard to say no but we do. He didn't. That makes him a scumbag who burned his 49er bridge behind him. Good riddance.
There is an easy way for Singletary to avoid this question. He just merely has to state that he has not been named Head Coach starting next year and that to speculate on someone else's job, when he doesn't have one himself is unprofessional.
Matt,
what are the chances that the 9ers would bring someone in like Pioli from NE to become team prez? I think the franchise needs someone like this to run the show. That way you have a general who oversees the whole shebang (Pioli), a contracts/business guy (Parag), a personnel guy (McCloughlin) and a motivator (Sing).
Matt- With Nolan, the decision was made to fire him at the BYE, but then word leaked and they scrambled around and ended up telling him following his Monday presser. Not very professional. Now we have this Singletary/Martz communication mess. From my POV it doesn't speak well for those involved in these decisions. Any ideas about what happened and why?
Singletary signed as HC is a mistake! Martz is a done deal and Singletary will have little if any say in the matter of whether Martz stays or goes. The front office is grabbing at straws (as usual) and I believe they are making Singletary HC because he excites some of the 49er fan base who would grab onto anything that looks like a life preserver because the boat is sinking, and that it FEELS like a change from the last losing years of Erickson and Nolan.
But I believe Singletary is a mistake because the Front Office is grabbing at the same straws as when thsy signed Erickson and Nolan. When the newness wears off, Singletary will end up the same as the two before him. Just because someone pulls his pants down in the locker room, chases off the field an overrated player (even though he did deserve it), has intensity on his face on the sidelines during a game does not make one an NFL HC. The 49ers are defintely a team that more and more is losing its fan base every year and can't afford to have a HC learning on the job what it takes to be an NFL HC.
For now, the 49ers front office is looking for breathing room by hiring Singletary, and he may stop the leak of the loss of fan base for a while. But the 49ers need much more with the needs it has. It needs a HC with experience in BUILDING a team dispite a poor and incompetant front office. It needs a HC who knows who to pick and who will be a winner in the draft for a struggling franchise that can't get over a 7 and 9. It needs a HC that will be so respected that the Front Office will know what he says and does can be trusted without ANY DOUBT! And also a HC that knows how to put the pieces together and demand the power to put those pieces together despite an enept Front Office!
Sorry, but Mike's not the NEED right now!
Matt,
A little inside scoop for you. Heitmann's high school alma mater, the Katy Tigers, won their 2nd consecutive Texas HS state championship at the 5A division II level on December 20. High School football in Tx is huge. I believe the 9ers have many players who played ball in Tx. Heitmann, Arnaz Battle, and Michael Lewis to name a few.
Matt- Don't take this the wrong way since you are truly a talent, but I'm not impressed with 2 of the 3 candidates you mentioned for OC. Mike McCoy (Panthers), and Craig Johnson (Titans)
However, Pete Carmichael Jr. (Saints)- This guy is a hell of a talent and highly intelligent, and will probably be a great OC in due time. But he seems to be suited more for a heavy passing style offense, like the Saints run.
If Singletary were to hire a QB coach to be our next OC (doubtful IMO) look no further than the Chargers QB coach John Ramsdell.
My top OC candidates
1. Scott Linehan
2. Chan Gailey
3. Gil Haskell
4. John Ramsdell
A big plus for Singletary is how the team has responded to him Terry.
You have a HOF LB who leads with a winning attitude and no nonsense work ethic.
I've indicated my preference for Brian Billick as a great option for Singletary to consider for OC.
They worked together in Baltimore, there's no ego issues and, Billick has been out of football long enough to think he's not in high demand for another HC gig.
Singletary would also be able to hand the offense to him and not think twice about how it needs to be run.
Billick had Moss in MN, Ray Lewis and Co in Baltimore.
Not to mention, Billick has won a SB and knows how to manage a game.
Fassel has made no bones about lobbying for another HC gig, so I'd think there would be tremendous pressure on Mike to have him sharing the sideline.
We'll all find out soon enough whether Mike stays on as HC, but Martz and Singletary are not a good match. First move Singletary made was to sit JTO, which was not a big pat on Martz's back right out of the gate.
The team would be smart to surround Mike with the proper talent and allow him to concentrate on building the perfect beast.
Nolan collected parts, but was totally over his head with all the responsibilities York handed him.
A team president with executive experience is the BEST move they could make and Pioli is one of several top candidates.
He's a VP now in NE.
We'd be wise to see if he'd be willing to oversee the entire team and perhaps work with Scot as his GM.
We're close, the team is young, and, Patrick could be all world with Singletary there to guide him.
A HC is a field general, he isn't covering for the front office, he's expecting the front office to bring in the right mix of talent so he can build a winning team.
Singletary played for one of the most dominant defenses the NFL has ever seen. He knows what pieces are necessary and how each guy should function in that unit.
Let him concentrate on being the General, get the front office in order.
Hi Matt,
I think Singletary already has someone in mine, and who he wants as his OC. Also, I don't think it will not be a young QB coach. My thinking is going to bring in an experience OC like a Dan Henning/Tom Moore type how has no desire to be head coach, or someone who has a success as OC, but flamed out as a head coach like a Scott Linehan who will not get a call for Head Coach position for awhile. Let me throw out some names for you Matt let me know what your opinions about each of them. In the category of the Dan Henning/Tom Moore Type a couple of names are Gil Haskell current OC for Seattle, Paul Hackett current Offensive Consultant with the Oakland Raiders & former 49'ers assistant & Terry Shea another one from the Bill Walsh system. Was OC under Walsh when Walsh went back to Stanford the 2nd time has HC. Regarding coaches who were successful OC, but flamed out has head coaches of course Linehan, Mariucci, and Billck that comes to mind. Here are a couple names as well. Mike Sherman former Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers, and Jim Fassel former Head Coach for the NY Giants.
Hey Anthony,
I like ur list regarding candidates for OC. Here is mine except for Chan Gailey, and I don't think the person that Coach Sing has in mind will be a QB coach.
My Top OC Candidates:
1. Scott Linehan (like Turner & Cameron brillant coordinators that flamed out as a head coach)
2. Gil Haskell (However might stay with Seattle with Jim Mora Jr.)
3. Brian Billick (But I don't know if wants to be OC after being a Super Bowl Head Coach)
4. Jim Fassel (Same reason has Billick, and wants to be head ooach like Martz)
5. Paul Hackett (From the Bill Walsh tree was Joe Montana's QB coach and OC with Kansas City)
6. Terry Shea (Another former assistant under Walsh when he was his OC for Walsh in Stanford)
Judging by all the different ideas and opinions coming from the bloggers, it's obvious the 49ers are a rudderless team without leadership or philosophy. Mike Singletary would be a more logical choice for a team with good, solid management in place. Top management of this team is a mess. McGloughan has had plenty of time to show us what he can do, and his grade is C at best. The rest of the no-names and rich kids running this "team" are a joke.
If you guys really want a winner don't be so quick to buy into a few wins over weak teams as "the road back to the Super Bowl". Look at what the Atlanta Falcons ownership did in a couple of years, and then DEMAND the same from the 49ers. Otherwise the niners will be just like Cleveland, Detroit, the Bengals, etc.
I would throw in Rob Chudzinski as a great candidate for OC. He was seen as a hot assistant with the Browns offensive explosion last year. Likely he will be available if (when) Crennell gets canned.
Also, isn't Tom Rathman due for a shot as an OC?
Ah, poor Louie. Stuck in his glum and embittered world. Curtains drawn and fumbling in the darkness, unwilling to let the sun shine in. Muttering venomous de factos of very dubious substance. McCloughan just finished his FIRST year as the man in charge, bringing us a starting guard compared by many to a young Larry Allen and a sixth round receiver who has the makings of a superstar, but these draft triumphs impress Louie not, and one year is plenty of time for Louie to give up on a young, bright GM tutored by Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren. York hatred is visited down upon (his name is Jed, Louie) "no-names" and "rich kids." Wasn't it a "no-name rich kid" who hired Bill Walsh, Louie? Sad to say, Louie, but poor kids (and poor fathers) don't own NFL teams. Very rich guys do. Lots of jerks, lemons, really old guys, lucky bums, and those who have inherited wealth. The Falcons ownership was a laughing stock last year, but got lucky with the QB and the new coach to resume being a good team, which they were before the Vick fiasco. The team Singletary inherits is poised for many years of great football, Louie - thanks to Nolan and McCloughan (and, yes, the Yorks). But you'll have to open the curtains to acclimate yourself to this bright new world. Happy New Year, Louie! You need one.
Jay Glazer has reported on Fox that Singletary wanted Martz to return but "front office" wants him gone.