In Memorium: Mike Singletary's Tenure as Head Coach of the 49ers

A great American lost his job today: "Samurai" Mike Singletary, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Singletary is most well known as playing for the Chicago Bears for his entire career, being a member of their legendary defense as a linebacker in the 80s, and winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. Singletary originally joined the 49ers as the Assistant Head Coach and Linebackers Coach under Mike Nolan in 2005, then later replaced Nolan after his firing in the middle of the 2008 season.

Under Singletary, the 49ers defense became well-regarded to the point that for a time, Patrick Willis was in the conversation as the next Ray Lewis. In his first full season as head coach, the 49ers managed a record of 8-8, the first time since 2002 that the 49ers have not had a losing season. After their performance that season - as well as an impressive Monday Night Football win over Kurt Warner and the Cardinals and a near victory over Brett Favre and the Vikings - hopes were high that in 2010 the 49ers could win NFC West with Kurt Warner retiring, the Seahawks continuing to age, and the Rams continuing to be the Rams. After the NFL Draft, the 49ers drafted where many felt they were most weak - on the offensive line. With new, younger, and stronger offensive linebackers, many predicted an easy ride for the 49ers to have their first winning season since 2002.

...Unfortunately, the 49ers began their season 0-5 after going 4-0 in the preseason. The 2010 49ers also share a dubious honor of being one of the few teams to lose to the Carolina Panthers. To make matters worse, Alex Smith was injured and David Carr came in 2nd string, acquired from the Miami Dolphins. Carr was a disaster and was immediately put on the practice squad following the game. 3rd string QB Troy Smith managed to win a few games and showed initial promise, but as the season went along it became clear that his play style did not gel with Singletary's plays. Compounding problems, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye was finally fired for being a moron and needing to speak with intermediaries to communicate which plays he wanted done.

Today, the 49ers had the first half of their last chance to salvage what seemed like an impossibility at first: a shot at making the playoffs. Because of the Cardinals' predicted collapse, the Seahawks ever increasing age, and the Rams being the Rams, the 49ers actually still had a shot at making the playoffs. If they could beat the Rams and Cardinals in the last two games of the season, they would qualify for the playoffs as long as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also beat the Seahawks.

The 49ers squandered this opportunity with terrible play calling, horrible clock management, and immature players on the offensive line. Singletary benched Troy Smith after getting into very public arguments with him on field and Alex Smith completed more passes in the only quarter he played than Troy did in the previous 3 quarters. It became clear that Troy has potential, but has a long way to go from being a starting QB. David Carr will more than likely be cut or traded by the team, and Nate Davis will move to either 2nd or 3rd string QB where he belongs. The 49ers decided to fire Singletary since the next game is meaningless. I expect Nate Davis to play and prove to everyone in the 49ers organization that he deserves the starting job.

And so ends Samurai Mike's run as head coach with a record of 18-22, a respectable record, but simply not good enough for the legendary 49ers. This summer the 49ers are expected to find a new General Manager, a new Head Coach, draft more offensive linebackers, a quarterback or two, and possibly make a trade for a QB to fill the starting role where Alex Smith has been legendary for his uselessness.

Good night, sweet Samurai prince.