Singletary will be back next season, but it appears the offense will be starting from scratch - again.
The Sac Bee reported today Singletary will fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who has one year remaining on his contract. When I asked Singletary yesterday whether he plans to retain Martz as his coordinator, Singletary said Martz "has been great this season." But he said the club has to "look at what gives us the best opportunity to win going forward."
Singletary has decided Martz does not give the 49ers their best chance to win, the Bee reported. While I can't independently confirm Martz will be fired, one club source told me the feeling in the organization is the 49ers need to find a more stabilizing presence to run the offense.
I've reported in the past the 49ers will look for a young quarterbacks coach to serve as offensive coordinator if Martz does not return. This is pure speculation, but some names on Singletary's list for offensive coordinator might be Mike McCoy (Panthers), Craig Johnson (Titans) and Pete Carmichael Jr. (Saints).
* * *
Singletary asked for just 60 minutes. But defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer said he is not going to stop at an hour to getting prepared today for the final game of his rookie season.
"For me, I'm going to spend more than an hour because I definitely need it," Balmer said. "The game up here is more mental than physical anyway."
Balmer said he would study the Redskins' passing game and some of their protections.
It has been a quiet season for Balmer, the No. 29 overall pick in the draft. In 15 games, he has just six tackles and no sacks. He has almost as many kickoff returns as tackles. He has returned five kickoffs for 47 yard as one of the three blockers in front of the deep men.
But Balmer is not alone. Pro Football Weekly recently posted its list of the 10 biggest rookie disappointments. Seven of those listed are defensive linemen or a pass-rushing outside linebacker, in the case of No. 1 disappointment Vernon Gholston of the Jets.
Others who have failed to produce much as rookies, according to PFW, are No. 2 Derrick Harvey (Jaguars), No. 5 Glenn Dorsey (Chiefs), No. 7 Lawrence Jackson (Seahakws), No. 8 Quentin Groves (Jaguars) and No. 10 Trevor Laws (Eagles). Balmer, by the way, was No. 3.
The Rams' Chris Long, the second overall pick in the draft, is not on the list, but his production has probably fallen below expectations. He has 39 tackles and four sacks.
That seems like too much of a coincidence. Might it be that it's really difficult for defensive linemen to make the adjustment to the professional level?
"I can agree with that," Balmer said. "I had a chance to talk to Chris (Long) after the game, and we're on the same page as far as this year. It's been a long year. It's been tough. But it ain't over, yet. We still have to play
* * *
From the pages of today's Press Democrat, as long as he does not drop his pants on Sunday, Singletary will get the 49ers' coaching job . . . and . . . Gore's last chance to get 1,000 yards and make history.
* * *
Of course, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everybody. Thanks to you for making this blog a part of your web-surfing routine. I appreciate the support very much.
* * *
Here's your handy-dandy guide to the weekend's games. Heading into the games of Week 17, fewer than half of the teams in the league (14 of 32) have been eliminated from playoff contention.
NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED: N.Y. Giants - NFC East and homefield advantage.
ELIMINATED:
1) DAL win OR
2) DAL tie + CHI loss or tie + TB loss OR
3) DAL tie + MIN loss or tie + TB loss OR
4) DAL tie + CHI loss + TB tie OR
5) DAL tie + MIN loss + TB tie.
1) PHI win + TB loss + MIN loss OR
2) PHI win + TB loss + CHI loss.
ATL win + CAR loss.
1) CAR win or tie OR
2) ATL loss or tie.
1) TB win + DAL loss or tie OR
2) TB tie + DAL loss + MIN loss or tie OR
3) TB tie + DAL loss + CHI loss or tie OR
4) TB tie + DAL tie + MIN tie + CHI win or tie OR
5) TB tie + DAL tie + CHI tie + MIN win or tie.
1) MIN win OR
2) MIN tie + CHI loss or tie OR
3) CHI loss.
MIN tie + DAL loss + TB loss.
1) CHI win + MIN loss or tie OR
2) CHI tie + MIN loss.
1) CHI win + DAL loss or tie + TB loss or tie OR
2) CHI tie + DAL loss + TB loss.
AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
CLINCHED:
ELIMINATED:
MIAM DOLPHINS
1) MIA win OR
2) MIA tie + NE loss or tie.
MIA tie + BAL loss.
1) NE win + MIA loss or tie OR
2) NE tie + MIA loss.
1) NE win + BAL loss or tie OR
2) NE tie + BAL loss.
NY Jets clinch AFC East Division with:
NYJ win + NE loss.
NY Jets clinch playoff spot with:
NYJ win + BAL loss.
1) BAL win OR
2) BAL tie + MIA loss or tie OR
3) BAL tie + NE loss or tie OR
4) NE loss.
DEN win or tie.
SD win.
* * *
Matt,
Please have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you for all of your awesome work that you do. It's almost like looking forward to opening gifts (knowing that there will be NEW information to chew over) just about every day.
And if you don't celebrate Christmas, then please have a Happy Holiday to you and all of your readers
Hi Matt,
The names you came up with for possible OC for the niners are good. Two names I like are Mike McCoy from Carolina, and Pete Carmichal Jr. from the Saints. Also, I would like to add Ken Zampese as well. QB coach from the Bengals. Also, what is your opinon about Scott Linehan as OC as well. I consider him like Norv Turner, and Cam Cameron. Not great as head coaches, and but great OCs. Also, I found these stats regarding Linehan.
Linehan joined the Rams after one season as offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins, who improved from 29th in the NFL in total offense in 2004 to 14th in 2005 and from 31st in rushing to 12th. The Dolphins finished the season with six consecutive victories.
Linehan was offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2002-2004. The Vikings’ offense ranked second, first and fourth respectively during his tenure. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper’s 110.9 passer rating in 2003 was fourth-highest in NFL history. The Vikings scored 290 points the year before Linehan joined them 390, 416, and 405 in three Linehan’s three seasons.
Linehan coached collegiately for 13 years on teams that played in seven bowl games, won five conference titles (one Pac-10, two Conference USA, and two Big Sky). Five of Linehan’s quarterbacks were drafted by NFL teams: Louisville’s Chris Redman and Dave Ragone, Washington’s Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo, and Idaho’s Doug Nussmeier, who serves the Rams as quarterbacks coach.
Linehan’s final collegiate position was as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Louisville from 1999-2001. The Cardinals went to three bowl games and became the first Conference USA team to win consecutive league championships. A Louisville quarterback earned Conference USA Player of the Year honors in each of Linehan’s three seasons.
The Rams’ coach moved to Louisville after five years at the University of Washington. The Huskies advanced to four bowl games and won the 1995 Pac-10 title. Scott also was offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Idaho, his alma mater, for two seasons (1992-93), quarterbacks coach at Nevada-Las Vegas (1991), and wide receivers coach at Idaho (1989-90). Idaho led the nation in scoring (47.5 points a game) and total offense (532 yards a game) in 1993.
Q: Hi Matt, The names you came up with for possible OC for the niners are good. Two names I like are Mike McCoy from Carolina, and Pete Carmichal Jr. from the Saints. Also, I would like to add Ken Zampese as well. QB coach from the Bengals. Also, what is your opinon about Scott Linehan as OC as well.
My response: I completely agree with your recommendation of Scott Linehan. He might be the best, and most logical candidate, for this job. Plus, Singletary does not have to wait for him, and he would've already had the chance to get in contact with him. That's a really, really good call. I've gotten the impression Zampese is not on the list, for whatever reason. --Matt M.
Merry Christmas Matt.
Looking forward to what OC the niners get as a gift. I read in your article that the only way to get offensive continuity is to get a offensive minded head coach. But at the same time, the only way to get defensive continuity is to get a defensive minded head coach, by that same logic. take the warriors for instance, #1 scoring team in the NBA, can't play a lick of hard defense, so they are getting crushed this season =(
Also on this post I like the attitude that Balmer is taking with his work. maybe what you can suggest him do is study film with other guys, to help show him the kind of things he needs to look at on NFL game films.
Merry Christmas to all!
I think Martz is a good coordinator when he has the right players for his offense, for instance if he was in DAL he would do a good job getting vertical in the O. The players the 9ers have on O are good players, they just dont fit his system which also resulted in having no FB right now because its not Martzs style. They need an OC who are moldable and have knowledge about run blocking and short yard passing, or shall we say reverting back to the Westcoast Offense. The only question with the Westcoast O is more than half the coaches in the NFL are running that system or know an awful lot about it, so you would need someone who can build upon that system or create a new branch in that system.
Wow mike sounds like you could be Linehan's agent. That info makes me want him to be hired, but not if it means he would only be here for a year or two (at most).
We need to get someone that has failed miserably as a head coach, or lacks the experience to be attractive enough as a prospective head coach.
I hated how Norv Turner had screwed the Niners, but I always have thought that he was a really good fit for our team (when he was here). He has proven that he is incapable of successfully coaching at the head coach level (he ruins GOOD teams) so Norv T. or someone like him could be just what we need.
That being said, I imagine that whomever Singletary has had in mind is not someone that is currently on the radar for an NFL OC position, but is someone that he has encountered before and said to himself "If I ever get a head coaching job...".
Mike S. must be sure of who he wants because I don't think that he is an ignorant man, and only ignorant people fire successful people before they have their replacement in line (John York/ Steve Mariucci).
With Mike Holmgren wanting to take ONLY one year off, Mike S. better be 100% correct in what transpires with this, or fans, and the media will (quickly) jump off of the bandwagon and start rooting for Mike Holmgren to replace him.
I am positive that Mike Singletary is more than intelligent enough to have figured all of that out, and has an awesome plan of attack (so that all of this speculation will be moot).
Good Luck Mike Singletary, you have impressed the heck out of me so far and I hope that you continue to do so (with the Niners) for years to come.
Mat,
Coaches come and go, I'm just glad that you're still around, Mr. Maiocco, and you have never lowered your high standards for this blog. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and thanks for all you do.
Rich, You Know Where
If Singletary is really dumping Mad Mike and going for a killer defense, conservative run-first offense, then he may be looking defense with our first pick in the draft. Mays, or Raji, or Cody.
If he wants to run the ball, his tackle preference might run more to Phil Loadholt in round 2. Not a great pass blocker prospect, but he can move the pile on the strong side, and leave LT to Staley.
That is refreshing to hear from Balmer. He seems to understand his pure physical ability means nothing at this level without technique and film study. More importantly, he seems to be embarrassed and determined to improve.
Merry Christmas Matt & to all Niner faithfuls! You're work & on the spot updates are always appreciated & thanks for the daily hard work all year long.
The timing seems strange to me, why couldn't this wait until after the last game? Just seems that would be the right thing to do. Now you've got an OC who knows he will be fired before the season's over even though it's only 1 game left. I guess that's just the biz someone's got to be the 1st to get the scoop & a lot of times it means leaking out the news.
I really just started getting into the Draft the past couple years. On the DL I gauge it by Williams in Houston & how he did nothing his 1st year & people were doubting him & thinking he could be a bust. We all know what he's done lately so the trend with last years Drafted 1st Rd DLinemen seems to be the norm. Quite a few big names there. Too bad Balmer couldn't get more tackles & at least 1 sack but I look forward to seeing how he develops next year. The good thing is he's a worker & isn't lazy. Got to get that stud NT. Balmer's too tall for the nose & I see him so far as a solid run stopping DE. I don't see any explosion yet in his 1st step but once he gets more comfortable, understands the game, & gets better technique he still has a chance to make an impact penetrating & pressuring the QB. Can't wait for this offseason to get going & unfold. Feb 28th seems like a long wait. C'mon Free Agency! This is a good 1st step.
Grumpy - I hear you on Loadholt. I want the complete package though. Still I have a good feeling if we went Rd 2 for Loadholt he would get around to doing the job at pass pro. The OT that's jumped at me lately is Jason Smith/Baylor...NASTY, VERY athletic, technical, STICKS the whole play with his blocks, smart. Only problem is I see him as a Staley clone right now. Not bad at all but isn't that NATURAL BIG mauler vs the run & I know we need that on the right side to match up with the developing Rachal. But he says he loves to run block, everything. He's an ex-TE bulked up to 305. If he could get to say 320 (I don't know, he came up a lot already from TE..s/b able to since Staley bulked up) & be that dominating run blocker he would be my guy after Oher & maybe Andre Smith.
Check out this read on him: http://sfo.scout.com/a.z?s=69&p=2&c=823851
My revised 1st pick (again)....Oher, ASmith, BJ Raji, Taylor Mays, Terrence Cody, 1 of the top 3 pass rushers.
You say if he doesn't drop his pants? I think he'll get it regardless.
The last thing this team needs is a new OC. Like or hate Martz, he's put up great numbers with a mediocre at best collection of offensive talent. The team has actually been worth watching on offense for the first time since Mariucci left. As Troy Aikaman always said, its not that there aren't enough good QBs to go around, its that there aren't enough good OCs to develop them.
I suppose Smith is gone, so we won't have to hear about yet another new OC for Smith, but think about the team and how the young receivers have finally started to flourish. Losing Martz would be a distinct step in the wrong direction.
Singletary's play-not-to-lose style will lose some games the team should win in the current NFL. For example look at the Dolphins game and how the team just couldn't put the game away despite following all of Singletary's rules for success.
And while Singletary is an excellent motivator and leader, this league is full of great motivators and leaders who fail because they don't have the Xs and Os guys behind them. Martz is a part of Singletary's success, without a doubt. Martz adapted his offense to fit Hill's weaker arm and the team has been very successful with him calling plays. And didnt Belicheck comment publicly about being completely confused by all of Martz's offensive sets in studying game film for the Pats game?
I strongly believe having Singletary and Martz on the same team would balance each other out. And hiring another young QB coach to be an OC for the first time sounds like a horrible proposition. Very few first time OCs make a big splash in the NFL. Are the 49ers really embarking on yet another 3-5 year plan and starting from scratch again? Thats a pretty veteran defense that could easily contend with a consistent offense next year.
If they have to go this route, John Ramsdell from SD is the best choice by far. He developed Rivers and Brees in SD and worked under Martz during the greatest show on turf days developing Bulger & Warner. The guy knows how to work with QBs and knows the Martz offense.
I just hope Singletary doesn't become obsessed with the 85 Bears the way Nolan became obsessed with the 2000 Ravens. The NFL is a dynamic league and constantly trying to recreate something, in particular something that requires a RB the calibre of Walter Payton.
rkab, Singletary wants someone who shares his same vision on offense, and obviously, it's not Mike Martz. That is his right as head coach, and he will exercise it.
I completely agree with the idea of Linehan coming here as an OC. Great call.
Matt=Happy Holidays and a Healthy & Happy New Year to you and your family. A special shout out to your wife who must be a real saint allowing all of us Niner freaks to bombard you with questions 24/7. Thank You for all of your reporting this past season and keeping things of interest. Now on to free agency and the draft. Happy New Year to all.
Matt,
Where do you think this leaves the Alex Smith situation and do you think the 49ers would look at an old "West Coast Offense" Coordinator say a Sam Wyche going WAY BACK?
Rkab,
1. Singletary will want very few turnovers, even if it means we rack up less yards. A lot like the Dolphins have done this year. Its no good to get an extra TD a game if the price is two turnovers that lead to 10 or 14 more points for the other team. Thats why the Mad Mike system is not his cup of tea.
2. Alex Smith isn't gone. And maybe is less likely to leave with Martz on the way out. When Martz goes, JTO will almost certainly follw. Sing will want 2 vets for next season, and a young guy behind them. Losing Smith commits you to chase an overpriced underskilled vet on the free agency market. Smith has little value because of his struggles and injuries. He is probably the best value, for a number two guy to be the backup while Hill plays and a young guy learns. And there's always the one in a hundred chance that Alex finally figures it out.
MD Mike,
Baylor huh? Think Sing might like a guy from Baylor? ;)
One thing is certain with Singletary if in fact he is retained, is that he will concentrate on the 'trenches'.
As with many old school football guys, especially a HOF MLB, he appreciates the work that goes into line play.
I agree completely with Grumpy Guy regarding Alex too.
JTO didn't win over Singletary, he's a Martz pick, he's basically attached to Martz.
Alex will not see any blockbuster offers on the open market and, there is certainly potential for a Veteran QB to be added to the roster.
We'll have our answers soon enough, but all indicators suggest he earned the extension.
Hey, Matt, what are you doing at work? lol
Is your boss a Ebenezer Scrooge? Don't be a Bob Cratchit -- go enjoy the holidays!
nooo...not again....A.Smith would have beeen perfect in this offense....dammit.....:its cool, I am with you Coach, i believe he gets "it".....
All the young QB coaches that Matt mentioned, with the addition of John Ramsdell, all have great bios; and I'm sure at least one of them will go on to become a great coordinator or head coach. However, although they may have been mentored by great offensive minds, none of them have NFL experience in coordinating an entire offensive or calling plays on game day. If I'm a defensive minded head coach, I would have a hard time sleeping at night entrusting my greatest vulnerability to a neophyte, unless I had a strong, personal belief and relationship with that individual.
The Dolphin's Dan Henning; Atlanta's Mike Mularkey; Baltimore's Cam Cameron; The Titan's Mike Heimerdinger; The Giant's Kevin Gilbride are all retreads who are currently having tremendous success as offensive coordinators.
Personally, I would like to see Chan Gailey be the next oc; however, Brian Schottenheimer, Linehan, Rob Chudzinski, Chris Palmer, Bill Musgrave, and David lee are also interesting to me.
All the young QB coaches that Matt mentioned, with the addition of John Ramsdell, all have great bios; and I'm sure at least one of them will go on to become a great coordinator or head coach. However, although they may have been mentored by great offensive minds, none of them have NFL experience in coordinating an entire offensive or calling plays on game day. If I'm a defensive minded head coach, I would have a hard time sleeping at night entrusting my greatest vulnerability to a neophyte, unless I had a strong, personal belief and relationship with that individual.
The Dolphin's Dan Henning; Atlanta's Mike Mularkey; Baltimore's Cam Cameron; The Titan's Mike Heimerdinger; The Giant's Kevin Gilbride are all retreads who are currently having tremendous success as offensive coordinators.
Personally, I would like to see Chan Gailey be the next oc; however, Brian Schottenheimer, Linehan, Rob Chudzinski, Chris Palmer, Bill Musgrave, and David lee are also interesting to me.
mike holmgren would never come to a low-rent operation like the niners,except if he had control over personnel.the niners are too cheap and stupid to keep premium ol players and sustain theimplicit cohesion to win.holmgren still hasn/t gotten over that fool who got rid of hutchinson.that was the end of alexander and the seahawks.
Happy Holidays Matt!
Merry Christmas all, hope you all had a good one.
The good news is it seems like we may get a new OC...which will only be good news if he stays for at least 3 years. The bad news is Marc Colombo re-signed with the 'Girls. Don't know whether we would've made a play for him, but we need a starting calibre RT...and he is one. Back to OC, I just pray to god that they sign somebody who will stay for a few years, even to the point of writing something into the contract. As for Mike S., well, I wish him well. I like his passion and determination. Hopefully his co-ordinators do him proud.
Matt, you twice have said "That's a really, really good call," when people have suggested Scott Linehan. Is that your not so obvious way of hinting that he is the front runner?
Maybe Singletary will drop his pants at his press conference when he accepts the head coaching job? That's good news that he'll be around going forward. It's also good news that Martz will be gone, his play calling in the redzone has been horrific. Subbing in the jumbo package without stopping the clock vs Arizona is a glaring mistake I'll never forget. The game this week would have so much meaning if he didn't have that brain fart! It's maddening, I'm obviously still not over it...
Matt,
Like many people have stated the 9ers are not far off from the playoffs. When I play the What If game, I think the 9ers may have made the playoffs this year if Sing took over earlier and Hill was able to win the starting job out of training camp. Having said that, I hope the 9ers don't hire a young QB coach as the OC for next year. The team is close. Having an OC thats learning on the job might kill the playoff chances next year. I'd rather have a guy like Linehan or someone else that has experience leading.
Norm Chow for OC would be a very nice fit. That's my 2 cents. Whaddya think, Guys??
What about Tom Rathman? If anyone understands the power running game that Singletary apparently wants to use, it's him, and the West Coast offense seems a good fit for Hill's skills sets (high percentage, short to midrange passes, etc.).
Not surprised by the news. The 9ers don't have the personnel (oline) to run a full-fledged Martz offense. How about some ex-9er assistants? Mike Solari, Matt Cavanaugh, or bringing back Greg Knapp (if the Raiders clean house)? I wouldn't be totally opposed to Billick if he is hired.
So how does this affect the 9ers QB stable? I'm assuming JTO will be gone (although I think they should try to retain him). If JTO is not brought back, it will be Hill, the draft pick, and ?. I still think Alex will not be back simply due to the money aspect. Maybe the team will sign one QBs who will likely be free (JP Losman, Grossman, or Boller).
I'm on board with Coach. I can understand letting Martz go and making 7 OC in 7 years only if we can get a good one on board for at least three years. Our O Line is not even average despite the PR, 30th now in giving up sacks! Take a look at Atlanta, 16 sacks in 15 games with a rookie Left Tackle and 2nd year left guard. Niners 45 sacks in 15 games. I am not impressed with McCloughan's player personnel evaluations. Winning the NFC West is not out of reach because it stinks, but advancing in the playoffs is going to require better personnel.
Eli's QB coach might be another option if we're talking about power run teams.
esfads,
I also like Rathman.
Marco,
A lot of those were Martz sacks. having JTO drop back 7 steps and hold the ball for a week. Also JT had no feel for the rush. Some were starting Snyder and Sims after JJ flamed out.
Things have gotten better the past month. Staley is doing a better job for the most part at LT. Now if we can just get a better RT than Snyder and the horrible Sims, we should see far fewer sacks next year. Also the reliance on the running game rather than throwing every play in the second half a la Martz will force D-linemen to play the run, which should also cut the sack total next year.
I'm going to go with Ray Sherman, Wide Receivers coach out of Dallas. Just because I can.
no billick in any capacity.apparently ,after less than aseason,some fans yearn for the bad old days..no passing game,9-in the box,use up running backs,go 3 and out.must be just too much damn excitement for the billick ilk wholike it boring.even billick/s unbalanced vision required the stud o-line and nonpareil defensethat we certainly do not have.