Mike Singletary just wrapped up his year-end press conference. The big topic, of course, was offensive coordinator. Singletary reiterated what he said yesterday - that at the end of the day, his philosophy just didn't mesh with Mike Martz's. He said he wanted an offense that was capable of running the ball when it needed to and capable of taking games over in the fourth quarter. He did reassure, however, that he's not against innovation. "I don't want to make it seem like I'm a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust guy because I'm not," Singletary said.
Singletary said he had not yet interviewed anyone to succeed Martz. He said that he was busy compiling a list of possible candidates and that general manager Scot McCloughan would conduct the interview process together. Singletary stressed several times that he wanted to hit the ground running once the new season officially begins. Asked about a timetable for selecting a new OC, Singletary said, "yesterday." If you're wondering why no candidates have been mentioned yet in relation to the job, it's because the 49ers don't have a final list.
Singletary also released quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner and running backs coach Tony Nathan yesterday. The new offensive coordinator will have the ability to choose his QBs coach. Offensive assistant Adam Gase, whom Martz brought from Detroit, has been retained. The defensive staff will remain untouched.
Asked about personnel needs going forward, Singletary said the 49ers "definitely need to add another quarterback." He said an offensive tackle, a pass rusher and a safety also are offseason needs. As for Shaun Hill, Singletary reiterated that he wasn't prepared to declare Hill the starter because he did not yet know whom the team will add in the offseason. He said whatever the case, Hill will be asked to compete for the job.
Singletary said he was happy with the power structure the 49ers have in place. "Scot may be young, but I think he's beyond his years in knowing what's going on around this league," he said of general manager Scot McCloughan. Of 27-year-old team president Jed York: "The greatest thing I can about Jed is he's not telling you, 'I know.' He's a guy who is asking questions, and there is wisdom in that."
-- Matt Barrows
