There is a different aura surrounding the 49ers since Mike Singletary took over as coach, but it's very difficult to quantify exactly what has happened.
The game- and clock-management areas have continued to be a problem, especially in road losses to the Cardinals and Dolphins. But the 49ers seem to be a more competitive team, as their victories over the Bills and Jets proved. There is also more of a buzz around them with Singletary in charge.
Sometimes a change has to be made just for the sake of making a change. In other words, things were not working with Mike Nolan as coach, and club management felt they just had to switch things up a little. The team has responded well to the shake-up.
The 49ers have been eliminated from the playoff race, but you can't tell by being around the club and watching them play.
Here are some of the changes that have occurred since Singletary took over:
--Singletary made the call to bench J.T. O'Sullivan in favor of Shaun Hill. As a result, offensive coordinator Mike Martz had to adapt to the strengths of the offense. No longer could he dial up a bunch of seven-step drops in order to get the ball down the field. With Singletary advising Martz on what he wanted to see from the offense, the 49ers went back to the power running game. Then, they were able to use play-action to enable Hill to have success in the passing game. With Hill at the controls, numbers of sacks and interceptions have decreased dramatically. This is the big thing, the 49ers are no longer just giving away games.
--The defense is going back to basics. That's right, they're a more "vanilla" defense with coordinator Greg Manusky having the autonomy to run the show. That means Justin Smith is not lining up at seven different positions in the course of a game, and the 49ers are not flipping from 3-4 to 4-3 on a snap-to-snap basis. The 49ers have more of an identity on defense. They are strictly a 3-4 team on base downs, with Parys Haralson playing outside linebacker, and defensive end Ray McDonald taking a spot on the sideline. Smith is now solely a defensive lineman.
--The 49ers fired offensive line coach George Warhop and replaced him with Chris Foerster. Singletary also took a liking to rookie guard Chilo Rachal, who was elevated into the starting lineup ahead of Tony Wragge. Rachal has been making great strides ever since a rough debut last month against the Cowboys. The offensive line has played very well in recent weeks.
***UPDATE: The Rachal promotion was not the only change made to the ofensive line. The first week Warhop was gone, the 49ers also made David Baas the starter at left guard, in place of Adam Snyder. It was also at that point Singletary said he wanted Snyder to begin concentrating on playing right tackle. Barry Sims was injured in that first game, allowing Snyder to take over at right tackle. But since Sims has been healthy, there has been talk about getting him on the field. That finally took place last week when Snyder sustained an ankle sprain. ***
--Singletary has hammered home a repetitive message. For the first three seasons of Nolan, he had a "Win the West" banner hanging outside the locker room. After Singletary took over, he put up a "49ers formula for success" banner. It is: 1) Total ball security; 2) Execute; 3) Dominate in the trenches; 4) Create field position; 5) Finish; and - a new one - 6) Heart.
Every day at the end of practice, director of security Fred Formosa takes a large white board to where the team has gathered. Singletary goes over those points. Just the other day, Justin Smith talked about how it's been stressed to "dominate in the trenches." The players are paying attention.
--There is no gray area with Singletary. He is a master communicator. The players know exactly what's expected from them. He is not afraid to say when guys aren't playing well. He's also going to say when someone is doing an exceptional job. Everybody knows exactly where they stand and what they have to do to make a contribution. The players have responded to this approach. There is little doubt they have tons of respect for Singletary's honesty. Clearly, he has the support of the locker room to be retained as the coach next season.
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I did not include the emergence of Jason Hill because his increased role was a direct result of Arnaz Battle's injury. That change would have occurred regardless of who was coaching the team.
Perhaps you can think of some other changes to the 49ers since Singletary has taken over.
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i know this may be a little of a stretch and also a sensitive subject, but I think Jed York deserves a little bit of credit for making this move. I like the fact that Jed York is stepping up and have been impressed with the message he is putting out.
Sorry I'm off topic. In the latest Coors Light commercial featuring Brian Billick when he was the Ravens coach... he's on the sideline yelling.. Mike Ditka is in the pressbox. Billick is yelling... "Get your headset on and listen to them Michael!!!" He's obviously pissed, and this was real game footage, not a re-enactment. So, my question, is he yelling at his D coordinator at the time Michael Nolan, or, LB coach Michael Singletary. I'm guessing Nolan, and this is proof he's always had issues keeping his headset on. LOL
There is an obvious difference with Singletary in charge. I as a fan am very excited. I would be dissapointed with the orginazation if they hire anyone but Singletary. I like how the team executes. They always tried under Nolan, but now they are executing and are giving me a reason to be looking forward to the future. I never thought the playoffs were in the Niners future when Nolan was coach. Even the beginning of the '07 season wasn't this exciting to me. I hope they hire him full time. He can get the job done with or without Martz and an offensive "plan" to appease McCloughan. Obviously he wants to run the ball to set up the pass, and it is working. Plus Shaun Hill has proven that no matter which offense he is in, he can win games. Matt, put yourself in the front offices shoes, do you think he has done enough in your OPINION to keep the job, or not?
The Forty Niners now, under Singletary, look and act like a football team in all three phases of the game. Period! I am no longer leery of watching them. My biggest fear now is that their emergence as a team to respect and no longer "take for granted" and the reason therefore, might somehow get lost on the Niner brain-trust. Toward that end, I recently emailed the GM (and copied you in, Matt) to implore him to do due diligence, pay a great deal of attention to the team's new image, to the media, and consider us fans and our concensus, while deliberating Coach Sing's future. Management's more recent track record for making major errors in judgement will keep me (and I'm sure most of us)on pins and needles until Singletary is permanently anointed. Keep your fingers crossed Niner Faithful.
The one moment where I realized things were really, truly different was in the waning minutes of the Jets game. With about 6 minutes left to go, the Niners had a 2nd and goal from about the 4. When Nolan was in charge, I have a feeling he would have been happy to dive the ball into the pile twice and kick a field goal just to get points- he always seemed wayyyyy too conservative in situations like this, though the 49ers rarely had late-game leads with him in charge.
Anyways, the playcall was about a 25-step drop and a beautiful in-n-out route to BJ. Catch, TD, 10 point lead, game over. And I was just thinking how amazing it was to have a coach who'd let that play be called. Singletary is coaching to win, whereas Nolan coached not to lose. Big difference.
One more thing from that Jets game- after the Shaun Hill interception and the Jones TD, there is no way the "old" 49ers would have overcome that.
I don't like to talk about "intangibles" or "spirit" or "fire" or whatever, but I really do believe that this team's mental toughness has been completely made-over. Under Nolan they just seemed to collapse after moments like that INT leading to a TD. In this game, they bounced right back and still won by 10.
Obviously an outcome of the power running game, but Niners time of possession has dramatically reversed since Shaun Hill took over in addition to the drop in sacks and interceptions.
The team has discipline. I think Singletary really gained their trust by letting them screw around for that practice after the Seattle debacle. It was a great move on his part.
Well I don't mean screw around, I meant have fun. He let them just have fun and not have to worry about the communication that is important for players to go through during a game and practice.
The difference you refer to Mr. Maiocco is not a result of mere
circumstance due to a "change or shakeup" as you put it. Coach Singletary is the sole reason and any suggestion otherwise I find disingenuous. This guy has been there, been
a major component to superbowl success, and has the passion to succeed as a head coach which my friend translates into a formula for contagious winning. He is a
master motivator who like e.f. hutton, when he talks people
listen. You want to do good for him and follow where he leads. This "change" is no "regardless of who is coaching", this is Mike Singletarys' team period!!
looks like you stole that last one from Alex Smith
Matt, if you use penalties as a measure of how disciplined the team is, the Niners are more disciplined now, after the bye, than before. Their first 8 games the Niners averaged almost 8 penalties per game, for almost 50 yards. The last 6 games the Niners are averaging 5 penalties per game for 36 yards. Over the last 4 games they are only averaging 3 penalties per game for a measly 23 yards. Whether that is a reflection on Singletary or just something to be expected from any NFL team as the year goes on is unknowable. In any event, maybe the difference is just the diff between a team that feels optimistic and one that is playing out the string.
I think another thing that is really paying off is the players only "accountability" meetings that Singletary has created. The players now have to answer to each other. Great move by Singletary to instill ownership and responsibility.
Singletary has done wonders for this team. Such a great communicator, and as a former player, he obviously commands instant respect, has his finger on the pulse of this team. Also, something to remember--he's stressed continuity over and over again. The man doesn't want to remake the team in his image--he wants to give it over to his players, he wants them to take possession of it. The man is also inheriting a team with talent, and one that he knows like the back of his hand, as he's been around for so long. This man was born to coach; he's a perfect fit here in SF. Keeping him around is a no-brainer. Everybody in the NFL talks about accountability, about making things black-and-white, about players taking possession, about building a winning culture. Singletary, however, understands the difference between walking the walk and talking the talk--he understands, also, that good intentions aren't enough--you have to back it up with skill, intelligence, commitment. Again, the 49ers would be idiots to get rid of this guy.
Mike Nolan constantly talked about utilizing a players talent, and puting them in positions to succeed. However, under Nolan, what he said and what happened on the field rarely coincided. Singletary has been able to do what Nolan couldn't, but talked about so often. No longer are the 49ers reliant on the QB, which without a doubt is not the strength of the team (especially with Just Turnovers O'Sullivan under center), to win games. They have become very reliant on the running game to control the clock and set up play action passes. Even in Buffalo when the 49ers weren't even averaging 3 yards per carry, they still gave the ball to Gore, the strength of the offense, more than 20 times. On defense, he stopped the confusion. The 49ers played like a confused defense because they didn't know what they were, and it seemed like the coaches didn't either. Under Nolan's 'hybrid' defense the 49ers surrendered 30 point games 3 times. They also gave up 30+ to the Seahawks in Singletary's first week, which I put more blame on Nolan than Singletary. Since the switch to the 3-4 under Singletary they've only given up 30+ points to the Cowboys. The confusion is eliminated, as the players are able to master one position, instead of having to learn 3.
Very good point differentiating between 'coaching not to lose' and 'coaching to win.' Might be the best argument on this whole page.
Singletary has done what coaches are supposed to do - elevate and improve performance. Being consistent, direct, honest, firm and providing usable tools beyond a statement of goals are the keys. These things all make the job simpler, not easier, but simpler allowing for increased focus which in turn aids execution and creates confidence. Repetition is the key to learning and improvement. At first, I heard skepticism about "high school slogans" and speeches but the keys to learning are the keys to learning at all levels and in all fields. By being honest, direct and consistent in his demands and expectations - stressing how to be successful with his keys to success - Singletary has enabled the players to increase their focus as the pressure increases. It is more than a mantra. "Win the West" is an appropriate goal but it doesn't show to win it or tell me how to do it. Singletary's keys are beyond goals they are real life preservers to hang onto in rough seas. When the bodies are flying: hold onto the ball, dominate in the trenches, finish don't stop at contact, heart (out effort your opponent) Consistent reinforcement implants these things in the players subconcious minds and leads to good habits, consistent action and, thereby, confidence. In times of stress, particularly high stress, your habits and subconcious take over. This leads to fewer false starts and precise execution in crunch time. Singletary gets it and has the ability to teach it. This is what separates him from great players who want to become coaches - they can't communicate it because it is intuitive to them. I've been won over. Singletary doesnt' need to be the expert in the offensive system, the special teams systems or even the defensive system (though I think he is on defense). By having overall approval of the systems and how they are applied and then requiring that those systems be constantly and consistently practiced and reinforced with the goal of filling out the strategic plan (his keys to success) the 49ers will succeed. And, I finally I like Singletary's courage of conviction. He'll listen to others but once he makes up his mind, he moves on to perfecting his decision and doesn't really care what anybody else thinks about it. There is no paralysis of analysis. Go Coach Sing! Sign him up Jed!!
Singletary has done what coaches are supposed to do - elevate and improve performance. Being consistent, direct, honest, firm and providing usable tools beyond a statement of goals are the keys. These things all make the job simpler, not easier, but simpler allowing for increased focus which in turn aids execution and creates confidence. Repetition is the key to learning and improvement. At first, I heard skepticism about "high school slogans" and speeches but the keys to learning are the keys to learning at all levels and in all fields. By being honest, direct and consistent in his demands and expectations - stressing how to be successful with his keys to success - Singletary has enabled the players to increase their focus as the pressure increases. It is more than a mantra. "Win the West" is an appropriate goal but it doesn't show to win it or tell me how to do it. Singletary's keys are beyond goals they are real life preservers to hang onto in rough seas. When the bodies are flying: hold onto the ball, dominate in the trenches, finish don't stop at contact, heart (out effort your opponent) Consistent reinforcement implants these things in the players subconcious minds and leads to good habits, consistent action and, thereby, confidence. In times of stress, particularly high stress, your habits and subconcious take over. This leads to fewer false starts and precise execution in crunch time. Singletary gets it and has the ability to teach it. This is what separates him from great players who want to become coaches - they can't communicate it because it is intuitive to them. I've been won over. Singletary doesnt' need to be the expert in the offensive system, the special teams systems or even the defensive system (though I think he is on defense). By having overall approval of the systems and how they are applied and then requiring that those systems be constantly and consistently practiced and reinforced with the goal of filling out the strategic plan (his keys to success) the 49ers will succeed. And, I finally I like Singletary's courage of conviction. He'll listen to others but once he makes up his mind, he moves on to perfecting his decision and doesn't really care what anybody else thinks about it. There is no paralysis of analysis. Go Coach Sing! Sign him up Jed!!
Chilo Rachal is not really the only o-line change. From the beginning of the year to now, only 2 linemen are at the same position as the beginning of the year. Baas is at LG for Snyder, but Sims was put in at RT for Jennings. Coach Sing made the move to Snyder at RT in place of Sims. I know there was some injuries involved, but if Snyder can hold down the RT position, then that changes our off season focus so we do not have to draft a OT in the first 2 rounds of the draft. With Staley, Baas, Heitman, Rachal and Snyder on the o-line, that is a big, young, tough unit. Let them play together and I think we would be very happy with the results.
I don't think it's a stretch to congradulate Jed York. I read in an interview that he "picks the brain" of Uncle Eddie all the time. That can't be all bad!
The biggest difference with the defense is the D-line is attacking. A lot more one gapping. And simplifying the defense has allowed the players to just react instictively instead of having to think everyrthing out first.
The biggest difference has been the easier schedule.We all knew the first half schedule was brutal and it would ease up after the break. If Nolan had stayed, I'm sure the W/L record would be the same or maybe even better.
I'm not saying I prefer Nolan over Singletary as head coach. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and as you say Matt, sometimes it's the change itself that turns things around rather than anything the new guy does or doesn't do.
Bottom line though is that by far the biggest reason for the teams improved performance this year is Martz. I think he's done a phenomenal job. Especially after the break. I pray that he'll stay with the club for a few years more.
Comment: The biggest difference has been the easier schedule.We all knew the first half schedule was brutal and it would ease up after the break.
My response: The 49ers played seven game with Nolan as head coach, and they've played seven games with Singletary as head coach. The team was 2-5 with Nolan, and they're 3-4 with Singletary.
The opponents in the games under Nolan have a combined record of 46-51-1, including four opponents with winning records. The opponents in games under Singletary are 46-52 with an equal amount, four, owning winning records.
Under Nolan, the 49ers played four home games. Under Singletary, they've played three.
--Matt M.
Matt, The 9ers had to bench JTO. It was a no-brainer with all the turnovers so I don't give Sing much credit for that. But I do like what they are doing on defense with Justin Smith and others. Although they have some weakenesses at safety, they are playing much better since going back to basics. I do give Sing credit for that.
Another crucial factor has to be the credibility Singletary commands. One of the nice parts of skipping over the whole "rebuilding" process is that you don't have to clean house, you don't have to preside over a 2-14 season (not good for the credibility), you don't have to preside over the search for an identity. I think that was what Singletary was talking about when he said, he's just building on the foundation laid by Mike Nolan. . That was an act of classy understatement, since Coach Sing's job is much bigger than that. But it's true that Nolan accomplished a lot, took a lot of heat, managed the rebuilding process. He left behind a solid talent base, a team that plays hard, a strong coaching staff, solid, if not stellar draft classes, (and one very ticked off QB in Alex Smith). In any case, it's a fact that Singletary's performance, so far, compares quite favorably with Mike Nolan's. It also compares favorably, it seems, with a range of coaches--Marinelli, Wade Phillips, Jim Zorn, Herm Edwards, even Mike Holmgren this season. As for whether that performance over seven games is an indicator about the future, let's just say, "it is what it is." Coach Singletary is kicking butt. Everybody can cheer for this guy.
Matt based on your response and analisys, it is safe to say that they(Nolan & Singletary) are pretty even this year. I think that Nolan would have had a harder time against the Bills, Jets, and Phins.(my opinion) Maybe I'm a victim of the "shake-up". Do you think Singletary has done enough to earn the job if he has a clear cut plan for the offense? Do you feel that the Niners have a better option?
The addition of Martz has been a big key. He has a good ability to tweak his scheme based on the players' abilities. Do not believe he envisioned Hill running his offense, but he is. And, Martz's tweaks to fit Hill's abilities have resulted in the 49ers stumbling upon something that is working pretty darn well. Guessing better than they expected. Success breeds success. Also, Singletary has shown the ability to recognize a problem, address it, and fix it. Turnovers fixed, penalties fixed, offensive line fixed, time of possession fixed, guys get hurt and new guys come in and perform...fixed. Lastly, the QB play has been a huge key. The last 3 years has been awful. Now, we have one that can manage the game and not kill the team single-handedly.
Q: Do you think Singletary has done enough to earn the job if he has a clear cut plan for the offense? Do you feel that the Niners have a better option?
My response: The only reason my initial reaction is to say, "No," is because I don't know what his plan is for the future. He's done good things with Mike Nolan's staff. Is his plan to keep the staff intact? Does the staff want to remain intact? Like I wrote in a blog post a while back, hiring him full-time should be less about what he's done this season when the season was already lost and more about what he can do in the future. The Yorks and Scot McCloughan must do their homework to see if Singletary is truly the best candidate for the job. If they can find someone better, they should try to hire that person. But if Singletary is the best person for the job, he should get it. --Matt M.
I don't disagree with you Matt, but my problem isn't with Coach it is with the evaluators of Coach. Six straight years of losing seasons make me doubt the organization ability to make that judgment. We know the 49ers are not near being a playoff team even in this weak division. I can't give any credit to Jed, show me a couple of winning seasons in a row and then I will praise Master Jed.
Crisp Clean penetrating aggressive standup Football, reminds me of about....15 years ago. I hope by the middle of next year with coach Sing, guys will be puking after a loss, like they used to, crushed destroyed for about 24 hours, then eating nails and pissed off and ready for the next Sunday... to go on the road and kick butt drink their beer and steal their women kick their dogs and take their guns!! Ahhh the good ole days..I can see them do this with coach Sing, you can almost taste the energy.
BTW - anybody notice since Matt has been covering our beloved team they have been going down the...
Just kidding Matt Godbless Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful young family!!
Comment: The opponents in the games under Nolan have a combined record of 46-51-1, including four opponents with winning records. The opponents in games under Singletary are 46-52 with an equal amount, four, owning winning records.
My response: comparing win loss records in this fashion is a very poor way to compare the relative merits of the first half teams vs second. This isn't college football. You'll be telling me next that the team with the best record last year must have won the Superbowl.
Comment: BTW - anybody notice since Matt has been covering our beloved team they have been going down the...
My response: Matt's first four seasons covering this team, the 49ers' records were 11-5, 12-4, 13-3 and 12-4. Since then, however, it has tailed off a bit. --Matt M.
Matt good stimulus article.
As Mike Singletary was already on staff, he knew and saw everything that was going on umder Nolan.
I was most impressed with how he handled the Vernon Davis situation first and foremost.
Nolan had no nuts when it came to grabbing him by the ears and getting in his face. Many have down played this as uneccessary grandstanding, but I for one felt it sent a loud and clear message to all who witnessed the antics that, this nonsense would no longer be tolerated.
From that moment, the attitude was placed on new ground and the healing and rebuilding began.
A plan for the future should not cloud the obvious strengths Mike has for leadership.
A good organization provides the tools and talent, a coach needs the skills to lead and develop that talent and provide a plan to succeed.
I see no reason why Mike Singletary shouldn't be allowed the opportunity to remain at the head of the class.
Just one thing I would like to add- I think Sing will be a great HC! many people say he doesn't know offense and we will be the same as Nolan, a defensive minded coach. I just want to point out that Sing had to study offenses every game, of every year he played football. As the signal caller and captian of the Bears defense he knows a bit about offense and will be a far better HC than what we have had for years.. JMHO
Clock management did improve. It still leaves a lot to be desired. But it is much better than before. With Singletary we are no longer wasting timeouts and challenges right and left. With about 4 minutes left in a half or game we have all three timeouts remaining more often than before. To me, that's part of clock management.
Regarding comments on Singletary's record this year, I would just add that when you're named HC on Monday, after a difficult, emotional process, Singletary's ability to impact that first game, lost against Seattle, was limited. I would only consider his record after the BYE, when he had two weeks to influence the team and make some changes.
I agree RK, Sing's record really should be .500 and we are much more competitive against some good teams. Remember how many blowout losses Nolan presided over? The D is no longer routinely allowing the can't get off the field 8 minute drives and the O is not giving the ball away. The lines are playing better on both sides of the ball which is the essence of winning football. He's plugging in some of the youth so the future looks brighter. What would our season have looked like if we had Mike S in charge during OTA's, training camp and preseason? I'm guessing a lot better. There is hope. Lots of holes to plug but we'll have decent draft position and a key FA acquisition or two and the playoffs are a possibility in our crappy division.
Just in case anyone's interested, I tried to collate a number of sources about the subtle cultural changes to the team since Singletary started:
http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=64534
Matt, I also added this article to the list
How are we to interpret the fact that Singletary has improved the team dynamic? He seems to be making moves already that would pay off in the future. It's true that the 49ers should hire him on the basis of his plans for the future, rather than his performance this year. However, it would be foolish to discount positive or negative trends that began this year. As for his coaching staff, there are a lot of indications that he hopes/intends to bring back a lot of the same faces. As for the composition of the team, he certainly intends to continue working with more-or-less the same cast of characters. Whatever the changes he initiates, it's fairly clear that there will be a degree of continuity from Mike Nolan's regime. Certainly, there's no reason to believe there will be anything like the changes we saw when Nolan took over. I don't think we need to be too coy about this obvious fact.