MM - Is Hue Jackson in the running for another position like Assistant HC or Offensive something? Or is he 100% out with the 49ers moving forward. I can see a trio deal with him, Johnson, and Raye.

Question: Is Hue Jackson in the running for another position like Assistant HC or Offensive something? Or is he 100% out with the 49ers moving forward.

My response: Not to my knowledge. His name was linked to some other jobs, but I'm not sure if those were ever serious options. Also, he already has a job as QBs coach of the Ravens. --Matt M.

The Question really is, if there is still a chance that Old Blue hasnt been formally offered the job... I know im still holding out hope..... For the record I would really like the Hue Jackson and TJ Housh package....

Matt,

I really do not like this hire if Jimmy Raye is hired. What our your thoughts? Do you think Singletary will re-think the hire since there seems to be a big out-pouring of negative comments from 49ers fans?

This seems too odd. This entire process has been puzzling mainly due to the fact that they kept this entire process"in house" and have not commented the whole time. Matt, do you think the 49ers would want Raye to sign on the dotted line so that they can officially announce, or do you think it was by design to keep everyone in the dark?

Mediocity begets mediocrity. Matt, when (if?) all the dust settles it would be nice to know if Hue Jackson turned the Niners down or did Singletary really think Ray was the better choice. One earlier poster suggested the only logical rationale: bring in an old guy to mentor Rathman (or maybe Johnson) and make one of them OC in a couple of years.

Matt what are your odds we draft Jason Smith,OT,Baylor?

Questions: I really do not like this hire if Jimmy Raye is hired. What our your thoughts? Do you think Singletary will re-think the hire since there seems to be a big out-pouring of negative comments from 49ers fans?

My response: I'll share my opinions after I receive confirmation that it's a done deal. As for Singetary having second thoughts, not a chance. He does not care about the fans' reaction. The fans did not sit in on these interviews. He took his time, so he would not have any second thoughts. Also, I seriously doubt he is out reading message boards to gauge the fans' opinions. --Matt M.

Is the silence regarding a deal a product of the "quiet period" that traditionally occurs in the two weeks before the Super Bowl?

Matt,
Thank you for your response. One follow-up question. Do you think if Jimmy Raye is hired it will be because the other OC's declined the offer? Will that question be asked when Coach meets with the media?

Question: Is the silence regarding a deal a product of the "quiet period" that traditionally occurs in the two weeks before the Super Bowl?

My response: This week, there have been a lot of announcements of coaches being hired. Heck, the Broncos waited to announce this week something we'd known for a while, that Mike Nolan is their new defensive coordinator. The Chargers hired Rob Chudzinski as assistant head coach/tight ends this week. No, the hiring continues . . . --Matt M.

In related news - it will be fun to see how San Deigo, Detriot, Denver, and now Tampa's offenses do next season compared to the 49ers: The Buccaneers announced the hiring of Jeff Jagodzinski as offensive coordinator today. He was unemployed for a few weeks after Boston College fired him for interviewing for the Jets’ head-coaching vacancy.

Hi Matt,
I am one of the thousands (I believe) of daily readers of your blog that usually does not leave comments. I just wanted to say thank you for being so dedicated to us 49er fans. I can see that you are often inconvenienced and spend time that you could be doing other things to keep us updated. The extra work shows up in your postings and the responses to them. You are truly a Professional and I appreciate you very much.

Matt, sorry to beat a dead horse, but the euphoria of Singletary's announcement as the head coach has worn off. The reality is that the coordinator for the last great 49ers offense is out of a job. If boy wonder had not acted so impulsively, do you think the 9ers would have ponied up the money necessary to sign Shanahan for the head coach position? Also, would Shanahan have been willing to work with Mcloughan and the 9ers ownership group? Than you

Thank you. That means a lot to me.

So you won't hold it against me if I disappear for a week or so after this chapter is concluded? --Matt M.

I second that sentiment.

Thank you Matt for keeping us informed and engaged.

Matt,

No, we won't hold it against you. Take all the time you and your family need. Just come back! Thanks again for all that you do to feed our habit.

Matt,
Thanks for getting us any scraps of information that turn up. I know it has to be difficult when your readers are screaming for news and there is none to be had. Hopefully there will be a press conference soon, and you will have a wealth of information to analyze and distribute to us. Thanks. Has anyone dug up the performance of Raye's different teams before/after his OC stints, or is that a post press conference task? I just get the feeling tht his talent base was limited in most of those situations. Anyway, thanks again Matt. We wouldn't be good fans if we didn't get a bit fanatical at times.

So we have Jimmy Raye - now what? Foster is a #3 back at best, Keasay is just an athelete, Special Team Terror Robinson never has had and never in life will have what simply cannot be taught - running back instincts. And Gore is human. FA offers Jacobs, Sproles, Ward and Arrington - Whoopee! After we get a really top drawer Rusher, RT and Safety, if we fail to get at least two, I repeat two stud RB's from the draft - we are screwed. We are screwed 'cause believe me folks, Singletary is bound and determined to emulate the current Giants, and Steelers/Bronco's of old and hark back to the days of smash mouth running, ala Redskins and Riggins. Only trouble is, we do not have the backs to pull that off. And I wonder about the OL. Period!

C'mon man, we were in a happy place over here. You're killing the vibe, man.

I really don't think there will be a "middle-ground" for this upcoming version of the Niners here in 09. I'm hoping, and thinking, they will soar and be another of those "from the worst to First" ala last year's Dolphins - or we will crash and burn right out of the gate. Again - there is no middle ground. None in my view

Matt,

Do you think when Linehan was offered the OC job originally, the paperwork was ready for him to sign?

If so, then I don't understand why it would be hard to basically swap out Linehan's name with Raye's name UNLESS there are other stipulations and caveats in regards to Raye being the OC besides just number of years and money.

Then again, maybe number of years and money is the whole crux of the agreement so that Singletary has power to change OCs or promote an OC from his current staff without any repercussions.

Eh.

Traj

Matt, I also thank you for your time and efforts. Question: Who sits in on these interviews? Singltary's specialty is on the Defensive side of the ball, and I wonder how he can effectively evaluate someone for the OC position. I liked Martz and can't help but feel that he was let go because he wasn't a "yes-man" that fit Singletary's style. Again, I am just on the TV side of things, but I am not very impressed by this new hire and feel more mediocrity approaching us. Thanks for your thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skoPxPZmySs

Matt- If Raye is actually signed as OC, this leads me to believe that Singletary wants his hand in the offense as much as possible. Perhaps, this gives us some possible insight into why candidates such as Linehan walked away from the job. I don't anticipate Raye having much freedom to run what he wants unless Mike approves....what do you think?

Hi Matt,

Off the subject but I just finished reading your book, GREAT read for any 49er fan. It got me thinking that you might write a book on the Mike Nolan years (ha). If so I have a few suggestions for the title:

Mike Nolan: All Dressed Up for Total Failure

Mike Nolan: Suited to Loose

Mike Nolan: The Empty Suit if Incompetence

The Mike Nolan Era: Double Speak & Defeat

According to his background, Raye does not look like he has had tremendous success as OC. Not sure if he is the best choice, but for now we'll have to trust in Sing. Matt, let us know your thoughts on Raye. I am hoping that the offense is not strictly a predictable, plodding, pass on third down only, slug. Please give us some hope.

Allow me to introduce you to Shonn Green.

I'm second guessing myself here on the niners #10 pick, but he's the only RB worth the top 10 selection. Unless the chargers trade up to get him before we do.

Matt,

In a word "HUH?" how can the 49ers go from bringing in Hue Jackson for a 2nd interview then within 24 hours later they're about to give the job to Raye who was never on the radar thru out this process? It's perplexing to say the least. And on top of all that there is nothing and I mean nothing that would lead me to believe that Raye is competent & innovative enough to lead & improve this offense. If they do sign Raye it REALLY makes me think wether Sing & McCloughan know what they're doing. I'm not happy.

I was going to say that if the 49ers draft a QB at #10 you can put a nail in the coffin but if they draft a RB at #10 with all the other far more pressing needs we have then you might as well just burn the coffin.

I agree that the 49ers don't have the luxury of taking a RB with their first round pick. I think Niner fans should keep an eye on Vontae Davis...if he has a solid combine he might solidfy himself as the premier defensive back in this draft. I also disagree with some of the recent mock drafts that have the Niners taking Sanchez....that's just not going to happen.

The Niners dont have the luxury of "grooming" a running back coach like Rathman, with a subpar washed up OC who has never proven to be a diffrence maker. Long term strategies are for teams that win today, we need to win now! I can give a crap what the plans are for Rathman, for all we know MSing wont be here in two years. This is a bad pick if signed.

Matt,
You can have 7 days off as long as they are not in a row! :)Okay,that's not fair... then 7, no 8 days in a row off for sticking with us through all the ups and downs of finding an (in)offensive coordinator.

sing shoulda hired jackson. this move is very irratating

RAYE WHO!?

Take all the time you need MM, thanks for the great info! ...as long as you don't go out 'mulling over' any other newspaper-writer offers.

I don't get the impression that Raye has the reputation for being a creative play caller. Imagination is important. Keeping the defense off guard is important. Trick plays, when appropriate, can be successful. I hope we aren't going to have a plodding offense - run the ball twice, then throw a pass on third down - unless, of course, that is working that day. I don't want us to be the Baltimore Ravens and put the fans to sleep.

But few us know anything about Raye. Maybe he's sensational. But you'd think that he'd have a better reputation by now with all the years he's had in the league, unless he's ... average.

That other blog has a conversation w/ Raye posted . Nothing to compare with what our Matt will get us, but of interest, and I found it gave me some hope :
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/49ers/

I had hoped we'd gotten a shot at Chan Gailey. In looking at Raye's record, I'm afraid we'll be running the same offense that Gunther Cunningham would run if *he* were hired as OC.

Gave you hope??? Jeesh, it depressed the heck out of me. 49ers running a line backer offense?? Good grief.

Thanks for the link, MarkW. One small snippet and we already learn that Raye was in the picture from day one, negating a couple hundred posts about last man available, Sing not prepared, etc. The OC to me never mattered. If you believe the HC is the right guy, you trust that he knows what he's doing. Simple. For any of us to think we know more than him is ridiculous. If he's the right guy, the record will show it. So far, the record supports him.

Absolutely dreadful. The Bears of the mid 80s - early 90s won a SB when there defense absolutely dominated games in 1985, which ranks with the 86 Giants and the 2000 Ravens as the greatest defenses of modern times. But when a really good team got the lead on them (like the 49ers in the 1988 NFC championship game), they could never come back. Their offense was simply not dynamic enough (wasn't dynamic at all). The "grunt" "plod" offense is a loser. And to me, it seems more that the 49ers were turned down than they turned down the candidates. No ambitious or creative assistant coach is gonna want to be a coordinator for Sing if he can get a job with a team which will let him really create an offense. So we get the journeyman coach who wants a job (Dan Henning, Ron Turner, etc - yeah sometimes they have a "good" year - never good ENOUGH). Forget the playoffs (PLAYOFFS?) - I would be suprised if the 49ers win more than 5 games next year. Gee, I'm negative right now - I'll feel better tommorrow I'm sure.

The OC never mattered?

Wow... OK. We are entitled to our opinions but that's just ridiculous. Between this and your other post about what kind of offense Singletary intends to run I am starting to wonder if we are talking about the same game.

Obviously has a rapport with Turner and has already discussed our QB issues w/ him; is studying game film to get to know player's strengths; will run a system with which our players have some familiarity--

things could be worse.

My concern is that smash-mouth football w/o a vertical threat is a tough way to get to a championship. And, quite frankly, it's boring. Will there be the vertical dimension?

Oh yeah, a couple of things we probably DON'T need to keep discussing. Mike Shanahan. With the way coaches are fired in today's NFL, it is a seller's market. With no doubt a choice of teams, why the heck would Shanahan come to the 49ers and work with the Yorks and McCloughan? And please, enough with the "grooming" of the next coordinator (the "next" one already?). Any younger coach who shows real promise will be a prospect for other teams as a head coach or coordinator. THAT'S the way it is in today's NFL. You can't worry about that stuff. You need to have a sharp head coach who himself can groom coordinator after coordinator (like Walsh, Shanahan always did and like Belichik does). Also, enough with the "digit system." I've followed NFL football since 1967 and didn't need to know the offensive terminology. You need freaking PLAYERS and coaches who maximize their talent (like one Mike Martz, but then.........he's not an ass kisser, so he doesn't network well in today's NFL....Walsh wasn't either by the way, which is why he had a rough time getting an NFL head coaching job for years). I'm completely aggravated right now (can you tell?) I'm NOT interested in the potential of an 8-8 season. It WON'T be good enough for me. All brought to you by the idiots who fired Mariucci after a playoff season. Six losing seasons and counting. It's not good to be so bitter in LA, especially when I can't get KNBR well on my computer.

That makes me feel better too, because I seriously thought that he was hired on the spot. At least I know now that he was in the running all along.

I'm talking about the team Singletary has clearly described as the one he's going to run. Many of you are talking about the team in your fantasies. When asked if he had the personnel to run when the other team knew it, Sing said "Yes sir, we do." That's pretty clear. He didn't say this meant run, run, run (as many here keep chanting). What it means is when it's 3rd and 1, he's going to get that one yard. A distinct failure of Martz offensive focus. When it's third and one on the one, we will get that TD and not settle for a FG. Sing also stresses winning the war in the trenches. That means having the tougher team. What don't you understand about this? I didn't say AN OC didn't matter, I said (or meant to imply) that whoever was the choice for OC would be fine with me because it would be the OC that Singletary wanted. In other words, I wasn't championing anybody, which is a favorite passion of many here.

Based upon Beerows interview it seems to me that Raye is a fellow graduate of Norv Turner from the Ernie Zampese school of offense. The fact that he talked about Tony Gonzalez and Vernon Davis should tell you it is not just run, run, run. I suspect the offense will be desinged not unlike the Dallas offense that Turner ran with Gore playing the role of Emmitt Smith. Now, we need the fullback and eventually Aikman. But, this type of running game and balanced attack is just going to make Hill and perhaps, Smith, better. It also sounds to me that Raye and Turner are quite close so that is probably a positive for Alez Smith.

Matt, All the talk about Vernon Davis being such a great blocker and the need for the niners to upgrade there o-line and pass rush, has there been any thoughts about moving Davis to the o-line or even a OLB or DE?

This is all part of Matt’s “connect the dots” game from a week or so ago. It’s not Jimmy Raye at all. It’s Johnnie Ray; but only those over about 60 years old will remember Johnnie. He was a pop singer from the 50’s – 60’s who’s most popular song was appropriately entitled for those who are gnashing your teeth over the apparent hire of the new OC ---- it’s “Cry” --- go to http://www.johnnieray.com/JRaudio.html and you can cry along. You may also agree that it’s one of the worst pop songs in history.

Slightly more seriously, the interview BeeRows had with Raye is slightly encouraging. At least we now have some indication that the Raye hire was not strictly a Hail Mary with virtually no time on the clock. So, while MM takes his week off (help!!) here’s a question for some discussion: are the kind of tough, smash mouth players Sing and Raye want born, or can that kind of mentality be the product of the right kind of coaching? In other words can the current roster, particularly the OL, be coached into “kicking a..; and taking no prisoners”?

Back to surfing ----

I do not feel good about this hire.Does anybody think the offense will be equal to or better than last years?Raye has been very good at one thing ...that is convincing someone to hire him . He must give great interview, knows what you want to hear ...he must because he has been around for many years and hes never been able to win ...his long and lousey track record shows his best days were when somehow he achieved mediocre results. In my opinion he is the worst possible choice from the list of possibles. What happened to Sing "I want winners " ??? You could have kept Martz..the two balanced out well together...the possibilities of a second year under Mike and Mike seems like it had potential ! We took a big leap backward with Raye Cant win with him Cant do it, Cant get points on the board Cant do it Cant move the ball with him cant do it . Sing ..you may not keep your job because of this I dont see much hope at all right now ..cant do it . Mike Shannahan is waiting! Next year Mike Holmgren will be ready I hope Im wrong about the team slipping back to last in the leauge status..right when they finally seemed ready to compete for playoffs The best hopes this team has had was just before Mike S fired Mike M..with no good clue as to ...you know its a disgrace to the real Niners. Teams of that stature do not become jokes ...well except for Oak geeez. Im usually a positive kinda fan ...but i feel worse than I ever have .

Tucson9er is spot on. And if I hear "smash mouth" one more time.......I remember that as a term Jerry Glanville used to use.....and his "smash mouth" teams were regularly whomped by the 49ers (and usually by 30 to 40 points a game!). All the coaches in the NFL are pretty good coaches and all the players in the NFL are pretty good players. Or they wouldn't be in the league. Certainly Raye must have tons of knowledge from his 30 years of coaching. But there will always be the same amount of games lost each year. (in the entire league) You understand what I'm saying here? Tow in BIG, you need to be BETTER than the other teams. Your coaches need to be better, your players need to be better. THAT"S the challenge in putting together a team in the NFL. And when you get SUPERIOR players and coaches, you contend for the championship. That's why this choice sickens me, not because Raye is a bad coach or anything like that. Shaun Hill is a good QB. Big Ben and Kurt Warner are GREAT QBs. That's why I'm not SATISFIED with our QBs, not because they're bad.

Jerry atleast two elements are missing in our running attack -a dominant RT and a crushing lead blocker (read FB)-some have discussed Robinson in that role others Davis -no comment there.But can we trade the Rams for Brian Leonard-Rathman would be dynamite with that kid!

So all the FUDs some people spew about a boring running offense are shot down. Raye and M. Johnson's experience under Turner and Rathman's under Mariucci should mean an efficent passing game too if a few right players are added.

All I can say is this sounds like warmed over Jim Hostler. This will be one boring inept team again next year. Nice move Mike!! Now go back to dropping your pants. This clown Raye has done noting in his career that suggests he is deserving of an OC job Scot should get fired for allowing this. Well Mike S. it was nice knowing you. Remember this is a business and you actually need fans to pay the bills. This crummy pick ain't gonna get it done!

There's no comparison between Raye and Hostler. Hostler is a young guy with very little experience, none as an OC when he was hired. Raye has 32 years of experience and several OC gigs. The rest of your disparaging and insulting rant reveals you to be a crass idiot with no respect for accuracy or fact, or decent fellows you obviously know nothing about. To the dunce corner with you. I'm sure the Niners won't mind losing a "fan" like you - who would?

Wait.... Raye hasn't signed? Quick; I think Martz' phone number is still in the rolodex. Give em a call Sing. Say your sorry. Tell him of the economic times and how it would be in his best interest to be employed. Tell him he can call up to 50% of the plays as long as the other 50% are runs.

Skeebers is one of the few making sense, peeps like Mike in Sac are just exhibiting their inept expertise which I'm pretty sure Coach Singletary is not in need of. Coach is a winner, a leader and he's gonna be around a long time eventually taking us along for the ride to our 6th superbowl. Let's just hope Arizona can put a knife in the Steelers aspirations to get their before us cuz that would piss me off.

Let's see...in the brief interview Matt Barrows had w/Raye, here's what came out:

- Raye likes a big, nasty FB leading his RB.

- He likes smash-mouth football.

- He likes to use his TE's.

What among those things are any of you objecting to? Raye's offensive mindset is much like Norv Turner's. That offense isn't run, run, run, but it does feature a power running game. It uses the TE's...in KC Raye had Gonzalez...in SF he'll have Davis and Walker. What's the problem? The offense will be a balanced attack...what's wrong with that? I think a lot of you just need to examine the FACTS about Raye before you proclaim his hire to be so abombinal.

Frank: You want FACTS? Here are the FACTS:

ST. LOUIS RAMS
1983: 12th overall (12th passing, 9th rushing)
1984: 21st overall (27th passing, 2nd rushing)

TAMPA BAY
1985: 23rd overall (17th passing, 21st rushing)
1986: 27th overall (27th passing, 12th rushing)

Note: Steve Young started five games in ’85 and 14 games in ’86.

NEW ENGLAND
1990: 26th overall (20th passing, 25th rushing)

ST. LOUIS RAMS (second stint)
1991: 18th overall (7th passing, 27th rushing)

KANSAS CITY
1998: 19th overall (16th passing, 23rd rushing)
1999: 12th overall (22nd passing, 4th rushing
2000: 8th overall (5th passing, 25th rushing)

Note: Elvis Grbac threw for 4,169 yards and 28 TDs in 2000.

WASHINGTON
2001: 28th overall (30th passing, 8th rushing)

RAIDERS
2004: 17th overall (8th passing, 32nd rushing)
2005: 21st overall (10th passing, 29th rushing)

There you have it, a history of failure (sorry, but as harsh a word as failure is, finishing in the late teens or 20's and subsequently being fired is failure).
Now apart from 1999 in KC (a very short-lived success considering the following year they dropped 21 places), and the 2 years benefiting from the great Eric Dickerson, what about these FACTS fill you with this optimism?

There is NO history of sustained success anywhere, in all of these years.

I'm not saying he will be a failure here (like he has practically everywhere else), but what I and most of us are saying is, he has not had the kind of impact anywhere else that would lead us to believe that he will succeed here...
...and after all this time, it seems like we ended up with somebody no-one else wanted.

Remember, Frank, that we were all spoiled by the legendary Bill Walsh, so we expect (long for) an offense that is not constantly in the lower portion of the league, and after suffering through the Mike NoWin era, this hire doesn't excite.
I hope and pray that Raye makes us a powerhouse on offense again, and as a coach of our beloved 49ers, he will get that support from most of us, unless and until we stink, again.

Now, if Raye was hired to teach and groom Woody or A.N.Other to take over as HC after a year or two, as I've already speculated, then there is logic to this hire. The most important part of this hire was not to hire somebody who would stay for years, but to hire somebody who can put a system in place. A system which would allow us to promote from within when coaches leave, like most of the successful clubs do.

Having said that, I'm reminded of what the original meathead, Mike Tice once said, when referring to the running game:

"Now I'm a smash-mouth guy, always have been, always will be, and I want to run the ball on every down. I did when I played, too. But, the league has changed, it's now a passing league. If you can't pass, you can't win"

That's not verbatim, as I heard it a few years ago, but when an original smash-mouth guy says that you have to pass, I believe him. The league has changed to accommodate and encourage the pass. I hope that Coach Sting understands this, too.

Stats junkies, you have to look beyong the numbers. Matt was kind enough to list who the contributing players were on Raye's teams. Look at them and tell me how many of them produced better without him. In the year that KC dropped 4th in rushing to 25th, KC lost both of their top rushers from the previous year. Raye's best remaining back was a FB, so he gets Grbac to throw for over 4,000 yards and the offense is ranked 8th in the league. Sure the offense was 5th in the league the next year without Raye, but they also brought in Priest Holmes (an upgrade over a FB) and Trent Green (better QB than Grbac). Fact is, he did as well as anyone could with poor talent, and he got the best career years out of his good talent. In TB, Young was a ...well... young, run at the first sign of trouble QB(like 1st couple years in SF), and he saw a lot of trouble behind a terrible TB line, with no one to throw to. 23rd in the league is amazing with that talent level.

Raye's players have been quotrd this week as saying he is very thorough, incredibly intelligent, and always prepared with in game adjustments that exploit defensive weak points. Wow! In game adjustments? That sounds fantastic. We now have an OC that is not so proud that he will stick stubbornly to the same approach, regardless of whether or not it works (Martz literally throwing away the SB vs NE, and sticking w/JTO when even the Gold Rush wanted him benched). Let's see, how well did Martz do last time he had to make quick in-game decisions? "Uhhhh... 50 seconds left? Uh... new position group... No, wait spike... Ah hell, everybody out... now spike... now run, no spike...well, my bad, we'll get 'em next time, boys."

Hooker, your stats reveal that this guy has produced top 5 rushing attacks and top 5 passing attacks. That is not "failure," it's extraordinary versatility and competence. In 8 out of 12 years, his teams had either a top ten rushing attack or a top ten passing attack. What resume of any of the other OC candidates can claim the same? He also provides continuity where no one believed we had any: the 3 digit system used by Turner and Hostler. The team will have a short learning curve. Great, solid hire.

I'm fairly new to this game but surely what you need is a balanced offence.
Having a top 10 running or passing offence is all well and good, but if it is backed up with the other being a load of tosh then you are not gonna win anything.

I have read a lot of reports and articles on Raye's appointment at am yet to find one that gives a ringing endorsement.

Now , as I said I'm new to the game so I have to listen to the experts to gauge whether or not something is good or bad and one quote I keep seeing is this one:

"How exactly did Singletary settle on Raye, whose three-decade-plus NFL resume yawns mediocrity? Why is a coach who wasn't in demand with any other team the right choice for Singletary's most important hire?"

Judging by that and the rest of the articles/ comments I have read it would seem that TJ Hooker is right.

Does anyone know this guy, have any of you seen his other OC stints. If you look at the teams he has been a OC it has not been with a whole lot of talent on the team, and their coaches were fired pretty shortly. So lets see the Niners have more talent then all the teams Raye has ever had as an OC, and yet the season which hasn't even began yet is over.

I am sick and tired of all the negative talk, I can't believe that real fans would actually count the next season out when we don't even now who is on the team.

Tucson9er you are obviously not a true fan, you know nothing about Raye and have no clue what he is capable of. I think we all owe Sing our support, and frankly I think we have to wait and see what happens. I am reserving judgement on this hire until after the season is over when the judgement should be done.

Skeebers: They aren't my stats, they are Rayes stats. And we'll have to agree to disagree on the interpretation of them.

After 12 years as an OC, I just don't see one year in the Top 5 Rushing, and 1 year in the Top 5 in Passing as "success".

What I see is 9 out of 12 years in the lower half of the league in offense. Now I know Coach wants to run it, but still, in 7 out of 12 seasons he's finished at or near the bottom in rushing.

I like the points Aaaron makes, and want to re-iterate my support for Raye. I'm not saying that he won't succeed with us. I am saying that the reason many fans are disappointed with this hire is because of Rayes questionable production, over many, many years.

Nothing would give me greater pleasure (maybe a bottle of JD and a night with Beyonce would...) than to see our beloved Niners kick some major ass next year. I hope Raye does succeed and prove all the doubters wrong.

Furthermore, I would suggest that Raye was not hired to run the offense...I would suggest that Raye was hired to let Singletary "run" the offense. And by "run" I don't mean call ALL of the plays...
Controversial opinion? Possibly.

Fair enough, Hooker. Let the season play out. Glad to see you haven't thrown in the towel like many here. Defense wins championships, anyway. If our D sucks, no amount of offensive production will help us.

And, conversely, if our D excels, adequate offense is all that is necessary to win games. I think we can all agree that Singletary intends to have an imposing defense.

Borrrringg....sorry i had to let that out. I just hope for the best for our new OC. I know he's old school, his resume still well ehh, OKay. Just the Ws on his record didnt sell me. I am not as hyped as I was before now that we received a less eye popping news.

Hey Matt, any word from Hue Jackson coming back for a 3rd Interview?

Please not another Hostler.

Skeebers: Exactly! Coach wants to build a smash mouth team and dominate on D., so you're right, we don't need a top 5 offense.

Willis et al: I shouldn't promote the "enemy", but Barrows has a good piece on this. Gave me some positivity, anyway!

Thanks for the link, Hooker. Wow. Singletary gets more impressive all the time. DefenseGuru, since you profess to be new to this game, these guys who unanimously picked Raye are, indeed, "experts." Sportswriters not named Maiocco are not.

Matt, Hate to go the speculation route but here it is....Taking into consideration Raye's age and lack landmark OC accomplishments in the past. Also taking into consideration Singletary's documented respect for Norv Turner, and Turner's somewhat rocky standing in San Diego and Raye also serving under Turner in Oakland (similar terminology). Do think the Niners may have Turner in the back of their mind if he were to come available? Sorry for the Ralph Barbieri, two minute question.

ok maybe i was a bit negative, maybe its a good thing so I dont hype myself up like i did with Martz. You know, Martz was alright. He did what he can with what we have. Sullivan showed some promise for a good sec and then the sacks and turnovers got ridiculous.
Smashmouth football is what Sing is gonna bring, then lets see some next season. Gore can run hopefully healthy by next season, D Foster, good contributor, just dont fumble. We want to see Clayton do his damage like hid did back in preseason. We all saw SHill showing some runs and fire( classic hightlight against Cards) oh how i wished we couldve won that. that game was ours. oops anyways. yeah
Cant wait to see Niners smash Lions in the head. you Lionahen.
You Lion to us and now you pay.

Ultimately it boils down to player personnel executing the plays called. We have star potential with TE, RB, WR-we just need a McCittrick type OL. That is what it will take to make Rayes offense effective.
On another note if Arizona stops wee willie parker and gives warner 1mississippi 2mississippi 3mississippi the Cardinals win. I don't think pittsburgs wr's beat Arizonas secondary.

Skeebers: I can't figure out who really is new to the game DefenseGuru or you?. From your constant comments proving you are as blind as a bat and so pro "Sing" it's beginning to make you look like you are really "Sing" using the name of Skeebers.
Your NEW love (again) of the possible hiring of Raye because "Sing" had a say in it is really embarrassing! Raye is a nothing as a coach whereever he has been. It seems he might be the only off shoot of Bill Walsh who has failed in any of the coaching he has done in the past. The example of the old timer Art Shell (great player) coming back in his last stint as HC of the Raiders is the most recent example of what Raye will bring to the team. Shell tried to bring his old ways, even his old ways from just a few years before when HC of the Raiders, and failed miserably. He was tough and strong headed, but it didn't work. In that short of time the game passed him by.
Now some will say "Sing" has been coaching up to now. True! But most who comment here and in other papers see "Sing" reverting back to something he was a part of over 20 years ago because of his inexperience. He knows little of offense, so his old Bears (and he even has mentioned wanting their old offense here) have become his anchor. And if Raye is hired it only becomes the more obvious he wants an offense that existed over 20 years ago! Why? Because he wants to pick a safe OC that will kneel to "Sing's" ideas a 3 runs and out offense.
Many of us who see this happening are attacked by you because they, God forbid, dissagree with what you think is going to be this GREAT HC who is wanted by every club in the NFL, and who will pick coaches the way Bill Walsh did! No way!
Let's just say all of us dissagree with you and leave at that.

Foxsports and ESPN are reporting that Raye has agreed to a contract to be the niners 8th OC.

All fine and well. I'm in alignment with Sing's philosophy and his coaching staff decisions.

But I would argue that the chieftain of the offense (the Quarterback), needs to be capable and a "threat" to turn the smash-mouth into stretching the field. See Ben Rothelisberger and Joe Flacco.

I don't want to hear the Trent Dilfer case study. That year was a beyond-incredible defense from the Ravens that allowed him to be average Joe.

Bless Shaun Hill's little heart, but he's our average Joe that will only carry us so far, even with Sing's end vision of a stout defense. The niners need to draft a Quarterback in 09 who can take it to the house.

Uh, no Terry. You're not the valedictorian of Instant 49ers.

Let's just say that you have the freedom to express your personal opinion, and leave it at that.

The picture at top of the article written by Matt about the Raye hiring says it all! There's Raye walking with another loser, his buddy, Romeo Crennel who was just tarred and feathered and run out of Cleveland. TWO LOSERS!!
This hiring by the 49ers proves the points of so many of those who comment here, even those who tried to give the team and "Sing" the benefit of the doubt. It IS the hiring of a guy who "Sing" can walk over and trash in the media when this NEW offense runs the team in the ditch. It's a middle finger to the fans!
It's another hire on the CHEAP by the York's again! But we 49er fans have seen and been through this before. If my 49er season tickets haven't been in my family so long, and weren't given to me by my father as a gift, I'd give them back now!
But I'll just sell them to fans of the visitors and make them happy! That's if the economy will allow those fans to purchase the tickets! Otherwise they go in the garbage!!!!