Word out of San Francisco is that Mike Singletary is going to get a crack at becoming the permanent fixture at head coach next season, which isn’t good news for offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Singletary reportedly doesn’t like Martz’s coaching style and if he becomes head coach, would look to replace the “Mad Scientist.”
It’s not official yet. But it’s getting pretty darn close. Barring some unforeseen event, Mike Singletary will be the 49ers head coach in 2009, perhaps as soon as the Monday after the team’s finale against the Redskins, according to a source close to the situation. When team officials, including owner Jed York, made Singletary the 49ers’ interim coach in late October, they told him that the team would have to show progress in order for him to keep his job. They have done just that, going 4-4 under Singletary. But Singletary sealed the deal – or came tantalizingly close to doing so – on Monday when he met with team officials and laid out his plan for the future, including both offense and defense. Singletary’s vision had been the one remaining question in the minds of team officials.
Under Singletary, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky would be retained. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, however, would not. With Martz directing the offense, the 49ers have climbed from dead last in the league in total offense to 24th this season. But Martz’s pass-first mentality, on display in recent games against Miami and St. Louis, clashes with Singletary’s ball-control philosophy. It also seems to be at odds with the type of players the 49ers have drafted on offense in recent years. Singletary not only discussed his offensive philosophy in the Monday meeting, he cited several candidates to take over at offensive coordinator next season. Those names are not yet known, although they are believed to include both current head coaches and assistants. The 49ers’ biggest concern is for offensive continuity over the next several seasons.
Singletary deserves a shot to be a full-time head coach. It’s apparent that since he took over as interim coach, the Niners have played with more passion and emotion. He’s a fiery competitor who should be very successful.
One has to wonder if Martz is long for this league. His offense has been successful every where he’s gone, but the same criticisms come up no matter where he lands – he doesn’t run the football enough. Some team is going to want his offense, but I wonder if he’ll have to change his approach and develop a more balanced offense.
