Here are some of the highlights of Singletary's meeting with the press conference:
--In addition to offensive coordinator Mike Martz, Singletary said he has also fired quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and running backs coach Tony Nathan.
--Singletary said his approach to offense is "more run to pass." He said there will be times when his team will pass more than run, but he wants to know that his team will be able to run the ball in the fourth quarter. He wants his teams to be able to run the ball effectively even when everybody knows the 49ers are going to run the ball.
--In firing Martz, Singletary said he was looking to establish a more conventional offense. He said the bottom line is that there was a difference in philosophy. Singletary said he wants to establish an offense that was more similar to what coach Bill Walsh implemented with the 49ers in the past. But, Singletary said, he is not a 3-yard-and-a-cloud-of-dust kind of guy.
--Do the 49ers have the offensive line to impose their will on the opponent in the way Singletary outlined? "Yes, sir," Singletary said.
--As far as the search for a new offensive coordinator, Singletary said he wants it done as quickly as possible. When asked about a timetable, Singletary said, "Yesterday."
--The 49ers are gathering information on candidates and putting a list together. When asked specifically about former Rams coach Scott Linehan, Singletary said, "We have a lot of people on the list."
--The new offensive coordinator will have the power to bring in his own quarterbacks coach, Singletary said. As for the running backs coach, Singletary said that position will be filled at an "appropriate time."
--Singletary said he will have final say over the 53-man roster. GM Scot McCloughan will still hold the "trigger" on the draft. But Singletary said the key to his union is "compromise." He said he reports to McCloughan, but they will work together and come to compromises.
--Singletary said he expects to have a lot of input in the draft. "I don't see Scot above me or below me. I see us working together," he said.
--Singletary relayed the interaction he shared with McCloughan before the 2007 draft. He said he was not impressed when he saw Patrick Willis on film. McCloughan kept insisting to Singletary that Willis was somebody they should want to take with the No. 11 pick. Singletary said he watched Willis and saw something different. He said it was only after McCloughan told him Willis' history - his personal life story and his willingness to play with injuries - did Singletary get the entire picture and see Willis' potential.
--When asked a closed-ended question about whether he was prepared to address the Alex Smith situation, Singletary said, "No, I'm not."
--Singletary was asked about the team's needs as the 49ers head into the offseason. He said:
Quarterback: He said he is not prepared to name Shaun Hill as the starter because if the 49ers acquired somebody better, that person would end up starting over Hill.
Offensive line: The 49ers need a right tackle, but Singletary said a tackle or guard would be on his wish list.
Pass rusher: Singletary said you can never have enough pass-rushers. They might even look for a couple of them.
Safety: He said the safeties have done a good job, but they'll look for a safety with "some more range."
--On the QB situation, Singletary said it is his priority to get the best 11 players on the field. When asked if it's possible that the 49ers' starting QB in 2009 is not currently on the roster, Singletary answered, "You're right."
* * *
Famous former bay area writer Paul Zimmerman (Dr. Z), at one point during the season made a comment that Gore had a ton of talent but appeared poorly coached. He picks the right hole by tries to run over the defenders instead of making cutbacks that would alow him to get more yards, or save his body. I'm glad to see we're going in a different direction with the RBs coach as well as the OC.
Interesting perspective considering that Tony Nathan was only just hired at the beginning of this football season. So if Paul Zimmerman made those comments, it would have been directed towards the previous RB coach. Tony told me yesterday that he was fired, and I meant to pose the question on here Matt. What do you speculate may have been the reasoning?
Isn't it logical that you clear out the RB and QB coaches now so that prospective OC's know that they will have lots (maybe complete) input on those positions once he (the OC) is hired. I suppose that you could make the same argument about all the offensive coaches, but it seems more applicable to QB and RB coaches.
Paul made the comment at around week 9 in his power rankings. I paraphrased, but his sentiment was basically that Gore needs coaching.
From my perspective I thought the RBs could've been taught to carry the ball more securely as well.
Singletary says he wants to impose their will on teams by running the ball. We better get a big Jacobs type back to compliment Gore. Man, Singletary has me pumped ;-)
I still say Tom Rathman deserves a look as OC
"Dr. Z" is obviously an expert on coaching RBs. Many half-moronic articles in SI have proven at least that much!
At least as RB's coach. I would love to get that guy back here. A perfect fit for Singletary.
Wow, very forthright. Almost damagingly so. He didn't originally want Willis, he's looking for a new QB (look out Shaun Hill), and Roman is not adequate as a safety. All things we know, but it's odd to see a coach lay out his hand so early.
The man's been analyzing football longer than Tony Nathan and myself combined. I wouldn't consider him a hack.
Regarding our running game, I'd like to see a light guy come in to compliment Gore, like Sproles (FA) or a Westbrook type of back.
The thing I think many people seem to forget is that Sing spent his entire career watching, studying and finding weakness' in offenses. I think he knows what he is after and will find the man who can execute his vision. I remember watching guys like him and Hacksaw Reynolds and thinking these guys would be great coaches because they are studnets of the game not just athletic wonders live Vernon Davis.
I am excited about Sing as our coach and can't wait to see how this off-season will unfold!!!
Right! We all know that football "analysts" are the smartest guys in the room. I'm all for Dr. Z, who has played and coached football for longer than Tony Nathan and Finalyst combined!
After listening to the press conf I almost get goose bumps. This guy seems to be the most sincere, humble, and fire breathing coach to come down the road in a long time. There are a lot of fans who are still holding their breath, but I think this is the real deal. He pointed out the exact positions that most of us feel need to be upgraded, a balanced attack, flexability to adjust, and ball control without the 3 and out and a cloud of dust. This is going to be the longest and most exciting off season in a long time.
Hey Matt,
Will the 49ers be able to coach the senior bowl again?
Exactly. I can't wait to see what this team will look like come preseason!
People mistake the media cartoon image of Singletary for the real Singletary. The question about Shaun Hill not being named starter for 2009 is a good example. The cartoon image of Singletary is that he says "Him, I may choke" and then names him the 2009 starter just one game later. Real Singletary gives a bluntly honest answer, that the best player at the position is the starter. There is much more depth and substance to this guy than some of us thought...Paul Zimmerman, by the way, is the best football writer that has ever lived.
Finalyst – Forthright – YES; Damagingly so – NO. One of the most important things that Sing said is that he’s not going to tell players things he doesn’t truly believe. It’s probably safe to assume he’s told Hill that they will be looking at QBs both in free agency and the draft with an eye to possible improvement; and he’s probably told Roman what everyone already knows --- that Roman is no longer a top flight free safety. Compare that kind of candor to the kind of BS that the media, the fans, and probably the players used to get from Nolan.
Martz firing is not a surprise...not because he failed which he didn't (he helped the offense quite a bit) but because of overall offensive philosophy. Martz wants to air things out and go vertical, while Sing wants to run, be tough, and throw off play-action. No matter how hard Martz tries to change his style the bottom line is it won't be enough. Thus best to move him out. Tollner did not fail either as he was already half out the door a few years ago when he was asked back to consult, so this lets him go into a well-deserved retirement. Nathan is probably the only deserved firing. Gore ran his best under Norv Turner and has been in fits and starts ever since trying to find that groove. When he cuts he's great because he accelerates like no other, but I too think he tries to do to much in the pile. The guy is a stud whop kept McGahee on the bench at the U, but even Martz did not utilize him very effectively. So much for the Marshall Faulk comparisons and the second coming of the greatest show on turf. Frank is Frank...play him to his strengths.
Sing is doing himself and everyone a favor by cleaning them out now. He already has a jump on his peers by his decisive decision-making...if he can get someone signed by the Super Bowl then we will be in very good shoes.
Ray and Randy,
I think Rathman is ready for OC. And it could be a perfect fit here. WCO passing heritage AND a fullback's smashmouth power running attitude. He and Sing could work together.
I didn't here you mention he was wrong? Gore does take a pretty serious beating out there and he's prone to fumbles. How much of that is coaching, I don't know. My point was not that Dr. Z is an expert RBs coach, it was that he pointed it out, and it was true.
I still say, build the trenches early in the draft. Take the best lineman you can get... but I might go safety if Taylor Mays is there, just because he is a HUGE improvement over Roman.
Get your RB and your FB in the 4th or 5th rounds. So long as we get a good right tackle earlier, the running game will be okay. We can take another shot at a marquee RB or WR in 2010.
I really think the anecdote about the draft of willis was very startling. It shows that Singletary knows he's not perfect, and that one of his weaknesses might be in evaluating draft talent, but there are people like McCloughan around him that are able to evaluate good talent. I'm looking forward to the upcoming drafts, and seeing how they develop in the offseason and perhaps during the season too.
Dr Z needs good thoughts from all football fans.
Sing has Coach Walsh down pat, Score a lot early then grind them in the mud late....while doing so pound their QB. It is how football games are won, it's been the blue print since 1979. Coach Sing should know, his team had to take it a lot...in really big games. That 1988 NFC Championship game probably still makes him cringe. I can still see Jeff Fuller stuffing Neal Anderson in the frozen dirt of Solider Field. Or Fuller out there in -10 degree temp in his no sleeves T-shirt running around in front of the cuddled up bears just before KickOff, I bet Sing doesn't forget any of that and he wants to have the same kind of football team. All's I can say is YIKES, this is gonna be good.
Shield_Battery amen, sir.
Can I at least get an Amen that Dr. Z is better than Peter King? Talk about hacks!
I caught part of the Mike Shanahan press conference this morning and was so moved that I genuinely wished the 49ers had the chance to hire him. But after watching Mike Singletary's 30 minute press conference, I'm convinced that the 9ers organization and their fans have really lucked out. I want to compare him to Dick Vermeil, but Singletary is really one of a kind. If Ray Lewis was a head coach his name would be Mike Singletary.
GREAT IDEA RATHMAN FOR OC. IF ITS GOING TO BE SMASHMOUTH THEN A BIG BLOCKING FULLBACK IS NEEDED, IN FACT I THOUGHT THAT IS WHAT GORE HAS NEEDED FOR TWO YEARS.
I like the idea of 'Sing' changing the offensive philosophy to more 'power-ball' over passing. But will this change cause Isaac Bruce to jump ship? Power-ball seems to be the preference among most teams and with the Giants huge upset win over the (18 & Ooch!) Patriots in the Superbowl the die has been cast. Another question that arises with the 'power-ball' philosophy is this, will the defense be able to keep opposing teams scoring down since this type of offense seems to put up scores in 17-24 point range? Concern; Frank Gore is a great inside runner but the pounding will take its toll by mid-season. Suddenly, the need for a Fullback becomes a priorety for this offense to truly have a chance to succeed. I'm confident these questions will be worked out during the process. For now, there's excitment and anticipation this offseason and that's a beautiful thing. This is 'Sings' team now, and I like the fact that he is already planning for next year, c'mon July 2009!
We MUST get a pass rush! It isn't optional if we want to be a good team. And yes we need a Offensive Tackle. And we need to get a QB for the future
A meat and potatoes common sense approach. I'm so proud
to have Coach Singletary at the helm. This guy is gonna lead
us to the promise land no doubt about it. #6 is on the horizon. If he pulls the trigger on Nate Davis in the draft I'll
be ecstatic. I will now renew my NFL ticket knowing that I will
get my money's worth watching an organization of determination instead of deterioration.
writers are just that....writers. Few if any ever played at any level nor understand the game. Rather just look for stories.
We don't need to spend a 1st round pick on a tackle. Most great offensive linemen in the NFL were not 1st round picks. There are always good options available through FA. And lets be honest, we haven't had a good fullback since Fred Beasley. We need to find a true blocker. Lorenzo Neal is still going strong at age 38. We NEED somebody like him, and we need him now. As for receiver, we have a few good young guys and the vet Bruce, so why don't we trade a pick to get a solid #1 receiver. It can't be that hard. Remind me, what did the Pats trade to get Moss? Get rid of Battle. Regarding the QB situation, I actually think we're in a good spot with Hill and Smith (assuming he stays). If they both somehow falter next season, that's when we should look at spending a high draft pick on a QB. In the meantime, I think one of them (or maybe both) are good enough to start. We need to get better at DT, likely through FA. I'm still not sold on Franklin or Balmer. I think we should spend our 1st pick addressing the secondary, and maybe draft a fast RB in the 2nd round. Look at the Titans with White and Johnson, THATS what we need.
Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum. I too am a diehard 49ers fan and check Matts blog daily. Most of the time I am just an observer, but I just had to sign up so that I could voice my opinion on this one.
What does Shaun Hill have to do to win these guys over. i am in on way comparing him at this point to Joe Montana, but a lot of high round QB's have failed in this league and a lot of undrafted QB's have stared.
I also remember Joe not being able to throw the long ball eary in his career with the niners.He never had a very strong arm.