Have you wondered, over the last couple of years, why guys like Wade Phillips, Norv Turner, and Art Shell get reprieved from the Island of Sub-Mediocre Coaches? I don't understand why these retreads continue to get jobs, while a guy with seemingly all the tools -- 49ers linebackers coach Mike Singletary -- wastes away in assistant-ville."I want to be the best coach ever," Singletary said, "and that's a lot of work. ... I've been (coaching) in the league four years. You look at that: You've just been in the league only four years. "So I'm thankful I have this year. I really believe that when it's supposed to happen, it will be with the right team. And that team will know that they're looking for somebody like me."Three opportunities have passed Singletary by, and twice the 49ers have gone beyond him for defensive coordinator. Assistants used to have to wait their turn to be promoted, but with the hirings of young, inexperienced guys like Lane Kiffin, one has to wonder why Singletary hasn't gotten a serious look. Still, Mike Nolan is positive his day will come.
"You want somebody that's looking for a leader to build a championship team. If you want somebody that's going to lead your team, that's going to represent not only your team but the NFL real well, and build a winner, believe me, Mike's a great choice."The 49ers are a buzz team this offseason, an up-and-comer that people are expecting to make a playoff push. Part of being a successful team means that other squads look at your assistants for their coaching vacancies, and a big season could make Singletary a hot commodity next summer. Or he'll get passed over for Dave Campo.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2007 @ 1:06PM
Michael Smith said...
Great post Tom Mantzouranis!
Singletary was a small-sized linebacker that beat all odds to become one of the leagues best, most intelligent players.
One of the most respected by his teammates players, with unsurpassed hard work ethics.
Am sure he will bring the same passions and leadership skills that will make him excel as a head coach one day.
Yes - we have seen Wade Phillips in the world enough times already - why do people think he can return anything but the mediocre results he has the last umpteen times ?
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6-20-2007 @ 8:11AM
Dsmooth said...
Mike Singletary is the best coach thats not a head coach right now. I say this because we who were alive in'85. That was a great team. But he is turnong out to be a better coach. His name is constantly mentioned for a head coaching job in the NFL. He'll get and as a Niners fan,I'll hate to see him go.
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11-15-2007 @ 12:31AM
nccmaloof said...
I also think Singletary is a great coach. Hopefully the niners can keep him, but I highly doubt it the way things are going for the niners this season. They need to get a new offensive coordinator to rescue this last ranked offense. Jim Hostler doesn't have a clue what he's doing. Alex Smith needs to do better, or else they should trade him. We will see some changes for the 49er coaching staff, and roster. Hopefully for the better.
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