Recently in Singletary press briefings Category

After a decade out of the game, Mike Singletary and his wife, Kim, decided the time was right for him to pursue a coaching career. Understandably, he made contact with the Chicago Bears to see if the organization would be interested.

Singletary, a Hall of Fame linebacker with the Bears, called then-Bears coach Dick Jauron as a courtesy.

As he recalled today during his weekly press conference, Singletary told Jauron, "I'm not asking for a job, but I'm telling you this year or in the very near future I will be coaching. (I) don't know where and don't know when."

Jauron responded, "Mike, let me get back to you and see what's happening here.'"

I was running late today, as I had to hustle home from Santa Clara after flying in this morning from Indianapolis to be there to pick up the birthday girl from school.

Alex Smith will re-enter the starting lineup on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Mike Singletary said. In explaining his decision, Singletary said Shaun Hill gave the 49ers their best chance to win early in the season, but the team's best hope is with Smith at quarterback.

Here's what Singletary had to say during his Monday press conference:

--"I wanted to make a decision based upon who I feel gives us the best chance to win. And I think Shaun Hill at the beginning of the season . . .  (Now) I feel Alex Smith gives us the best chance to win, to use the tools we have going forward."

--"Alex has had a chance to regain some of the confidence, not that he ever lost it, it just gives him a chance to settle in. Having watched Shaun Hill, and there's something about watching a guy and looking at some of the mistakes he's made and how you'd do it differently. Looking at some of the things he does well and implementing those things in your game . . . learning the offense a little more. Develop that hunger and develop hunger and excitement."

--If the 49ers had put Smith in the starting lineup at the beginning of the season . . . "and you don't have success right away, then it's 'Same old Alex.' Well, I don't think it's the same old Alex. I think Alex has matured, I think he's grown, and I think he's ready to play. And we're going to find out. We'll find out next week."