Leaving 49ers fans with vivid memories of shouting matches with players, confused looks on post-loss podiums and declarations about wanting winners among aimless mumbo-jumbo.
But disregarding all the things Singletary failed to accomplish with the 49ers, I find it hard to believe that any 49er fan wouldn't admit that he was impressed by Singletary at some point during his run with the 49ers.
His coaching style is the epitome of what made him an all time great linebacker. Singletary understood the passion, commitment and work ethic it took to create a relentless drive to succeed.
What was most impressive about Singletary as a coach, was his ability to pass these values to his players, most notably Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis.
Willis had all the talent in the world coming out of college, yet a quiet demeanor, and timid leadership skills. Singletary not only morphed him into an all-pro linebacker, but an unquestioned leader and anchor of the 49ers defense.
Vernon's much publicized confrontation with Singletary in their first game together, turned into a motivational ploy that turned Davis from hot-headed bust to, hardest working tight end in the league and all-pro.
So these two players prove that, while the X and O's of the NFL were ultimately Singletary's undoing, his worth as a coach is inspiring players to be better than they thought they could be.
So with this in mind, dosen't College Football, which better embraces charismatic leaders than the NFL, seem like a perfect fit for Singletary?
Look at the College Coaches who weren't the right fit in the NFL yet have scored big at the the collegiate level. Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino and Pete Carrol to name a few.
In fact, isn't Singletary the reverse Charlie Weis?
The former Golden Domer had all the X and O's in his his playbook a coach could need, but his was unable to reinvigorate a tired program and most notably, recruit.
Remember (if you still can) the initial excitement and energy Singletary brought to the 49ers. The media was singing his praises, players were raving about him, and free agents (Takeo Spikes, Justin Smith) were raving about the chance to play for him.
These skills would go a long way in college, especially when it comes to recruiting, which is the lifeline for collegiate coaches.
Additionally a collegiate schedule, where teams typically play only 4 or 5 "big" games a year, is better suited to Singletary than a 16 game grind against professional franchises. Singletary's teams played notably better in rivalry games, or under national spotlights, and that ability to motivate a team for the biggest games is exactly schools want on their sidelines.
So is Mike Singletary an NFL bust? Undoubedtly. But don't count him out as a coach just yet. A college coach anyways.
His coaching style is the epitome of what made him an all time great linebacker. Singletary understood the passion, commitment and work ethic it took to create a relentless drive to succeed.
What was most impressive about Singletary as a coach, was his ability to pass these values to his players, most notably Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis.
Willis had all the talent in the world coming out of college, yet a quiet demeanor, and timid leadership skills. Singletary not only morphed him into an all-pro linebacker, but an unquestioned leader and anchor of the 49ers defense.
Vernon's much publicized confrontation with Singletary in their first game together, turned into a motivational ploy that turned Davis from hot-headed bust to, hardest working tight end in the league and all-pro.
So these two players prove that, while the X and O's of the NFL were ultimately Singletary's undoing, his worth as a coach is inspiring players to be better than they thought they could be.
So with this in mind, dosen't College Football, which better embraces charismatic leaders than the NFL, seem like a perfect fit for Singletary?
Look at the College Coaches who weren't the right fit in the NFL yet have scored big at the the collegiate level. Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino and Pete Carrol to name a few.
In fact, isn't Singletary the reverse Charlie Weis?
The former Golden Domer had all the X and O's in his his playbook a coach could need, but his was unable to reinvigorate a tired program and most notably, recruit.
Remember (if you still can) the initial excitement and energy Singletary brought to the 49ers. The media was singing his praises, players were raving about him, and free agents (Takeo Spikes, Justin Smith) were raving about the chance to play for him.
These skills would go a long way in college, especially when it comes to recruiting, which is the lifeline for collegiate coaches.
Additionally a collegiate schedule, where teams typically play only 4 or 5 "big" games a year, is better suited to Singletary than a 16 game grind against professional franchises. Singletary's teams played notably better in rivalry games, or under national spotlights, and that ability to motivate a team for the biggest games is exactly schools want on their sidelines.
So is Mike Singletary an NFL bust? Undoubedtly. But don't count him out as a coach just yet. A college coach anyways.
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