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Next »Coaches
Jim Harbaugh - Three impressions
Three impressions on the 49ers hiring of Jim Harbaugh:
IMPRESSION 1: In the slew of interviews Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke conducted, the most revealing was on KNBR with Tom Tolbert and Ralph Barbieri. When Tolbert has new football coaches on, he asks them what they do if they were faced with this situation: You're on defense, there's a minute left, the score is tied, you have no time-outs, and the opposition is deep in your red zone. When Tolbert outlined this situation to Harbaugh, he immediately said, "let them score." In fact, Harbaugh even has a defensive call for that circumstance, which he called "highway." The thought is to allow the opposition to score so you can get the ball back.
Tolbert said when he puts this scenario to coaches, they either have never thought of it, or they say allowing a team to score under any circumstance is against their philosophy. Harbaugh has not only thought of this situation, he has a defense designed for it, and he's not foolishly wedded to a stop-the-offense-at-all-times theology.
IMPRESSION 2: Harbaugh has precious little control, with Baalke having final say on trades, the final roster and the draft. But many believe Harbaugh will wrest control of those areas rather quickly, but I don't think so. People shouldn't underestimate Baalke. While he may not be as savvy with the media as Harbaugh, he's equally ambitious and he's a grinder. He's not going to give up his authority easily.
Read More 'Jim Harbaugh - Three impressions' »| January 09 2011 at 11:53 AM
Harbaugh hired - News conference highlights
Here are the basics of the Jim Harbaugh news conference.
NERVOUS, SCARED, CONFIDENT?: Said he was comfortable and said he has unshakable confidence.
HOW MUCH FACTOR WAS MONEY: Said he didn't want to talk about money. Said the factor in being with the 49ers was that York and Baalke wanted him and that he's excited about that.
INFLUENCE OF BEING A QB ON HIRE: Baalke said he had the chance to go to Stanford practices and games and he admired the way Harbaugh related to his quarterbacks.
WHAT CHANCES BAALKE MAKE: Said he will hire a personnel guy and that there will be some changes in the scouting department.
WHAT HE THOUGHT OF LUCK DECISION: Told Luck to do the best for himself and his family. Supported his decision. Said he has taken a lot from him. "From his mouth has come some extraordinary things."
BAALKE'S TAKE ON MEETING: Said he was looking for the fit. Like the enthusiasm. Said he liked the passion. More than what he said, but how he came across. "He's a ball coach" Baalke said.
DETAILS OF THE MEETING WITH 49ers: Said Baalke was the driving force of the meeting. Said Jed was there to talk about his vision. Said they were cool cucumbers.
Said he talked to Andrew Luck and the Stanford players through text. Said he was going to be right down the road.
ON WHAT STANFORD DID TO WOO HIM: Reiterated that he just wanted the NFL shot.
ON PLAYING PETE CARROLL: Said he was just excited about tonight's work.
CHARACTERISTICS HE LOOKS FOR IN A QB: Accuracy, intelligence, decision-making. He said he could go on and on. Said it was more the most important position on the field and the most difficult position in sports.
QUARTERBACK QUESTION: Said he would talk to current players on the team first. Then check out the avenues to upgrade the position.
QUESTION ASKED ABOUT MOVING TO SANTA CLARA: "I don't know what you are talking about." Answered questions in football terms.
WHAT HE LEARNED THE LAST FEW DAYS: "If it's on the internet, it's true." His first joke. Said he did a lot of homework and made a lot of phone calls. After that, he knew the 49ers were the choice.
HOW HE FEELS ABOUT COACHING AGAINST HIS BROTHER NEXT YEAR: He has talked to John about it. Said John told him the game could be the Thursday kickoff game for the league.
JUMPING TO NFL DURING NO LABOR AGREEMENT: "We'll win at what we can win at each day." He said any obstacles he will overcome.
THE HIRING PROCESS: Baalke said he encouraged Harbaugh to take his time to make his decision.
WALSH INFLUENCE: Has a picture of him on his computer screen. Met him as a player and at Stanford. Can't put JH and Bill Walsh in the same sentence, Harbaugh said.
ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN GM AND COACH: The final say on roster will be with Baalke.
CAN HE OVERCOME COLLEGE COACH STIGMA: "I hope to be under estimated." - Harbaugh. Baalke said he had no doubt that Harbaugh would succeed.
WHEN HE MADE THE DECISION: Through his six-hour meeting with York and Baalke.
WEST COAST OFFENSE: "We will be installing the West Coast offense in San Francisco, the birthplace of the West Coast offense." - Harbaugh.
WHAT WERE LAST TWO DAYS LIKE: Hearing the vision from York and Baalke swayed him he said. "Losing is not an option."
COACHING STAFF, WHO WILL TAKE FROM STANFORD: Won't mention names until they sign contracts. Said will meld the two staffs, 49ers and Stanford.
WHY LEAVE STANFORD NOW: Perfect opportunity, at Stanford said they were signature years. Said he got married there and had two children. "The chance to compete at the highest level was overwhelming to me."
Harbaugh said his first task will be to call and meet with players.
Baalke said he has known Harbaugh for seven years. Met him at a college all-star game. He liked his energy.
Music accompanied the intro to Jed York and GM Trent Baalke to start the Harbaugh news conference.
-The 49ers set up a conference call with Jim Harbaugh's brother John at 4:45. John is the head coach of the Ravens.
-Ray Ratto said Harbaugh won some concessions on power over the roster and coaches. We'll see what they say in the press conference.
-Stanford and Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming turned out to be out right. He said on KNBR that he wanted to be in the NFL. Somehow, Flemming knew more than Harbaugh's brother John, who said he was going back to Stanford.
-Harbaugh apparently hired two agents, one to handle the pro side, David Dunn, and another Jack Bechta, on the college side, according to CSNBA's Mindi Bach. Read More 'Harbaugh hired - News conference highlights' »
| January 07 2011 at 04:06 PM
Updated with links: Harbaugh to 49ers
Some useful links -- about the expected hiring, with a recap of the Harbaugh job-hunt circus and his time at Stanford. Plus, what's next at Stanford, in the wake of Harbaugh. And, a link to where CSNBA will stream video of the news conference.
Previously posted:
Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to agree to a five-year deal to become the 49ers' head coach, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting.
The 49ers haven't confirmed, but they are saying there is a press conference at 3:30 p.m. today.
As David White scrambles to the Jim Harbaugh news conference, Kevin Lynch will attempt to fill in the blanks. We'll also blog during and after the 49ers conference.
49ERS DESERVE CREDIT
The 49ers should be applauded for the patience and even their tactics in landing their top choice for head coach. When the Dolphins swooped in to offer $7 million or $8 million per, the 49ers refused to match that outlandish amount, despite President Jed York's insistence that money was no object. No first time NFL head coach without broad organizational powers should make the same as New England's Super Bowl-winning Bill Belichick (he makes $7.2 million a year).
However, stepping up to pay Harbaugh $25 million for five years for the man they wanted was absolutely reasonable.
-Ray Ratto said Harbaugh won some concessions on power over the roster and coaches. We'll see what they say in the press conference.
-Stanford and Giants broadcaster Dave Flemming turned out to be out right. He said on KNBR that he wanted to be in the NFL. Somehow, Flemming knew more than Harbaugh's brother John, who said he was going back to Stanford.
-Harbaugh apparently hired two agents, one to handle the pro side, David Dunn, and another Jack Bechta, on the college side, according to CSNBA's Mindi Bach.
| January 07 2011 at 02:02 PM
Mike Singletary - Post script
We media types like to characterize player reaction to team events as a single emotion. That was impossible with the firing of Mike Singletary. Some were likely glad to see him go, including the team's quarterbacks.
Singletary impugned the character of Nate Davis in the preseason, he questioned the leadership of Alex Smith, he never gave David Carr a chance, and called an in-game switch from Alex Smith to Troy Smith "horrendous." He also switched quarterbacks on a whim, highlighting them as THE problem on offense. Troy Smith's explosion at Singletary characterized the quarterbacks' loss of respect for their head coach.
Player reaction to Singletary's firing was mixed.
For the rest of the team, Singletary's firing seemed to elicit sadness. Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois talked about a pall that settled over the locker room; he said players didn't even want to talk about the Singletary firing.
Linebacker Patrick Willis used the word sad to characterize his brief chat with Singletary Sunday night. The firing just seemed to deepen the disappointment players felt about this double-digit loss season; it possibly made them reflect on their part in the team's failing. Replacement coach Jim Tomsula said he apologized to Singletary for not "getting it done."
But players also reflected on the disruptions Singletary created. Running back Frank Gore said the constant switching at quarterback was hard, particularly on the receivers. Vernon Davis said revolving quarterbacks and the firing of the offensive coordinator weighed on the team.
Read More 'Mike Singletary - Post script' »| December 28 2010 at 10:00 AM
The new GM will hire the 49ers head coach
Here are the particulars of the Jed York news conference:
-York said he will hire a general manager to lead the team's football operation and that the general manager will then hire the next head coach.
-York said he has no time table for completing the GM hire, but that he has already started the process. He wouldn't say who he has talked with.
-York said he has leaned on and will continue to elicit the advice of his uncle, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the owner of the 49ers when the organization won five Super Bowl championships. York also said he has talked to the Kraft family, who owns the Patriots.
-York said he would be the one to make the final decision on the general manager and that he would alone would interview candidates. Previously, others have been involved in general manager and head coaching hires, such as team executive Paraag Marathe.
-The powers of the future head coach will be determined by the general manager, including say over the draft and the final roster.
-York said current personnel chief Trent Baalke is a candidate, but it seems unlikely he'll wind up with the job.
-When previous general manager Scot McCloughan left for personal reasons, York interviewed some candidates, but at the time, he said there wasn't a general manager out there would handle contracts, personnel, and player evaluation. Now, York has changed his mind. When asked if there are viable candidates, York said, "There are some good people out there."
-York also fired assistant coaches close to Singletary, including inside linebackers coach Vantz Singletary, Mike Singletary's nephew, and pass rush specialist Al Harris. Read More 'The new GM will hire the 49ers head coach' »
| December 27 2010 at 01:27 PM
49ers: Wrong time to mature
It's too bad Mike Singletary didn't start being a calm, somewhat measured coach earlier in the season, say maybe in training camp. Players on the sideline no longer need a spit shield when talking to a once raging Singletary on the sideline. Not only is Singletary's demeanor changed but it seems to be filtering down to his team.
Now the 49ers are actually anticipating what the other team is going to do. That's what Brian Westbrook said about his career-long 62-yard touchdown reception that sealed the 49ers' 40-21 win over Seattle. Coaches told the offense to look for a "46" front, where the defense puts nine to 10 players on the line of scrimmage, with many of them bent on blitzing.
Seattle did exactly that. The 49ers knew the Seattle blitz so well, Alex Smith didn't even need to audible. The entire offense knew what Seattle was going to do. Westbrook went on a short route, Alex Smith threw to him quickly and Westbrook had one man to beat to the end zone. Typically, that's what other teams do to the 49ers - they out scheme them by using their own aggressiveness against them. Now, it seems that the 49ers are no longer living on Singletary's wide-eyed emotion, but rather on a more sustainable calm.
Read More '49ers: Wrong time to mature' »| December 13 2010 at 04:50 PM
Mike Singletary - Why delusional?
Why would Mike Singletary volunteer that the 49ers are going to make the playoffs? Why would Jed York say the same thing a few weeks ago when it's clear this team is fraught with a myriad of problems?
One motivation maybe the overwhelming desire by these two to express confidence and instill faith in the players and fans. Also York and Singletary are probably tired of being questioned and scrutinized. It makes them all the more susceptible to drinking their own kool aide. When fans and the media harp on the team's horrendous start and recite the mistakes the team continually makes on game days, York and Singletary seem to be saying - we're not only going to stop making the mistakes, we'll go one further - we'll tell you we're making the playoffs.
Such comments make everyone believe they're delusional, that they are so blinded by wanting the team to be good, that they want to force that vision upon everyone.
Conversely, players seem to have a better handle on reality and they seem to know what to say. Tight end Vernon Davis was asked in London if it was tough to even get ready for practice when things are going so badly.
"It's been tough because we've been losing," Davis admitted. "It's not easy to get going coming off a losing streak. But the one thing you can do is to continue to encourage your teammates, be there for them, be a leader."
Read More 'Mike Singletary - Why delusional?' »| October 25 2010 at 02:21 PM
John Fox - Will the 49ers look at him closely?
It's bon voyage day at the 49ers. The team packed up and shipped off for what they hope will be 10 fun-filled days playing against win-less Carolina and then the injury-depleted Broncos on England's bless-ed plot. It's a trip that will likely make-or-break Mike Singletary. Lose one of those games and Singletary's and the 49ers' season could be over. Win and they could be infused with confidence before facing the Rams and Bucs at home and then the Cardinals on the road.
Next two games key for Mike Singletary.
This is likely the only opportunity for the team to turn it around. But if they don't, the top brass might be looking closely at Panthers coach John Fox. He's in the last year of his contract and his comments hinting that Carolina ownership should have signed some free-agent talent before the season, makes you think he wants out. Pro Football Weekly has already connected Fox with possible job openings in Cleveland, New York (if Tom Coughlin retires) and Oakland. The Raiders would seem to be an odd choice after Fox resigned as the team's defensive coordinator in 1996 with one game left in the preseason. I don't know if Al Davis would have him back.
The bigger question is, would the 49ers want Fox if Singletary is fired? He would bring needed experience to the operation and he's had success. The Panthers nearly won the Super Bowl following the 2003 season, losing 32-29 on Patriot kicker Adam Venatieri's last minute field goal. Fox has also had disappointments like the blowout playoff loss to Arizona in 2008 and this current season. The Panthers didn't have the same expectations as the 49ers, nevertheless, their young players haven't developed this year under Fox.
Interestingly, Fox could make himself more of a 49ers candidate by beating his possible future employer this Sunday.
Read More 'John Fox - Will the 49ers look at him closely?' »| October 22 2010 at 02:31 PM
Keaton Kristick promoted
Linebacker Keaton Kristick was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster in order to replace safety Michael Lewis. This is a good move by the 49ers; they don't have enough linebackers and fullbacks on special teams and that hurts them.
The team also hired former Falcons linebackers coach Chris Beake as their offensive assistant. He replaced Jason Michael, who was promoted to quarterbacks coach following the firing of Jimmy Raye. Beake worked for the 49ers for six seasons in various capacities from 1998-2003.
Beake was in the coach's booth in Atlanta, sitting next new offensive coordinator Mike Johnson.
| October 05 2010 at 01:06 PM
Jimmy Raye - the aftermath
Just when the 49ers figure out how to call their plays efficiently, they fire their offensive coordinator. All the 49ers needed to do was line up and let the defense call the play for them, which reportedly took place in Kansas City. OK, that was a cheap shot, but it signals a time to discuss the Jimmy Raye aftermath.
Raye's firing in the wake of the 49ers horrendous 31-10 loss in Kansas City, means the only other move the team can make to shake up their offense is a change at quarterback. Alex Smith knows it and that might explain his lack of enthusiasm when interviewed Monday about the coordinator change to quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson. In fact, Smith might have thought he was going to get fired or at least demoted after the Kansas City debacle.
Did Jimmy Raye try and take on too much?
"I was ready for anything," Smith said. "When you're 0-3 and not playing to the level you're expected to be playing, some changes are going to be made."
Smith, I believe, felt bad for Raye and also possibly felt he had let him down.
When asked if he thought Raye was a scapegoat, Smith said, " I think that is how this might get spun, but we're certainly all involved and all accountable for this. We got out-played as much as we got out-coached on Sunday. There's no doubt about that. If some guys are thinking that or viewing it like that, it's convenient, it's not the truth. We're all involved in this."
Smith went on to say that no one knows more about offense than Raye and he said the offense isn't in need of an overhaul.
Reporters had to coax any excitement he might feel with the coordinator change and the possibility of adding more vitality to the game planning and play calling.
But Smith wasn't about to say anything that could be construed as a negative against Raye even if he didn't believe Raye was a great coordinator. After Raye's relentless support of Smith during their year and a half together, Smith probably feels indebted to him. Raye and Mike Singletary were in charge of re-constructing Smith's confidence after it was burned to the ground by Mike Nolan. If nothing else, Raye did seem to accomplish that task.
Read More 'Jimmy Raye - the aftermath' »| September 28 2010 at 04:11 PM
Veteran 49ers writers Kevin Lynch and David White analyze the stats with an insider's insight.
By Kevin Lynch, David White, Read Bios
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