Here is what I know - or at least what I think I know . . .
--None of the O.C. candidates has been eliminated from consideration for the job. Also, none of the candidates has withdrawn from consideration. Those who have interviewed are former
--Coach Mike Singletary and GM Scot McCloughan have discussed the possibility of internal candidates for the job. They have yet to interview anyone from the staff, though. They're moving forward with their search, but they have yet to rule out anything.
--On another subject, an NFL source told me that new (Denver) coach Josh McDaniels has received permission from the 49ers to interview offensive assistant Adam Gase for a position on the Broncos coaching staff. The Broncos and 49ers neither confirmed nor denied the information.
--Niners assistant director of pro personnel Mike Williams had a good interview with the St. Louis Rams for their newly created position of director of pro personnel.
Here is what I don't know . . .
--It is easy to speculate that Chudzinski is the front-runner based on the fact that Browns quarterbacks coach Rip Scherer interviewed with the 49ers yesterday for opening that was created when the 49ers fired QBs coach Ted Tollner. But I don't know that to be true.
--UPDATE (1:28 p.m.): Then again . . . Singletary and McCloughan had a formal interview via telephone with Broncos tight ends coach Pat McPherson for the 49ers' QB coach position. Seems as if Dennison and McPherson could be tied together in much the same way it's easy to assume that Chudzinski and Scherer are a package deal. McPherson coached Broncos quarterbacks from 2003-06. McPherson has 49ers ties. He was a volunteer 49ers defensive quality control coach in 1996. His father, Bill, was a longtime 49ers defensive assistant and is still a friend of the organization.
--I don't know if the 49ers plan to interview any candidates from teams recently eliminated from the playoffs or anyone whose teams are still alive. My suspicion is that they're not finished interviewing candidates, but that's just a guess.
--I don't know if Singletary is seriously considering offensive-coordinator candidates who have never before called plays or served in that capacity. Dennison was interviewed for the job. He organized the Broncos' run game, but he reportedly has never called plays. It seems to me that Singletary would be putting himself in a bad position if he hires someone who does not have a track record performing that task. He needs somebody he can trust to work with complete autonomy at offensive coordinator.
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I know this is not a baseball blog, but I'm sure there are a lot of readers who like to keep track on the happenings of the A's and Giants. Former Press Democrat baseball scribe Jeff Fletcher has started a new blog, Bay Bridge Baseball, that is definitely worth book-marking and checking out. Tell him I sent you.
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Josh Mcdaniels? Did i miss something there? who is he and if he just signed onto our staff, seems weird that he immediately interview somewhere else.
It has been a while since we've gone through the off-season doldrums. But we seem to be there a bit early.
Matt - Is it just me or is the Singletary/McCloughan duo more secretive than the Nolan/McCloughan twosome? It just seems like they are not giving out much if any information. Nolan usually had something to say, even if it was double-speak.
Question: Josh Mcdaniels? Did i miss something there? who is he and if he just signed onto our staff, seems weird that he immediately interview somewhere else.
My response: No, the 49ers have not pulled off the biggest coup in the history of the NFL by somehow hiring Josh McDaniel as offensive coordinator just three days after he joined the Broncos as head coach. I inserted "Denver" in parenthesis to eliminate any confusion. --Matt M.
Greetings from Norway Matt.
First i would like to thank you for all the updates you bring us. I always enjoy reading youre blog before I go to bed and then check the updates with my morning coffee at work.
I`m waiting with great patience for the answer to the big OC question. Since it is taking such a long time do you think there is a candidate from one of the remaining playoff teams that they would like to interview. And if that is the case who?
Thanks again, not easy to get 49ers news in norwegian media so youre blog is a blessing.
Matt --
Ain't it funny how the night moves?
No. McDaniels (new Denver HC, former Pats OC) requested permission to speak to one of our staff.
I think its Colonel Mustard, in the study, with the led pipe.
GW -- Singletary and McC are both reasonably smart guys, so let's give them the benefit of the doubt and conclude that there's a reason that they aren't talking much about what's going on. Frankly, I'd rather have silence rather than what you called Nolan's double-speak --- and i called BS.
I believe the niners r waiting for the rams 2 dump Haslett. That would possibly free up OC Al Saunders who i think is the niners 1st choice he is 61yrs old and would be perfect for continuty going forward. Also would love to see P.Harvin in niners gear next he would be a great speed threat out of the slot and could spell gore for a handful of rushes per game.
Yeah, when I read that Bates called the plays in Denver last year, at the least, I was put off Dennison. It's encouraging to see a more structured approach to the hiring of some key individuals...unlike the last merry-go-round in 2005.
Sanchez is coming out. We need to take him if he's there at 10. He'd sit for the year behind Hill to learn the offense.
what kind of drugs are you on?
If that's not the pot calling the kettle black...
I don't think it's Saunders. The word from St. Louis is that if Haslett does keep the HC job (unlikely), Saunders is gone . . . possibly in favor of Martz. I'm guessing the Rams would let Saunders interview where ever he wanted now.
I dont know everything there is to know about this Rick Dennison. However i am concerned that his running style does not match what we are tryin to do as a team at all via power running
Matt, do you know how responsible this guy is for zone blocking in Den and if he is a good fit for us as a power running team?
When Nolan used to get stumped he'd go see a psychic. How do you think he came up with the vaunted Big-Sub package?
Matt, once we sign the OC it looks like there will be no significant Niner news until the end of February. Do you have a game plan for keeping all of us entertained during this lull?
I would like to point out two things:
(1) McSing keeping things close to the vest is prudent, appropriate, and professional. Their energy needs to be directed at finding the fit they think is right, taking whatever time they need--not on feeding and fighting the rumor mill, no matter what we blog addicts might like.
(2) There are four teams left in the playoffs. Would bet money that one or more somebodies on one of those teams is a candidate, and the interview just can't happen until their season is over.
Two words: Hue Jackson!
As confusing as the situation seems to be from an outsider perspective, I think that the fact that mccloughen and singletary are doing such a thorough tiered interviewing process of the potential OC and who they are bringing in is definitely the way this needs to be handled. Because of Coach Singletary's lack of experience on the offensive side of the operation, his OC will pretty much have to handle his business by himself.
This new OC wait is tough trying to be patient.
For all you Draft junkies (myself included) the NFP finally put all their draft related articles past & present in one section. Great stuff....here's the link.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/draft-2009/
What ever happened to Sings list of coaches he'd hire if ever he were hired as a HC? I'm not against the candidates but all these guys seem like the flavor of the month. I'm wondering if the delay in hiring is due to Sing wanting a crack at his guys from "the list"
Just to throw a name out for OC - Mike Belloti head coach of Oregon. His offenses are always very very good and inovative. What he does the best is his ability to mold his offense around his players and using their strenghts. He can run the ball and he can pass the ball. This man is also a first class person.
Comment: Just to throw a name out for OC - Mike Belloti head coach of Oregon.
My response: Remind me why he would acccept a paycut, leave a great owner (Phil Knight), take a lower-profile job and have to grind harder in a situation in which he can't select or recruit his own players. --Matt M.
Matt, When do you think the Niners will adress the Alex Smith situation? Also, do you think any of the previously interviewed OC's would want him on the roster?
Question: When do you think the Niners will adress the Alex Smith situation? Also, do you think any of the previously interviewed OC's would want him on the roster?
My response: There's no big hurry, but I'd expect the 49ers and Smith to come to some arrrangement -- one way or the other -- by the last week of February. As for the O.C., Linehan has known Smith for a while and would probably want to take a crack at salvaging him. I have no idea about Chuzinski, Christensen or Dennison. --Matt M.
I don't think you can assume anything from the people they are interviewing. I think I can see what's going on - as part of the interview for the OC, they ask who the guy would hire as QB coach. They are then interviewing that guy also. This way, they get to interview the QB coach before he is hired, but the OC still gets to make the choice. If I am right, they will hire the OC, and then he will immediately hire the QB coach who has already interviewed. I think it's a good approach.
Matt, what is your thinking on the two interviews for the QB coach position. It seems to me Singletary has interviewed four candidates for OC, and two of them seem to have a QB coach that Singletary has interviewed. What is your thinking on what is going on?
Coach Sing and the 49ers are taking the right approach to this by taking their time to pick the OC. I also like that they are taking it a step further and interviewing the potential OC's choice for QB coach as well. Its a package deal.
Hey Matt,
Two words: Pat Shurmur (Eagles QB Coach)
Here's why...
1. These recent delays in the hiring process lead me to believe Coach Singletary is eyeing a coach in the playoffs.
2. With Tom Rathman recently hired as RB Coach, it also leads me to believe we have intentions of going back to the WCO. (Rathman said in a phone interview that he is only familiar with WCO verbage!)
3. If you look up Shurmur's history he is an interesting option. (TE Coach, O-line Coach, and QB Coach) I've looked up Shurmur on sites like KFFL, he has been a hot candidate for OC the last few seasons.
4. And finally, both Singletary and Shurmur share the same agent! It could happen?
What do you think Matt?
Question: Two words: Pat Shurmur (Eagles QB Coach). . . . What do you think Matt?
My response: I'm glad you asked. Could it happen? Sure. But, if you're Pat Shurmur and are a "hot" candidate, what would lead you to take this job? If I were him, I'd wait for a better situation with a more stable QB situation. And, if you're Singletary, wouldn't you want to hire a coordinator with prior experience in that role and who has proven he can handle it? Those would be my questions. --Matt M.
Mike good link, count me as a Jr GM Junkie as well.
You know I appreciate your input, but, Percy Harvin can't be a top 10 pick, too small IMO.
A guy like Ellis Lankster WVU would fill a need for KR duties, but he's a CB by trade.
Josh is nice fit, he's going to blossom as T.O. did over time. He's big, he's not afraid of traffic and runs well after the catch.
Vernon is our untapped asset in the passing game.
I am all for a OC that can utilize and develop his pass receiving potential.
IMO, we have to think DE/OLB at 10 maybe NT/OL too.
Will be interesting to see how the GM attacks the Draft board for sure, that's the beauty in the prognostication we all enjoy here, keeps us in sync with the team during the offseason.
Right now I'd lean Everette Brown, I'm sold on his skills to pressure the QB, just not sure about his ability to play in space.
Duke Robinson or another stud OL talent could be had at 2.
The big question for me is the NT.
How much of a premium does Scot put on the pick for the Fat Man in the Middle?
Can't have a 3-4 without one.
Reno if you're out there, I was having fits years back on Ngata, now look at him.
Dying to see the Big Boys next week in Mobile. Raji/Brace/Jerry along with Herman Johnson, Duke and others on the OL.
Pat Shurmur is very interesting. Until then I would like to see
Chip Kelly interviewed from Oregon. Percy, Percy, Percy would
fill alot of needs namely kick/punt return, replace the Robinson failed experiment and deep threat receiver. The right tackle, NT problems could be addressed via free agency.
Ok. Here's how I see this......
When the Niners announced the hiring of Mike Martz, I thought it was a bad idea. I saw his ignorance of common sense football logic when he headed the Rams. As well, I heard he was a cancer in both of the previous organizations. But Nolan was desperate.
Martz comes to town and actually improves the offense even though he force feeds us JTO and we lead the league in turnovers. Actually, I thought it was Martz trying to prove to the league that he could take another Arena league QB and make him a star in his system.
But then Singletary takes over. Promotes Hill and asks Martz to tone it down. Suddenly I stop fearing the red zone again and begin to see a balanced team on both sides of the ball. Hey, this Martz guy isn't so bad?
Then we pull a York Sr. (Mariucci/Erickson). We fire Martz with no apparent replacement in mind. Wouldn't you fire someone if you had something better? As it turns out Martz hasn't had any other offers. He might of been fine with returning to a toned down system. He may have come to the realization that all offenses can be defensed. The west coast offense meets the 46 defense. The death of the run and shoot, and now the Martz system.
Probably like the rest of you, I'm eager to hear who McSingletary chooses as OC. They've already interviewed some very good candidates, but methinks there's another one or two more out there. Whatever, I know there's a method to their madness...and in the end, they'll get the guy they want. I'd think Linehan and Chudzinsky would be the leading candidates, but that's just a gut feel. We'll see soon enough.
Mike in MD: Thanks for the link. Re: Delays in interviews/announcements, it might just be that the management are doing some due diligence on who they've already interviewed. Either way, it shows that the search is probably being done properly. No rash decisions, no stone left unturned (maybe)...
Voice: I agree with you. I also thought it a desperation move in hiring MM. Not because he was the 6th OC in 6 years, but because it was yet another different system. Continuity can be retained by switching OC's, but not by switching systems. It seems that Coach understands the need to put a staff together with continuity in mind. If we lose a coordinator, we should have somebody groomed and ready to replace from within, like most successful franchises. Martz leaving came down to philosophy: Coach Sing didn't think it prudent to have to instruct Martz on how to run his offense, and Martz would not have wanted to be told...
Greetings from Denmark as well, Matt.
No one talks about the possibility of bringing Bryant Johnson back before he hits the open market. I really like this dude. He has a great size, decent speed and good hands. I fancy Morgan and Hill as well, but they are still too young to rely on.
What are your thoughts on Johnson, and do you see him coming back next year?
i dont see why virtually everybody is so high on rush LB. i agree that we do need a pass rush specialist but i dont think we should sacrifice an early (1st or 2nd) round pick.
p.haralson had 8 sacks last season (16th in the league) and he is only 24 (only two of the guys with 6 or more sacks are younger than him - m.williams and woodley) seems as if he is one of the brightest young pass rush talents in the whole league.
if we drafted a 1st or 2nd rd guy who would be benched? either haralson or lawson, who we already spent the 6th overall pick on. i really think lawson deserves a chance after definitely being slowed by his devastating injury and nolans defensive schemes.
therefore i think a mid round pass rush specialist would be quite sufficient to supplement the guys we have and enable us to draft OT and possibly S (or QB or RB or DT) first
Marc- I agree about the fat man in the middle. We have been paying dearly for Donahue passing on Wilfork. I admit I was hoping we draft VD and my second choice was a tie between Ngata and the LB from Ohio St. I can't believe what a bonehead I was. If BJ Raji is on the board we must take him. He is a NT that can one or two gap meaning while it will probably take a year for him to learn to be a good pro two gapper, he will be able to contribute in year one with his one gapping skills. IOW, he'll be a good inside pass rusher.
Glad to see you back Mr. Berger! I too was for VD in hopes he could be a suped up Brent Jones security blanket for the bust A.Smith. I'm still glad we have him because right now he is the best blocking TE in football and I don't doubt Coach Singletary will grow him into the best receiving TE as well. I would prefer to see us revert back to a 4-3 scheme with an emphasis on suddenness/playmaker to open up our offense and put points on the board which would help our defense. Percy,Percy,Percy!!
If BJ is there at 10 (which he should be) then you take him....I agree with Berger (again). Sanchez at 10????Who just inhaled???? No way. I would love to have him but we have other needs. Also need at RT obviously. I know it would be a cap hit but Jennings needs to go. In the second round get your OT or a DB. Matt, have you heard anything about who the team might target during free agency?
Ju - I totally disagree. Regardless of Parys’ final numbers, we lack a pass rush. Look at the top pass rushing teams in the NFL like the Ravens, Cowboys, Giants, and the best of the bunch - Steelers. These teams all have two or 3 pass rushing studs that can generate double digit sacks. We are too one dimensional with only Parys coming off the edge as a threat. This player would also replace Roderick Green (Who already replaces Manny on pass rushing downs) not Man Law on normal downs. In our division a pass rush will beat Warner, Bulger, and Hasleback. Its essential to this team taking the next step.
Marc - your right Harvin's too high at #10. If we really were eyeing him I say we trade down. Probably could get him somewhere before the 20th spot. I put him up there as a knee jerk after watching the BCS game & liking his scouting report + highlights. They probably padded his height/weight stats in Walters..got him at 5-11/196 lbs which if were true isn't bad. Much bigger & stronger than Desean Jackson. Maclin's size is slightly better at 6-1/199 lbs with room to grow, has good height & he still has the speed..sub 4.4 a blazer. Hungry for that SPEED for us. Want a home run hitter at WR (along with being a complete receiver) if he's to be our #1.
TJ - I think Linehan seems like the best fit for OC. How in the world do you ignore the whole need for continuity problem?? You can't. Only thing I can figure is Sing wasn't impressed with Linehan's fire, the "look in his eyes?" I agree with them being thorough & taking their time, doing it right. I have faith in Coach Sing.
Berger - like all your points. I think Raji will be there at 10 as one of our options.
mike in sf #2
i totally agree that we need an additional pass rusher but not at the cost of a top draft pick.
i want a situational guy who can do what r.green should have done this season, that is come in on passing downs and support the pass rush. but you cant take a third down guy in the first (or 2nd) round (at least it doesnt make sense to me but what do i know)
mike in sf #2
i totally agree that we need an additional pass rusher but not at the cost of a top draft pick.
i want a situational guy who can do what r.green should have done this season, that is come in on passing downs and support the pass rush. but you cant take a third down guy in the first (or 2nd) round (at least it doesnt make sense to me but what do i know)
Tj
You're probably right.
Thanks for your response.
Voice