Another year, another offense. Looks like another year of mediocrity for the Niners.

Not a surprise, but I'm certainly not sold this is a good move.

Oh man. This might be the move that kills Singletary's season next year. Is there going to be a press conference to discuss the firing?

uhgh... here we go again. there better be a plan this time

Remember. Confucius say: "Just because Mike Nolan was idiot, does not mean Mike Singletary is."

I'll reserve judgment until they announce the new OC. I totally understand why Singletary doesn't want the more pass happy Martz, even though he seemed to restrain his tendencies toward the end. And while the Niners offense did improve this year, there were still many shortfalls (red zone, third downs, turnovers).

But at the same time, it's unfortunate that the team is changing OCs again. Hopefully Singletary can find his new man quickly. If this lingers too long it's just gonna look real bad.

Dumb dumb dumb - who the heck in Ninerland wants a boring offense? I don't. I've really enjoyed the aerial show we've been seeing over the past few weeks.

Jed's fingerprints all over this.

the problem is, we dont have the team to be a run-first offense...

we cant even punch it into the end zone from the 1..

Commence the epic whining. Again. I remember the "WAAAAH Mariucci is too conservative!" And the following "WAAAAH Mariucci was fired!" from the same people. gah.

There's plenty of time for Singletary to find his OC if he hasn't has one already. Whomever he is, I can ensure you that he won't be worse than Hostler.

It's either Martz goes now or Martz goes in '10. Which would you prefer? What he sounds like is a man who hasn't gotten any Head Coaching interview calls.

I think we have to keep in mind that Shaun Hill did well at the end of last season under Hosttler, and did well again this year under Martz. I'm not saying he's the best QB in the world, but I do feel that he'll do well in whatever system is established next. I think he's fairly adaptable. What's important is that this next OC can effectively use what he has, specifically Gore, Morgan and the two Hills.

I think that letting go of Martz has a bigger impact on Smith, who is most certainly gone now. He takes too long to learn offenses, and now that there's going to be a new one, he wont' be able to catch up. That guy didn't even have a chance.

Can't believe all the Martz fans. Lots of turnovers and sacks and trouble scoring TDs in the red zone. Same as when Martz was in Detroit and St. Louis. Need an OC that's on the same page as the HC and can maintain the same philosophy if the OC leaves.

The biggest reason for the Niners improvement was Singletary insisting on fewer turnovers and the improvement of the defense.

Good call on Martz.

Must had been tough for Singletary. At the beginning I disagree with this decision because we need continuity and because I really enjoyed the offense this year.
On the other hand, Martz could had gone anytime for a HC in the next months and get into a Turner situation again.

Check out the analysis from your buddy Barrows about running and passing teams success in making the playoffs. It was really mind changing for me and shows a very hard fact.
We have to be pragmatic. We want to have success in the playoffs also and not only show an exciting playing. Excitment will come with wins.

So who is on Singletary's OC list ? ?

What aerial show? The team averaged 211 yds passing this year.

vs. Wash
Hill 245 yds
No receiver over 100 yds

vs. St. Louis
Hill 216 yds
No receiver over 100 yds

vs. Miami
Hill 233 yds
No receiver over 100 yds

vs. NY Jets
Hill 285
No receiver over 100 yds

vs. Buffalo
Hill 161
No receiver over 100 yds

vs Dallas
Hill 303
Bruce 125 yds

it's better to have the whole offseason to find a guy who fits the team than to risk getting "turner-ed" again by losing martz during the summer to a head-coaching job
also, a strong rushing offense fits this team better imo; they have to get a top OT in the first and a quick RB to complement gore in the 2nd round and we could easily have a top10 offense next season

it's better to have the whole offseason to find a guy who fits the team than to risk getting "turner-ed" again by losing martz during the summer to a head-coaching job
also, a strong rushing offense fits this team better imo; they have to get a top OT in the first and a quick RB to complement gore in the 2nd round and we could easily have a top10 offense next season

"It's either Martz goes now or Martz goes in '10. Which would you prefer? What he sounds like is a man who hasn't gotten any Head Coaching interview calls."

Indiana Jim -- that is easy to assume, but impossible to confirm (that he'd be gone next year if not now.)

hey Matt,

Next time can you get this information sooner! I have been bored at work all day waiting for this news..LOL! just joking!!

I think this will end up being a solid move!

Um..doesn't the atlanta falcons have a new OC and a rookie QB..people simply whine to much and I think that its being blow way out of proportion!

Atlanta runs the ball, hmm...wow..they are in the playoffs..hmm few turnovers..wow..in the playoff (insert jim mora's rant here)

B-Rows stats are compelling:

"When you look at the league standings, you start to understand why the 49ers parted ways with Martz. All of the top 5 teams in rushing offense made the playoffs this season. Only two of the top 5 teams in passing offense are postseason-bound, and one of them is the less-than-overwhelming Cardinals. (See: Dec. 21 vs. New England). In fact, the top five rushing teams this season combined for a record of 56-24. The top 5 passing teams were 45-35. The 13-3 Tennessee Titans, owners of the league's best record this season, ranked seventh in rushing and 27th in passing. Martz's 49ers were 13th in passing and 27th in rushing."

At least Singletary acknowledges the "need for a long term solution on offense." It's going to be interesting to see how he plans to achieve it.

Top 5 rushing offense
1. Giants 12-4 (NFC East division winner)
2. Falcons 11-5 (NFC Wild Card)
3. Panthers 12-4 (NFC South division winner)
4. Ravens 11-5 (AFC Wild Card)
5. Vikings 10-6 (NFC North division winner)

Top 5 passing offense
1. Saints 8-8 (no playoffs)
2. Cardinals 9-7 (NFC West division winner)
3. Broncos 8-8 (no playoffs)
4. Texans 8-8 (no playoffs)
5. Colts 12-4 (AFC Wild Card)

Three thoughts:

Jack Acid - perhaps. But you never know with Martz. That's the problem.

Poor widdle Mike Martz got bwindsided. Awwwww. So he can still take potshots at his last employer. Good for him.

When Alex Smith apologists said "he needed more consistency," people said "oh that's just an excuse. He's just not good."

Now that Martz is out, everybody is saying "They need more consistency!" Same ol' song and dance in San Francisco 49er fandom.

Correction on my previous post. Yahoo is throwing conflicting or incorrect stats at me. It appears the Niners averaged 232.8 yds passing this year, no 211.

Word to your mother, Mike in SF #2!!! Great knowledge!!

Martz did a good job here. Thanks Coach & I wish him the best on wherever he ends up next. I hope the next OC is a proven one who looks like he won't be a HC for some time. Someone brought up Linehan who's resume looks good. The biggest gripe I had with Martz is how he barely used Davis. Let's hope the next guy gets him back on track into developing him into an effective weapon & receiver. That's not going to happen if he only gets 1 or 2 passes per game. (He had what 1 breakout game.) To VD I suggest doing what Romo does...he always has a ball with him & whenever he can he plays catch practicing on leading his man connecting with him in stride. VD could do the same catching as many passes with his hands as he can. Repetition over & over. And when the offseason training begins spend those additional minutes after practice with Coach Sullivan training him like a WR.

"Jed's fingerprints all over this"

What???

I love comments like this. Jed's been team president for 48 hours, and you claim you can read his "fingerprints".

I don't think you would know Jed's fingerprints if he came up to you and squeezed thier imprint in your face.

Mike Shanahan has been fired!

I don't disagree with the decision to let Martz go but how this transpired just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The think Sing is most respected for - his direct, honest, passionate, stye - is the very thing that went wrong with this firing. Singletary and the 9ers should be ashamed for treating an employee this poorly. I think John York caught an avalanche of crap for how he handled the firing of Mariucci. I might have my facts messed up but Mariucci heard about his firing from the press. Sing, McG, Jed, and John should all receive a public flogging. Disgraceful! Fire the guy but do it privately and with respect and compassion.

Thanks Indiana J - but I stole those stats from Barrows. Next BIG QUESTION: Isaac Bruce - Coach Sing loves him, the players love him, but he came here to play with Martz and in the Marts system. With one year on his contract does he retire, ask for a release, or do the Niners release him feeling good about our young pups (#84 and #89) taking over this team on the outsides? This will be an interesting subplot to the firing of Mike Martz.

ugh... Sunday's excitement gone already. Matt: Is there a plan in place -- or are we going to scramble for a replacement?

OMG....is that true Armchair????! I would absolutely love to have Shanahan as OC but you know once he succeeds he'll want to be Head Coach again. WOW, didn't see that coming. Denver owners have been loyal to him for a long time. He wont last long without a job as HC or OC.

I really hope that the Chargers get crushed by the Colts and they fire Norv Turner, who is welcomed back with a lucrative, long-term deal as our OC.

What I expect, however, is that former 49er employee and Walsh-descendant Brian Billick will be hired as OC. Singletary coached under Billick in Baltimore, where Billick was known for the kind of ball-control offense Singletary wants. Billick has also shown he can air it out when need be, as evidenced by his time as OC in Minnesota.

Matt could you give us a list of what you view as the top candidates to replace Martz?

I don't understand why everybody is guessing and making assumptions as to why Martz was fired. Singletary said why in his statement: "I do recognize the need for a long term solution on the offensive side of the ball." Just read people.

Yeah, it's true. Terrell Davis looks like he is about to cry on NFLN.

If we hire Billick, does that guarantee Singletary a spot in a Coors Light commercial?

There are plenty of good candidates. First, there are the names that have already been discussed, in no particular order: (1) the former offensive head coach type: Shanahan, Mariucci, Gailey and Linehan; (2) the my HC just got fired or retired type: Haskell (Seattle), Callahan (Jets), Al Saunders (Chiefs); former pro/college offensive coaches: Norm Chow; young QB coaches who are seen as up and comers. Martz is not the end of the world.

There are plenty of good candidates. First, there are the names that have already been discussed, in no particular order: (1) the former offensive head coach type: Shanahan, Mariucci, Gailey and Linehan; (2) the my HC just got fired or retired type: Haskell (Seattle), Callahan (Jets), Al Saunders (Chiefs); former pro/college offensive coaches: Norm Chow; young QB coaches who are seen as up and comers. Martz is not the end of the world.

Well if Linehan happens to be our next OC Bruce already knows his system. If not I think he wouldn't want to learn a new system & probably would retire. If Bruce leaves that makes BJ more of a priority to resign. Wait & see.

Where is BERGER? I miss his rationalized comments. Curious to hear his thoughts.... BERGER? Are you out there? BERGER? ... ?

Does anyone think Martz will get a HC offer soon? I think hes an amazing O.C. but horrible as a Coach kinda like Norv. I know his stock is up but I wouldn't want him as a HC

Yup, now ESPN.com is reporting that Shanahan is out:

Shanahan Out In Denver

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen on Tuesday relieved Mike Shanahan of his position as head coach and executive vice president of football operations. Said Bowlen in a statement: "After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos."

I agree with this decision. They need an offensive coordinator who is going to be with the team 5+ years. Even if next year was better under Martz he would have left to become a head coach at some point leaving the 49ers offense to start all over again at that point. Might as well get it over with now and find his guy.

and here we go again... back to the drawing board after finally getting some success... sigh...

now we don't know what we've got, heading into the off-season. Worst thing now for the niners would be to get a nobody to fill in the spot...

they need to find a high-caliber guy for the long-haul... and FAST!

Bill Musgrave! Nuff said!

My problem with both Nolan and Singletary is that they both seem to want to turn the 49ers into The Ravens West.
I loved the Ravens defense but their offense completely sucked. They may have been the absolute worst team to ever win a SB and there's little doubt that the one time wonders had a terrible and most boring offense.
I pray that this is not the model that Singletary has in mind. Can you or others comment on this issue?

DENVER (AP) -- Mike Shanahan has been fired as Denver Broncos coach.

Is it too late to interview Shanahan?

This move was inevitable. I GUARANTEE YOU ALL Singletary already has his man pegged . . . hey how about Shannahan! Regardless we will be seeing some new lineman and a stout rushing offense and I love it because that is what we need. The pass will feed off of the run but you cannot succeed in this league without imposing your will and running the ball when you need to. By the way . . . is it too early to start the sign Albert Haynesworth campaign?

how about Mike Shanahan as OC just like '92

Just a couple of comments.

It's too bad that Martz had to go, but I don't think it could have worked with him and Coach Singletary for the long term. They have different ideas of what type of offense the 9ers should run.

To those who want to argue about continuity, remember that Jerry Jones is getting raked over the coals for using that excuse for keeping Wade Phillips. Is it better to have continuity if the coach is not happy with what he is being asked to do? And what if he does find a better job and leave late in the offseason like Norv did?

To those who want to install Shanahan, do you really think that he will want to a OC? And if he takes the job, how long before he starts accepting interviews for HC jobs?

I don't know who Coach Singletary may interview or hire for the job. But at this point, I'll trust him to pick the right kind of person for the job. I firmly believe that he is just as aware of the problems that the 49ers have had as any of us are.

I can assure you 100% Mike Shanahan's ego would not allow him to become an OC anytime soon.

I was hoping the Niners would wait and see whether Shanahan was going to get fired before committing to Singletary. I'd rather have Shanahan, but oh well. I'll bet the Jets grab him.

Q: how about Mike Shanahan as OC?

My response: Mike Shanahan has been an NFL head coach for 16 seasons. If he wants, I'm sure he'll get a head-coaching job in the next couple weeks. But you can believe he is not going to take coordinator position for any team at this stage in his career. --Matt M.

Shanahan will probably take another HC gig and probably would not bring any stability to the OC position if he were hired.

Still, if you look at all the Broncos offenses he has run since 2000, they have finished top 10 in rushing yards per game every year (except this year where they finished 12th overall) and at least half those seasons were top 5 finishes. He's also done a good job helping develop Jay Cutler (and he made Plummer look respectable in his last few seasons).

Coach's way or the Highway! That's fine with me. He has his four years to achieve so let him run with it.

I can also assure you that several NFL owners will not let him become an OC either. He's probably the #2 name right now behind Cowher.

Well Mike Shanahan has been fired has head coach!!!

Hey Matt
I was just wondering, in your estimation, when we should expect news of the new OCs hiring??
Great work as always

Well Mike Shanahan has been fired has head coach!!!

Well Mike Shanahan has been fired has head coach!!!

hey look at this...I hope all these firings don't count towards the nations unemployment rate!

I don't know what everyone is whining about:

- You have strong personalities who want to take the offense in different directions and of the two, I think Singletary's preference is better for the team and its current personnel.

- Martz had only one more year on his contract and best believe that the San Diego State job was a distraction to the Niners that raised a red flag for Singletary and the rest of the organization.

- Firing Martz, while it was seemingly done unprofessionally (Martz's account vs. those of the 49ers), is best for the long term stability of the team.

- Unlike Nolan, Singletary has an idea of how he would like to see the offense and not just plug-and-play OCs in the position by trial and error.

Short term: bad move. Long term: good move.

Zero affect next season because even if Martz stayed, he would have installed a new offense that fit Singletary's preferred philosophy.

Traj

If Singletary didn't pan out, or the 49ers were not so hasty to hire him immediately following the Redskins game, what were the odds of Shanahan coming back to his roots to become the next 49ers coach?

Mike Shanahan is out, Bill Parcells can option out....hmmm, what are the chances?

Singletary will not be given 4 years to prove himself, it will be two years and then he is gone, the 49er management will not make the same mistake as they did with Nolan. This organization is becoming a joke with all the leaks to the media. I can't imagine anyone with any clout or stature will want to work at a place where they learn about their firing from ESPN or the NFL Network. Also, what does it say about the person or people that leak this information, they are trying to destroy the organizations name and respect around the league. NO ONE GOOD WANTS TO COME HERE! We are turning into the Warriors of the NFL.

All the Martz Haters: do you feel that this is best this offense could do under Martz? Granted he was only given one year and it was the most productive year in the last 7 years. Do you think that the next OC will have better numbers than Martz did here? If your answer is yes, then Singletary should be fired if the OC doesn't. Do you agree with that statement?

5-11 will be a banner year for us. Oh but wait, we went 7-9 this year!

the chances are zero. bill parcells is going to stay in miami. look at what he built, why would he leave when he's on the verge. shanahan is most definitely going to pick up one of the vacant HC jobs.

Thank you Matt. I was scrolling down to reply to all of these idiotic statements saying hire shannahan as OC, when I saw the master beat me to it. What are you guys thinking? Shannahan will not take an OC position. Besides, too many teams will want him as coach. The Jets are reportedly saying they will pay Bill Cowher as much money as it will take to get him to New York, and Detroit and Cleveland will be on Shannahan like white on rice. Let's start thinking people! Geez!

Matt, I don't think they should, but do you get the feeling that Shanahan's firing makes anyone at 49ers HQ regret making such a quick decision on Singletary?

Hi Matt,

Any chance of the 49ers eating that 4-year $10M that they gave Singletary and hire Mike Shanahan as the head coach???

I knew that the 49ers rushed into hiring Singletary. Only if they had waited for a couple of days, and Shanahan would have been theirs.

What is $10M to the Yorks??? Please get Mike Shanahan!!!!

Shanahan is under contract to make a total of 20 million for the last three years of his contract. Now who really thinks he will give that up to become OC for the 49ers. It will take at least 7 million a year to sign him. Get real folks! If I was him I would take some time off and enjoy life. Being a head coach in the NFL is a high stress pressure job.

Did you ask Jed who leaked the firing? Be interesting to hear what story he comes up with.

Matt
Many comments by 49er fans were written saying to hire Singletary RIGHT NOW! You were ALL WRONG!! There is a saying in life! NEVER move too fast in anything! The one who studies the situation over time and weighs the pros and the cons will be the better.
Well, Mike Shanahan, a PROVEN WINNER, a guy with all the tools and pieces of the puzzle in his mind, including being one of the best if not the best QB Coach's IS AVAILABLE!!
Like I've commentrd over and over again!! Don't jump the gun on Singletary! The Yorks prove it again! They are the MOST INEPT OWNERS in the NFL!!

Although frustrating to have yet another new OC, the 49ers personnel are not suited for a Martz aerial attack. They have a weak-armed QB, substandard WR's, and a strong stable of RB's with the best blocking TE in the game (V. Davis). But with the right OC and a stout defense, they won't need star power at QB and WR (which in turn will save them cap $ to spend elsewhere)...they just need a top right tackle in the draft or FA and they will have the pieces in place for a solid offense that will complement a top 5 defense (assuming they can acquire a free safety and pass rusher).

No thanks to Shanahan. Our personnel doesn't fit his schemes anyway. I'm glad we gave Singletary the job -- he clearly deserved it.

Screw the whiners. In Singletary We Trust.

'Tis a great day for speculation, and the presumptive unveiling of the motives behind these fast breaking events. As an aside to the Shanahan wanderings, or Holmgren for that matter: Timing is indeed everything. The possibility of either of these two old lions returning to restore the once fabled franchise expired by fate, or design, I see the young Jed making his charge with Mike Singletary as his Bill Walsh, and so into the future imprint his Fabled Years:part 2. A longer term perspective would require Martz walking papers for continuity's sake. Who may yet appear as our OC ?
Will he be a branch of the fabled tree, or just of champion stock?
l

Terry - What part of FIRED do you not understand? He was fired for cause because he has NOT been a good coach in this decade. What has Shanahan done since his championships in 97 and 98 with Elway? That was 10 years ago. Since then he has been average and Denver has never been the same since Elway retired 10 YEARS AGO. YES TEN YEARS. The quickest way for 49ers managment to loose the 49ers locker room would have been to hire anyone as head coach not named Mike Singletery - who by the way - is NOW A PROVEN WINNER WITH THIS CURRENT 49ers TEAM and he was 1 minute on the Arizona 5 yard line from having this team win the West and in the Playoffs this Sunday hosting a game at Candlestick! As Peter King of S.I. wrote at the time - that flub was a fireable offense. Well, he was right and that guy got fired.

I said it then and I'll say it now...

They should have hired Cam Cameron!

Just hope Sing realizes what the 9ers have done in the past by having balance in the offense and hires an OC to reflect that.

Hey, Terry. Do you actually pay any attention to football? Shanahan has ONE playoff victory in the ten years since Elway retired. He was great when he had Young and Elway, and stunk it up the rest of the time. I pity the NFL suckers who overpay for this overrated coach.

Shoulda, coulda, woulda. I wouldn't mind seeing Linehan or Billick come here though.

2009 will be more of the same under the stewardship of the Yorks! Bringing in Martz was a desparate move this past January, and annointing Singletary that quickly was just as desparate! But seriously, take off the rose colored glasses and look at who is making the decisions. What qualifications do 27 year old Lucky Sperm Jed and Scott McCloughan have to hire a head coach? Lucky Sperm has zero and McCloughan has very little! Our beloved 49ers have become Mike Brown's Bengals. Year after year, our 49ers will be flopping between 3-13 and 7-9. Ask yourselves this, how can a team with such a void of football people in the front office, not bring in a senior football person? But hey, sleep well 49ers' fans, we have Lucky Sperm Jed!

Al Davis has just offered the Raiders HC to Shanahan - Ha..ha...This must be the joke of the month. Something fishy going on with the firing of Martz. It looks like the unwritten condition for Singletary HC job. Not sure if the rich kid Jed York knows what he is doing. The KNBR called McCloughan McClou-less. Run oriented team? They are banking the offense philosophy on Frank Gore's both surgical repair knees. Last year when healthy, Gore was caught behind a few times as he ran out of gas. Want a long term OC? Re-sign Hotsler and he will stay here for another 5 years. Mariucci got fired for being conservative. Martz got fired for being pass-happy. Let's see what Singletary get fired for. May be for being bored on offense. 2009 is another re-building year!!!!!!!!!!

Singletary's first mistake. Another year and another offensive coordinator. He should have worked with Martz.

Matt, Mike Shanahan is now available. What is the possibility for the 49ers to hire him as the OC?

Hey Darren,

Why don't you STFU already? Seriously, it's gotten old.

Do not know who Darren is, but constantly holding the Yorks accountable is the duty of every 49er fan. Silence signals acceptance! Look at what the Yorks have done to this team. I ask, where is the outrage? Stop being lemmings!!!!!!

I can see both sides. Martz seemed to do OK when Singletary reigned him in, you always want someone who is more aggressive than a HC, so the HC job is to temper the crazy. I just hope they get an OC and sign him to a 4 year contract. the need for a quality #2RB just shot up a hundred-fold. Gore isn't going to last forever, and he is starting to get hurt with more regularity. A good RB would take the pressure off him and the NFL has gone to more 2 RB systems. Next year Clayton should be on the active roster, it's time for that kid to fish or cut bait. Look OT in the draft too

Randy, it's okay. It's great seeing these negative trolls run out of material to be silly about. Now the poor guy has sperm envy! What psychotic condition will we see manifested next?

ska says, "By the way . . . is it too early to start the sign Albert Haynesworth campaign?" Ska, why Haynesworth over Julius Peppers? Peppers is a prototype pass rushing DE and doesn't have the baggage associated with Haynesworth. Admittedly, both would cost a fortune but, while everyone today is talking about the Niners offense, it's hard to argue with the fact that the Niners have virtually no pass rush. Or, is there anyone out there who thinks Balmer will become a top drawer pass rusher soon?

Outrage over what now?! The Yorks hiring Singletary who finally brings hope to this team? Give me a break Darren. You whiners are a laugh.

Matt

Great job on this blog. Your appearances on KNBR are also fantastic.
2 questions
- With Mike Shanahan's firing, do you think the 49ers jumped the gun on the singletary hire while waiting could have yielded them a proven offensive expert like Mike Shanahan, giving them continuity on that front?
- Any chance Mike shanahan becomes our Off coord? I sure hope that happens!!

Thanks

I don't know if Shanahan would accept a "demotion" to 9ers OC. There should be plenty of HC positions available for him (Lions?). Also, he would be looking to jump at the next HC position available. We're better off finding an OC that wants to stay for 4 years.

Montana - Rice: Clearly you do not like the Yorks. And why not, they have more money than most of us.
Clearly too, you are deformed end product of some seriously tainted sperm. Your condition, though serious, can be helped.
What you need to do, as a start, is soak your head in salt water three hours a day, for six to eight months. Do that religiously and you'll be ready for step two by the start of next season. Good luck.

Coach Sing did well. Decisive, swift and little hesitation. He'll bring the new OC early and we'll have the whole pre-season to familiarize. We'll be fine ...

Stop with the Shanahan for OC stuff. The LAST thing Singletary needs is another aging, burned-out ex-HC on the downhill slide.
What he needs is his own George Seifert. Walsh as an offensive guy hired Seifert to cover his own lack of defensive experience. Singletary needs someone like that. Someone relatively young, relatively unknown, low profile, dedicated; someone with whom he can work, hand in glove.
Seifert was good, very good, and Walsh gave him a lot of rope. Gave him both responsibility and authority. (S'mazin how many managers make the mistake of giving one without the other).
But Walsh also put his imprint on the defence. Macro if not micro. Singletary will almost certainly be similar - he's already indicated his preference for his offensive style, and my guess is he already has a very short list of OC candidates. And I'll bet none have celebrity status.
If you're a big name worshipper, prepare to be disappointed. Sorry, but you're gonna have to live with a real head coach.

And while we're at it let's dispel two of the more prevelent schoolboy myths. One, Singletary is not HC material because he doesn't understand the X's and O's. Two, the team is doomed to fail in 2009 because it is changing OC's yet again.

Both are complete rubbish. Rubbish being a more polite word than crap.

Matt – well done on your post... we could hit the century mark with all the fan passion.

But seriously, Mrs. Doubtfire is not worth all of this attention. His unbearable ego was enough for Coach Sing. Swift indeed... niners need a long term solution. Fassel or Bilick anyone?

oh man, come on! Singletary already off to a bad start.

Are the 49ers a farm system for first head coaches in the NFL?

I think keeping Martz would have been the "team of rivals", best of both worlds kind of thing. After all, balance means passing about half the time and why not have one of the best directing the show. I think the offense would have been better in Martz's second year. But I'll be wrong IF the Niners offense does measurable better in 2009. If the Niners win 9 games and the offense is ranked in the top half of teams, firing Martz was an okay decision. If they do a lot better, then is was a great decision. But if they stumble out of the gate and end up with a weak offense and disappointing record, I will look back on this decision as the reason. What really good OC doesn't want to be a HC? Why does firing Martz get us stability? I'll be following and hoping for the best.

Answer one simple question. Do you believe Jed York is qualified to hire a coach and run an NFL franchise? If your answer is yes,my condolences to your family!

Singletary says he needs a long term solution at OC. Only two ways to do that: 1. hire an ex-HC that did such an appalling job nobody would ever hire him again or 2. hire someone that will do such a mediocre job that nobody else will want them. Neither appeals to me a whole lot.

Seeing that Singletary has just the one year to prove himself (remember that Jed has guaranteed playoffs), I'd say #1 is a racing certainty so look for an ex HC that no one, not even Al Davies, would ever let run a franchise again. There's a few about.

And Jed has to approve ...

Ok, of the top 5 teams that lead the league in rushing in 2008, 2 of them have rookie head coaches and rookie QBs. So to say that '09 is doomed before it even starts is ridiculous. Atlanta and Baltimore have 2 former head coaches that used to be offensive coordinators ie, Mike Mularky for Atlanta and Cam Cameron for Baltimore. Both guys were/are run first coordinators when Cameron was in San Diego and Mularky was in Pittsburgh with Cowher. That is the type of person that Singletary needs to find. Both of these teams are in the Playoffs. We have certain pieces in place. The draft will help as well as free agency. Players will want to come here and play for Mike. We will win the west next year and we should have won it this year. We gave away the Philly game and Arizona game, should have won the Miami game (if Roman makes a halfway descent effort on a bomb to a friggin TE). Puts us at 10-6.

Forget Shanahan. He is not going to be an OC again. He brought us a Super Bowl already. We need to get an offensive guy from the NY Giants. They have been in the top 10 in rushing the last 4 seasons. In '05-#6, '06-#7, '07-#4, and '08-#1. We also need a lightning to compliment Gore. Foster is not good anymore, Robinson is not a running back (sorry M-Rob fans) and Clayton will never see the field. He goes down too easy. But again we need a guy that will be here for a while. I hated the firing of Martz at first, but I think Singletary needs to pick his own people. I wouldn't be surprised if he lets go of a few other guys. All of these coaches are Nolan's guys.

I believe that Mike can see things in players that Nolan couldn't. I believe Singletary will make this team a lot better.

I love it. Sing is putting his stamp on the team. We get an oc who is on the same page as our philosophy of pounding the rock with play action, a balanced run/pass attack along with picking up some more players: pass rusher, safety, corner, o-tackle and wr. Its all good. If your not on the train, too late its full baby! Go Sing!

Mike Shanahan will come home to the 49ers to finish his career in the NFL as our OC. When we win a couple more
superbowls he will be promoted to president of football operations as promised. He just has to because he is scarlett and gold deep inside. I just know it. Coach Singletary needs
to fly their TONIGHT and as we italions say "make him an
offer he can't refuse"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will answer your question, Unlucky Sperm, when you can give me a coherent list of the qualifications needed to hire a coach and run a franchise.

Too funny Razor. Will we be using their mascots head?

I think Coach Shanahan should follow Holmgren & take a break. I didn't know he was the VP (Football Ops I'm guessing) there at Denver. He got the groceries too?? What an overtime grind for 14 years! Step back some Mike & breathe it in for a while buddy. I don't know how anyone succeeds that way in that dual role. Scouting in itself is a full-time job let alone having to run the everyday happenings of the team & preparing them week to week. Ridiculous amount of work.

There probably is no way he would take an OC job but I was thinking if he loves it that much at can't get out of the scene he could lay low with lesser responsibilities by being the OC for awhile. The workaholics' version of taking somewhat of a break. But it just ain't going to happen here because it's too much of a story line & would be a distraction to Singletary with all the talk of Shanahan becoming a competition vs Singletary on who would be the better HC. It could divide the fans. It's not a good idea.

Re-read your post Razor...promoted to President of Football Ops after OC? Now that's an idea....

Shanahan should be, and needs to be, the new OC. If the Niners can find some way to lure him their way, next season will be a winner. Other than him, I think Singletary may have blown it by dumping Martz.

I think this is one of Mike Singletary worst move as a H.C. Dont fix what isnt broke. IMHO, all he had to do was tell Martz to tinker his offense to feature more of a running game, Im sure Martz would have obliged. Oh well, another year of learning and a step back for this organization unless they get a big name O.C who is PROVEN.

It seems obvious to me that Singletary had somebody in mind for oc when he let Martz go, and that he was reasonably certain this person is (or will be after the playoffs) available and willing to become a 49er. Probably someone with significant past experience as an assistant, also perhaps as a player, in a winning franchise, who has not yet had the opportunity to be in charge of a pro offense and is champing at the bit to make his mark on the league. Much like Singletary himself, except of course with an offensive rather than a defensive mindset. If I am correct, this would seem to rule out many (most? all?) of the names that have surfaced on this site. With apologies/just my .02.

Its gonna be pretty hard to run the power run type philosophy offense that Sing wants with our O-line...

...or our RB's

Got the perfect TE tho'

As long as we refuse to pay Guards like the rest of the league does a power run philosophy cannot work.

Who will be OC in 2009 hardly matters. Question is: Will it be the same person in 2010?

Exactly, the scheme needs to match the talent (or lack thereof), hopefully we'll see shorter drops and a balance between running and passing.

The only way Shanahan accepts an OC job here (or anywhere else) requires strapping him to a table, performing a lobotomy, and making sure every ounce of ego is drained from him.

Of course, that would make him useless an an OC (or anything else). Don't be surprised to see him in Detroit, Cleveland, or New York next year. Or wouldn't it be interesting if SD gets creamed in its first postseason game, Turner gets fired, and Shanahan takes over next year? :)

Hi Matt, Martz's firing was the worst kept secret in the NFL. Does Sing have something up his sleeve? I hope so. Please tell us that we have the guy we want in mind and negotiations are under way. If that is not the case then we are in for another long season next year as we try and find an OC that will stay here. Which is another pipe dream because if he does well he'll be in the running for a HC position. Martz came through, he came here and improved the worst offense in the NFL in one season, let's hope the next guy has similar results.

Hey Matt,

I know this is a shot in the dark but, I could totally see Mike Nolan as a realistic front runner for the job in Denver. It looks obvious that their flaws were on the defensive side of the ball. I thought Nolan was a good coach he just made two large wrong decisions all on the offensive side of the ball. Tell me if you think this is ludicrous or if its a valid thought!

Hey Matt,

I know this is a shot in the dark but, I could totally see Mike Nolan as a realistic front runner for the job in Denver. It looks obvious that their flaws were on the defensive side of the ball. I thought Nolan was a good coach he just made two large wrong decisions all on the offensive side of the ball. Tell me if you think this is ludicrous or if its a valid thought!

No offense triple3jrb but Nolan in Denver will happen only if he has a layover at the airport. Nolan is not HC material.....period. And as far as Mike Shan with the Niners.......someone inhaled. The Rat will end up as a HC in NY, Cleveland or any place he so chooses. Back to the Niners......I am betting that Sinbg has his guy pegged. But if he wants ;power running then we need another back to help Gore. We also need to dump JJ and get a decent RT. If we can get a good RT via free agency....draft Beanie Wells. Talk about smash mouth football. But we need to fix the RT position first and formost. Nolan in Denver???? When fish fly.

Comment: I know this is a shot in the dark but, I could totally see Mike Nolan as a realistic front runner for the job in Denver.

My response: My guess is that Mike Nolan will be a defensive coordinator in the league next season. I don't believe he'll be a head-coaching candidate until he builds back up to become "hot" again. --Matt M.

No offense at all....but if you take the emotion out of it and look at Nolan's work as to when he took over..he did a pretty good job...I know a lot of us ride on emotion and are upset with losing but I feel better after 2008 then i did after 2004! Did he make mistakes? Of course! I'm not a Nolan homer or anything close to it but, I do objectively believe he has a shot!

I totally agree with you about the smash mouth football. If thats what sing wants, then he is gonna have to have a solid RB rotation..a la the Newyork football giants, or patriots...gore is amazing but as we saw at the end of the year..he will break down!

I was sure Martz wouldn't last as soon as Coach released his formula for success. Martz did not have the same values. 1. Total Ball Security(led league in Turnovers) 2. Execute(Martz agrees but Sing has different idea) 3. Dominate the Trenches(Led the league in sacks) 4. Create Great Field Position(Martz came around when Sing tightened up on him) 5. Finish(Before Rams and Redskins, this was Martz worst quality) 6. Heart (Not Sure, but this is not Martz dream job, obviously)

I'm still trying to figure out what's taking KC and Chicago so long to join the Pink Slip Parade?
Can anyone tell me what Herm and Lovie have done to keep their jobs?
Anyway, we have an OC position open, let's see how Mike addresses it, gotta think he's looking to someone he worked with along the way?
Matt, what say you?

Shannahan will not be an OC. He is currently building a 35,000 sq ft mansion in Enver (no D in Denver..why he was fired) and is getting $15 Mil to sit on his rear for the next 3 years and work on his bowling game (yes his new crib has a bowling alley). So unless some team wants to pay him $5 Mil/year to be OC it ain't gonna happen even if his ego would allow it. Now a HC job could pay that & more so that is what will happen. He kinda sucks anyway for the last 10 years and was a horrible personnel VP so we don't need him in that capacity either. I'm sure Sing has an OC in mind that he'll be introducing in the next day or two so be patient fans. He has a plan. I believe that the addition of a stud OT will solidify our O line, and we need a 2nd RB that can pound the rock, a pass rusher, a play-making safety, and a QB of the future that can come from FA and the draft = playoffs in 09.

Bingo, JustaFan. Bingo.

Bingo, JustaFan. Bingo.

I agree with Mark W. (way at the bottom of the page). I think Mike has a plan (good or bad...we'll find out about a year from now, not in pre-season...gotta remind myself of that too).
Here are who I think might be interesting candidates for the job...IMHO. My criteria was strong running offneses that took advantage of 2 RBs, also a couple were involved with succesful rookie QB (in the play-offs), not that Hill isn't the starter next year, just that we have to groom someone beyond the next couple of years.
Bill Musgrave (ATL-QB coach)
Hue Jackson (BAL. QB Coach)
Jim Skipper (CAR. Asst. HC/ RB coach)
Chris Palmer (NYG QB Coach)
Jerald Ingram (NYG RB Coach)

I think Gore could be more effective if we had a change of pace RB (Foster is a B/U not a change of pace). That might be T. Clayton or Robinson, or it is someone in the draft. Gore maybe the only headliner RB that doesn't have this type of help. Thus he gets dinged-up allot and he ends up spelling himself in a game.

Hey Matt,

How has Isaac Bruce taken this new? Does this mean he is coming back or do you think he will retire?

just a different angle to think about! I think we could really use him next year and hope he stays.

Have you had a chance to speak to him?

Tom Rathman, come home. SF needs you as OC

"Under Rathman's direction from 1998-02, the 49ers rushing attack was the best in the NFC and second in the NFL. In 2002, Rathman’s unit helped the 49ers finish with the sixth-best rushing attack in the NFL with an average of 140.3 rushing yards per game.

In 2001, Rathman was instrumental in guiding Garrison Hearst, the two-time NFL Comeback Player-of-the-Year, to his second career Pro Bowl selection. Rathman also helped to tutor rookie Kevan Barlow to rush for over 500 yards during his first year. The 49ers ranked second in the league with 140.3 rushing yards per game.

Rathman coached Charlie Garner to his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2000 after gaining 1,142 yards on 258 carries and a career-high seven touchdowns. Garner also eclipsed his career-highs with 68 receptions for 647 yards and three touchdowns.

Rathman=smashmouth

niner fans, we need to be a little patient (about a week) to find out who the next OC will be. Coach Sing has his man picked out, but has to wait until Indy beats SD. Norvell will then be fired and will return to SF. However, if for some reason Novell is retained by SD, I sure hope Coach Sing brings in an EXPERIENCED OC. Sing is not an X's and O's guys, nor is he verse in any type of offense, so a young buck will spell doomsday for not only him, but us 9er fans. Enough already with the Shanahan talk - he will never take anything other than an HC position, same goes for Holmgren. One more thing, I'm not looking forward to the "run the ball - all day" type offense that we will probably see next season, but I suppose Coach Sing as no other choice - just look at our QB situation. Hill did alright, but his passes did not look sharp most of the time, etc. And Alex Smith ..... well, as I've said many a times - it doesn't matter how many OC's he's had - he can't throw an accurate mid-to-long range pass. The OC's call the plays, they can't throw the ball for him too!

Also, Mariucci will not come back here, remember he was fired by the Yorks - AFTER losing in the playoffs, which also happened to be the last time we all could say P-L-A-Y-O-F-F-S

how do you guys feel about Bill Callahan?

Can't coach with him,.... can't win with him,..... can't do it, ....won't do it. We want winners!!

Or maybe Paul Crewe for OC- now that's smashmouth! Happy New Years everybody!

Better than you're blogging, hopefully. Seriously, this is the kind of comment that keeps a person coming back to this blog. Just when you think every lame brain idea that could possibly be conjured up and foisted upon Ninerland has been accomplished in triplicate - walla! Straight from the donkey's backend, a truly incredibly demented suggestion is made. Hey, h0w, you actually took time out of your day to login and post that sentence? After a hundred and thirty some posts, Bill Callahan is the best you can dribble out of your skull?! Whoa, I am definitely ROTFLMAO. You're the winner! Hands down. Matt, stop this post now. Do not tamper with a perfect ending.

Better than you're blogging, hopefully. Seriously, this is the kind of comment that keeps a person coming back to this blog. Just when you think every lame brain idea that could possibly be conjured up and foisted upon Ninerland has been accomplished in triplicate - walla! Straight from the donkey's backend, a truly incredibly demented suggestion is made. Hey, h0w, you actually took time out of your day to login and post that sentence? After a hundred and thirty some posts, Bill Callahan is the best you can dribble out of your skull?! Whoa, I am definitely ROTFLMAO. You're the winner! Hands down. Matt, stop this post now. Do not tamper with a perfect ending.

Better than you're blogging, hopefully. Seriously, this is the kind of comment that keeps a person coming back to this blog. Just when you think every lame brain idea that could possibly be conjured up and foisted upon Ninerland has been accomplished in triplicate - walla! Straight from the donkey's backend, a truly incredibly demented suggestion is made. Hey, h0w, you actually took time out of your day to login and post that sentence? After a hundred and thirty some posts, Bill Callahan is the best you can dribble out of your skull?! Whoa, I am definitely ROTFLMAO. You're the winner! Hands down. Matt, stop this post now. Do not tamper with a perfect ending.

Dear h0w,
Better than you're blogging, hopefully. Seriously, this is the kind of comment that keeps a person coming back to this blog. Just when you think every lame brain idea that could possibly be conjured up and foisted upon Ninerland has been accomplished in triplicate - walla! Straight from the donkey's backend, a truly incredibly demented suggestion is made. Hey, h0w, you actually took time out of your day to login and post that sentence? After a hundred and thirty some posts, Bill Callahan is the best you can dribble out of your skull?! Whoa, I am definitely ROTFLMAO. You're the winner! Hands down. Matt, stop this post now. Do not tamper with a perfect ending.

Niner fans, why would an experienced, well-regarded OC want to come here, especially if they already have what they want for their offense? If it is an experienced OC, more than likely, we are not thinking about them because their team did poorly this year. Rathman is intriguing, but he will need to bring someone with him that can handle QBs. I am hoping Singltery make sure that whoever they hire brings an heir-apparnet assitent with them.
Finally, another reson why Shannahan wouldn't end up here...our linemen are too big, we would have to get a whole new set of OLs, and this groud started to jell, factor in a more simplfied blocking philosophy from the run first mentalilty, I think our guys will do OK next year.