Some of you, sadly, are too young to remember Mike Singletary as the Hall of Fame player he was. He was a perennial All-Pro linebacker with a quiet intensity.
The quarterback of the Chicago Bears' famed "46" defense, Singletary was a soft-spoken individual. Yet, he was one of the fiercest players in the game. His eyes would open wide as saucers just before he put the thump on you.
The newly-minted interim coach of the San Francisco 49ers put the thump on a couple of his offensive players during yesterday's 34-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
First, he benched quarterback, and turnover machine, J.T. O'Sullivan in the second quarter. This move was long overdue, as O'Sullivan is responsible for nearly 90 percent of the team's giveaways this season.
However, the move that really got tongues wagging came in the fourth quarter, when Singletary sent tight end Vernon Davis to the locker room after an unnecessary roughness penalty.
Davis headed to the locker room, only to be called back. Why? Because he had forgotten his helmet.
It served notice that Mike "The Coach" Singletary has not mellowed since his days as Mike "The Player" Singletary.
In a postgame press conference, he summed up his coaching philosophy thusly: "I want winners. I want people who want to win."
Now mind you, Singletary is auditioning for a job. It appears he wants the "interim" tag taken off so he can become the San Francisco head coach; if he can't coach there, he wouldn't mind catching on somewhere else. (He was a candidate for the head coaching job in Atlanta recently).
So, taking the former No. 6 overall draft pick and sending him to the showers is a good way to open some eyes around the league. He has almost certainly caught the eyes of some NFL front-office people who would like to inject a little fire into their own locker rooms.
But, I don't think getting the attention of others is why Singletary did what he did. He's always been intense. He's always been intolerant of laissez-faire players. And I think part of his intent was—to paraphrase "Nuke" LaLoosh—to announce his presence with authority. Whether he intended to or not, he certainly did that.
There's every chance in the world that Singletary's actions will go for naught. The 49ers are owned by Denise DeBartolo York and her husband John. They make up the worst ownership tandem in the NFL and prove that two heads are not always better than one (Eddie DeBartolo, Denise's brother, was the former owner).
Many of the team's problems are organizational, and cannot be changed by a coach trying to put a little life into his players.
But you can bet that, right now, several Niners are thinking to themselves "Wow! I'd better shape up!"
Meanwhile, for any other 49ers with a lackadaisical attitude, a word of advice: If you see Mike Singletary come at you with his eyes bulging wide, tuck in and brace for impact.
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2 months ago
Some of the haters out there who don't really know football would say that "here comes the next Coors commercial." Please spare us thinking fans that vitriol. Singletary did what had to be done and was excellent in how he handled Davis' petulance. Singletary brings integrity, class and intensity to the 49ers and I hope the Yorks keep him around. Samurai Mike is the franchise's best hope to return to the glory days. As a sidenote to your lead sentence, I did watch Mike growing up and even in the pre-HD area he was scary to look at. If I'd have grown up watching him in high definition, I'd probably need therapy right now, he was so scary.
from 2 months ago
Brad,
Thanks for the commentary.
It was the right thing to do, and it was a glass of cold water in the face of Davis and probably some others on that team. It's impossible to tell what the Yorks will do, though. They are truly terrible owners.
from 2 months ago
Singletary was a BEAST! When I think of linebackers, I think of his crazy eyes and the hit he put on Danny White. Anyway, to be real, it remains to be seen if he can coach. Dissing players publicly is a dangerous thing. As fans, we enjoy seeing a player get what he deserves. However, all of the players in that locker room feel a brotherhood with the player, not the coach or fans. The day of the pure disciplinarian is over. It's not a good thing but it's what the game has become. He was great as a throwback player, he'll not survive as a throwback coach....and that's a shame.
from 2 months ago
I totally agree with Singletary's comments. Yet that doesn't stop me from thinking that the creative folks at Coors Light (or their advertising firm) could come up with a pretty humorous mock press conference using the highlights of his rant. If that makes me a non-thinking, football-ignorant hater full of vitriol...so be it.
2 months ago
Dude whatever 9'ers owners & coach are doing.They are not paying attention to the line-defence. The quarterback pocket is being routed everytime. They can get Brady or Favre, but with such a lousy line protection, One can not deliver passes, only turn-overs. I am sorry for Alex Smith and now OSullivan. They couldn't do much in 2 seconds each time.
2 months ago
Both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns are moving to a position to hire a new coach. I live in KC, but am from Cleveland. So, I hope in lands in one of these locations, because I agree, he is respected hall of famer, intelligent as all get out, and a leader.
2 months ago
It's about time a coach (of any team) sent a player to the locker room after an unnecessary roughness penalty. That penalty is strictly a selfish one, and one that hurts the whole team. Players need to get that message. I have, for a long time, wanted to see a coach call out a player after an unnecessary roughness penalty and bench him, but Singletary's action was even better and far more dramatic.
Maybe the Raiders' coaching staff will take notice. That team has a long and storied history of taking stupid penalties, and probably would have had much better records in the past had their coaches sent players to the showers for taking stupid penalties at critical times. You'd think professional atheletes would have more pride ...
Great move, Singletary. I hope you stay on for good ! Maybe you'll light a fire under the Niners.
2 months ago
Brad hit the nail smack on the head! Singletary did precisely what he had to do to get his player's attention. Pulling O'Sullivan out of the game and placing him where he belongs, on the bench, is another wake-up call. Just because you're the starting QB doesn't mean your position is guaranteed! Every player on that team needs to perform a reality check. If you're not giving it 100% each and every play of the game, you don't deserve to be there! There are a lot of rookies sitting on the bench who would be willing to give their all for a chance to play. Maybe it's time to give them that opportunity. They certainly couldn't do any worse! Good on ya, Mike! I applaud your boldness and integrity.
2 months ago
Are they calling Mike "iCoach" yet? The "i" in iEverything was started by me, and the "i" stands for interim. If no one is calling Mike Singletary iCoach yet, you may use it. I give you permission.
- Steve Jobs
from 9 days ago
gc505, as a level three you know you arent suppose to be communicating with minors..strictly against the judges orders...I am finding you all over the place, especially where kids are. What's wrong with you?
Chicago watcher
from 9 days ago
Jeez man, gc505 you know you arent suppose to be communicating with minors.Judge's orders..whats wrong with you? I am finding you all over the place especially where kids are. Level three Predators arent suppose to be communicating with minors.
Its bad enough you are on RadioReference.com and your site Copwatch, but now your chatting up football? Thats a violation man.
2 months ago
Can we get Marvin Lewis of the Bungles into the Mike Singletary coaches training camp?
2 months ago
96.1% [at this time] have voted "Yes" on the poll. [including me.]
...and I think this shows how fans appreciate a coach setting a 'tone' for the team. Fans are sick of the selfish players who do not respect the game, and don't understand that the actions of one can hurt the team. Many may think that players are over-paid but if they play like they understand that it is there job, then fans will respond positively.
Good Job Coach Singletary!
2 months ago
Mr. Singletary,
While you are at it, will you also please address;
1) Putting a stop to end zone "dancing". I suspect this new generation of receivers and backs wouldn't be dancing after going through you, Butkis, and Lambert. Somebody has to let them know the look like egotistical, self-centered prancing fools. I don't want to take the fun out of the game, I just want the fun to be in playing football. If I want to see ballerinas, I go to the opera.
2) Putting the smack down on TO, CJ and the other load-mouths around the league who think they are above the game. If they had an education in history they would realize prima donna's is Italian for "first ladies".
3) Returning football to its roots. If I want to see a beautiful game, I'd watch Brazilian soccer, or ladies field hockey. Talk to Goodell, and see if we can't get the rules changed back to tackle football. I am starting to think American Football should be re-named American Flag Football.
4) Refuse to negotiate with player agents. They are ruining sports in general. If the contract is to tough for the players to negotiate, then a) simplify the terms, or b) maybe suggest they should take advantage of their free ride in school and get an education. While you are knocking the slobber out of these rookies, be sure to cut their pay. Look no farther than Mr. Smith for the what a poser is worth.
Clean em up Mr. Singletary
2 months ago
I loved what he did yesterday. The team/orgainzation is a mess right now he is trying to turn it around. All he wants is for every guy on his team to play hard, and play for the team and not themselves. He set the tone and in this day and age you have to love a coach who isn't afraid to get after his players if they aren't doing their job.
San Fran finally has something to be excited about.
2 months ago
Awesome! For the last two years I have been screaming at my TV when the Niners commit idiotic penalities. And I always insisted that Mike Nolan was responsible for not injecting discipline.
And my friends always said, "it's not his fault... what's he supposed to do?"
In one game, Mike Singletary became my hero for showing that bust Vernon Davis who the boss is. I blame Nolan, in part, for letting Davis decline. That kid needed some bite in him, and Nolan let him degenerate into a crybaby.
2 months ago
Mike Singletary is just what the 49ers - and the NFL- needs right now. Someone has to straighten out these guys. Undisciplined teams are losing teams. What is so hard to figure out? Do your job and go home. Cut the bullshit
2 months ago
Great column about a great former player! We need more coaches in the game like Mike Singletary. If the 49ers don't want him, send him to Cincy!!!
2 months ago
Don't get me wrong, I loved what Singletary did. But I have to agree with Colin Cowherd's take on ESPN radio that this was a stunt you can only get away with once in a long while. Continue to call out players and embarrass them on national tv (no matter how deserved) and you will lose the locker room. This struck me as an awesome "new sheriff in town" moment, but I wouldn't expect to see Singletary booting players off his sideline on a weekly basis.
from 2 months ago
Jim,
I like Cowherd. I think he's a smart guy, and he's right. What I hope happens in SF is not a series of players getting benched and/or released, but players shaping up and playing to their full potential. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, of course. But it looks like Singletary is going to make things interesting, and its been a while since 49er football has been interesting in any way.
2 months ago
O'Dell,
Nice article. I'm glad someone on BR took the lead on this one today since it's being talked about everywhere.
My hope is that with Mike Singletary taking these actions that football can get back to being football. My hope is players will stop making excuses and start executing. My hope is that the NFL will be more about football players being a part of a team and less about football athletes who are out for themselves only. My hope is the NFL offices will even retract some of the newer rules regarding the clock so that the run game can be a part of the game the way it's supposed to be. What happens in the future we'll have to wait and see, but while the players are a part of the game they aren't the game. While the NFL needs it's product marketed, the marketing department is not the game and should not impact the play on the field by having certain rules changed to make a game more TV friendly.
from 2 months ago
Thanks Chaz. You and I agree on the direction of the game.
2 months ago
There's a new Iron Mike, he put that entire team on notice. Two things are certain with this Niners team now. 1. You WILL be called out. and 2. No spot is safe and you will EARN your playing time.
Wonderful Job Mike.
2 months ago
lol........I love Mike Singletary! Love him...I would run through a brick wall for that guy if he asked me too. lol...I love it...Mike Freaking Singletary ladies and gentlemen!
2 months ago
Ike, I love Mike Singletary!!! He was awesome as a player and has not lost that intensity as a coach. He will make a great head coach, and the 49er's should count themselves lucky to have him on board! Get with it or get out - thats the way he will coach!
Great read about a great person! *****POTD
from 2 months ago
GG,
Thanks for the commentary and for the pick! I hope Singletary does well. I like his old-school style.
Ike
2 months ago
Mike Singletary has my respect because he does the right thing for the TEAM.
2 months ago
I hope Singletary can turn the 49ers around. I know there are a lot of niners fans dating back to Montana days. It would be good to see those fans get something to cheer about.
from 2 months ago
Jerry,
My wife is one of those fans you're talking about. She hasn't had much to cheer about for a long time. But she likes Singletary, and yesterday made her optimistic.
from 2 months ago
I couldn't have said it better myself. I'm one of those "fans dating back to Montana days", and I'd love to have something new to be excited about!!
2 months ago
Wow you summed up my thoughts. Some people might say "hey he's doing it for exposure" and all that.. But if you know who Mike Singletary is and his personality, you'd know this is right on target. I wasn't even alive when he was quarterbacking the Bears defense, but a football fan who knows a little bit about history, knows that Mike is an intense individual and that is definitely translating to his coaching style.
I have no problem with what he did.. He put his team on notice. It's just what those underachievers need, a kick in the pants.
2 months ago
Great Article Ike, Enjoyed the article, I have fond memories of Singletary. I hope to read more of your stuff in the future!
The Captain
CaptainFANatic.com
from 2 months ago
Thanks Captain, I have fond memories of him too. It's good to know he hasn't mellowed with age, isn't it?
2 months ago
Singletary is the right guy. 9ers would be crazy not to keep him.
from 2 months ago
I'm concerned that Singletary's main competition is Mike Holmgren, who is said to be moving to the Bay area after he bails out of Seattle at the end of this season.
from 2 months ago
Don't worry about Holmgren he's retiring from the game and doesn't want too coach anymore.
2 months ago
Here's a little note coming from someone who was at that game: Vernon Davis was not selfish and did not deserve to be shuffled out like that. He was nothing but balls to the wall effort all day. He tried to run down that pick-six that O'Sullivan threw, and nearly got him out at the one, that's right, he ran him down from the other 25 yard line... a cornerback. And also I didn't even realize Davis was out at first because, noone there even knew that Vernon had done anything wrong. On top of that, the personal foul was so trivial that nobody around me even knew what'd happened. As a Ravens fan, with our oft-injured Heap, I hope and pray that the Niners try to deal him for a 3rd or 4th round pick to us; I think he could make an immeasurable impact with any kind of real play quarterblack (you know you're bad when a Ravens fan can call out your Qb, haha)...
To be honest, I kind of think that Singletary was No. 1 just very angry that things weren't going well in his debut and took it out on Davis and No. 2 He was looking to make a statement just like this and Davis's trivial personal foul was an excuse to make that statement.
I'm all for a disciplinarian Head Coach, it can bring a team together and breed great teamwork. But it can also alienate your locker room. Singletary needs to be careful, because if he loses this locker room, he loses this job at season's end. And a good way to lose your locker room is to eject a player from the game unnecessarily.
from 2 months ago
That's an interesting observation, and you could be right, but I'll tell you this: "balls to the wall effort" is not something Vernon Davis is known for at this point in his career.
Time will tell about the effect of Singletary's actions on the locker room. If he does it every week, he'll lose the team quickly. Still, I maintain that it was the right thing to do.
from 2 months ago
I don't usually watch enough 49er football to know if Davis's problems thus far have been a) a lack of effort, b) a lack of true talent [as opposed to combine talent] c) a prima donna attitude d) a poor gameplan that doesn't utilize his talent... it could be any combination of those, or just one of them... I feel that we've seen too much of (d) to know about the rest, because I feel like any prima donna-ness would've spawned out of frustration from losing and lack of utilization
2 months ago
O'Dell, I like Singletary because he keeps it real. He was a fierce competitor as a player and will probably light a fire under this team! If he can bring some hope by the end of the year the job is his and nobody in their right mind would offer the job to somebody else. I'm rooting for Singletary because he's my brother in Christ(so is Holmgren) and like his style. And ever since he entered the ranks as a coach I've been waiting for the day that someone was smart enough to give him the job! I'm a coaches fan and usually root for a team because of the Coach, GM or Team Owner. Currently I've been rooting for Cleveland the past few years because of the GM and Coach but this year has tested my fanhood and when I heard about Singletary I said YES!!! But I'm still a Browns fan even though Martz is also one of my favorites. I hope that Martz and Singletary get along. Because Martz needs a place to be himself and his recent gig with Detroit was a waste of a good Mike Martz. Anyways I'll be watching the Niners and screams will be heard if he can get them up to the task.
from 2 months ago
Jerry,
Thanks for your commentary. I think Singletary will be successful, but my thinking is probably slightly skewed because I like the guy.
Just a quick side note about me: I had a high school coach who lived and breathed football, and he once said this to me: "I love my mother, but if she ever lined up across the line of scrimmage from me, I'd knock the crap out of her." Sounds like locker room rhetoric, but I believed him then, and even though I am addled with the cynicism of adulthood, I believe him now. Singletary reminds me of my old coach.
Ultimately, Singletary's success in San Francisco will depend on a couple of factors:
1) Getting the right players. The players make the coach. It's a talent-driven league, and not even the best coach can create talent where there is none. No one has turned water into wine since Jesus.
2) The 49er front office will have to make an honest evaluation of how well he does with the players he has, and give the coach the benefit of a little patience. Patience is in pretty shot supply in the NFL.
Whether he will get along with Martz, I can't say. They're both smart, driven, headstrong guys. It could go either way.
2 months ago
Always loved Singletary as a player and as a coach and it's great to see him finally get a head coaching job. I was glad to see Singletary, call out the entire team and really Davis could have been any player on the team. I'm not a fan of the team, but follow the team to see how Patrick Willis is doing.
from 2 months ago
ditto on willis
2 months ago
Enjoyed the read O'Dell—articulate and to the point. Mike Singletary hasn't wasted any time making his presence known. I hope he continues to shake things up on a roster that badly needs a kick in the pants.
Couldn't agree with you more about the Yorks...BRING BACK EDDIE D!
2 months ago
O'Dell, great read.. Im rooting for Mike too i think he will make a good head coah. I just hope this dosnt come back to haunt him but i do believe what he did is exactly what good teams do discipline their players. look at the titan the giants carolina all have suspended key players and all have disciplinarian style coaches and usually have competitive teams i think the problems start when the owners dont support the coaches but in any case great article
2 months ago
Great job on this one!! I think he did exactly what he had to do, and the organization as a whole needed a wake up call. He needed to send a message that losing won't be tolerated and it won't be just accepted. Singletary wants to win and he's not going to just sit back and watch them hand over games. I think that if the upper management has issue with what happened on Sunday have a problem with your players on the field, not defending the run or the offense giving up turnovers and points. have a aproblem with the players just accepting the fact that thye are not good. Thats not a team when your out there just to pad your numbers thats not a team and singletary won't and shouldn't just accept that. When fans are spending there hard earned money just to watch a team put forth a lackluster performance good for singletary tellin like it is and not just accepting the status quo.
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