Dissecting The Mind Of a Hall Of Fame Player, Turned Great Coach

The 2009 San Francisco 49ers consist of a few superstars & a bunch of blossoming talents. Being an athlete my entire life and playing every level of basketball, except professional, I know what it takes to be a successful athlete. What I don’t know is what it takes to be a Head Coach in the NFL? More so, how to be a successful coach in the NFL? That being said, if I had an opportunity to interview one person from the 49ers organization, that person would be Coach Singletary.

Why Coach Singletary? I look at it like this: If you had an opportunity to find out what went through the mind of the Captain who drove the TITANIC, or the elite first mate, who would you choose? To me, it’s that simple. The leader, the “face”, the man who presents the formula & who is the glue to a 53-man family, must be the most interesting person in an organization.

So, after stopping off at Dunkin Donuts; buying some Jelly donuts & coffee, I would then proceed to my destination- San Francisco Head Quarters.

Upon greeting Coach Singletary, I immediately would give him a chest bump and “bang” his shoulders, asking him, “Are you Readyyyy!!!.. No, No… Are YOU Ready!!!” I’m assuming that “psyched” him up too much, because how I see it, he would then slap me right in my jaw; he is one scary man!

After recovering, and retrieving my equilibrium back, I would then proceed to ask him the following questions:

• ·         First off Coach, as a player, how did you get the nickname “Samurai Jack”?

•   After playing 11 years in the NFL, was it always a goal of yours to become a Head Coach in the National Football League?

•  Is there any pre-game, in-game, in-season rituals that you did as a player that you still do as a Head Coach?

• What’s the difference, if any, between players from your generation, compared to the players from this generation? If so, how has the game changed?

• What do you demand from your players?

•    Unlike most coaches in the NFL, you don’t care about what the media, or what anyone thinks about you. That being said, do you feel that the NFL needs more coaches like you- coaches who aren’t afraid to single out these “neo-players” and hold them responsible for their actions?

• What players on your team, who aren’t household names, do you expect big things from this year & years to come?

• Are there any players on your team that reminds you of yourself? Offense or Defense.

•    Based on what you have seen up until today, who do you think will win the QB battle? Who do you feel more comfortable with directing this team?

• Out of all the rookies drafted, who do you think will have the biggest impact on the 2009 NFL season?

• Personally, I believe that Michael Crabtree will be an instant star. His hands, speed, route-running, size/strength, and play-making ability will give every defensive back who tries to guard him, problems. How do you plan on utilizing all his great attributes?

• Since you “burst the bubble” of TE Vernon Davis on the sidelines last year, it seems that it has changed his total outlook on himself, and his career in the NFL. How do you plan on igniting the fire even more, so he can live up to his scary potential?

• What are you expectations for this upcoming NFL season?

• What are your goals? Winning record? Playoffs? Division title? Super Bowl?

• Lastly, Coach… Do you still think you can play?

It would be a great honor if I had the privilege of dissecting the great mind of a Hall of Fame Player, and Great Coach. I believe one day, my questions will be answered...