Mike Singletary: 10 Reasons He Should Be Fired Monday Morning
Mike Singletary has garnered plenty of attention for all the wrong reasons during what has been a disastrous season by the Bay.
His latest sideline tantrum could end up being the last straw with 49ers' owner Jed York growing increasingly frustrated with what has transpired.
York spoke to the media following his team's 25-17 loss to the Rams Sunday and said his first goal after the season will be to hire a general manager.
He also said he wasn't sure who will be coaching the 'Niners in the final game of the season.
Not exactly a vote of confidence.
As the buzzards begin to circle, let's take a look at 10 reasons why Mike Singletary should in fact be fired Monday morning.
No. 10: There's Only One More Game
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Earlier this season, there were indications the 49ers' brass had at least held some discussions about firing Singletary.
Ultimately, the team decided not to make a move primarily because there were no viable interim head coaches on the staff.
In the wake of Sunday's scrape with quarterback Troy Smith, the elevation of an assistant to head coach for the final game of the season would hardly come as a surprise.
Why not start taking steps to change the direction of the franchise before the season ends?
No. 9: The Need to Get Offensive
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Throughout his rollercoaster run in San Francisco, the 49ers have been inconsistent defensively and absolutely horrible offensively.
Thanks in part to a revolving door of offensive coordinators, Alex Smith has never come even close to reaching his lofty expectations.
If the 49ers want to return to glory, they will need to find ways to score points.
Don't be surprised if the next head coach has a background on the offensive side of the ball.
No. 8: Need For Change
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Simply put, a change needs to happen at the top before the 49ers can look to the future.
Even though San Francisco was technically still in the playoff picture heading into Week 16, the season was already going to be tabbed as an epic failure.
With 10 losses on the season, Singletary clearly has lost his team and likely his job.
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No. 7: A Bad Record In An Awful Division
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As horrible divisions go, the NFC West in 2010 was the epitome of awful.
It was so bad that the 49ers weren't actually out of the postseason race prior to losing to the Rams Sunday.
Despite their obvious flaws at quarterback, youth along the offensive line and inconsistent play on defense, the Niners were still arguably the best team on paper.
Singletary should have gotten more out of his players this season.
Even the slightest increase in productivity could have pushed the 'Niners into the playoffs.
No. 6: Style Over Substance
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Some football fans enjoy Mike Singletary's motivational tactics and inspirational heart-to-hearts on the sidelines during games.
The rah-rah nature can be captivating when it works, and comical when it doesn't.
Although his antics initially appeared to change the culture inside the 49ers' locker room, the eventually became nothing more than a source of irritation for his players.
It's safe to say Singletary was unable to pick his spots for tirades.
His inability to control his temper and channel his emotions eventually caused him to lose touch with his players.
It will also cost him his job.
No. 5: Latest Sideline Dust-Up With His Quarterback
6 of 10After his widely-publicized confrontation with Alex Smith earlier this season against the Eagles, Singletary added to his legacy of yelling at quarterbacks when he and Troy Smith got into a heated exchange during the Rams game.
The little exchange led him to play musical quarterbacks yet again and may have been the final time NFL fans will see him lose his temper as a head coach.
His habit of criticizing his players on the sidelines with all the cameras watching likely will keep him from securing a head job ever again.
At least there are plenty of teams looking for a new defensive coordinator ...
No. 4: His Overall Record Is Less Than Stellar
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Aside from all of his outbursts and antics, Singletary's record will be what completely seals his head coaching fate with the 49ers.
He has posted a 18-22 record in two and a half seasons, with only one winning campaign (5-4 in 2008) under his belt.
Given the struggles of the NFC West in the last two years, there is no question his teams finished well below expectations.
No. 3: Let's Play Musical Quarterbacks
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Singletary switched Smith's multiple times during the season, with no consistent results to show for it.
Along the way, he essentially prevented the 49ers from seeing more from Alex Smith, who clearly has much for potential to be a starting quarterback than Troy Smith.
Incredibly, the 49ers still haven't settled on a starting quarterback 16 games into the season.
No. 2: Temper, Temper
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Singletary is far from the level-headed leader needed to restore the shiny luster of what was once one of the NFL's proudest franchises.
Instead, he is a volatile figure who has come to personify the failure of the 49ers with his frequent meltdowns.
It's not just what has happened this season.
His pattern of moody behavior has helped mold a team that expects to fail, no matter how hard it works to succeed.
No. 1: Time to Correct The Mistake
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Prior to being elevated to head coach, Singletary had never held such a position—at any level.
In fact, he had never even been a coordinator in the pros.
His ascension to leader of the 49ers was a move made to renew fan interest and help bring energy.
Two and a half years later, the 'Niners find themselves even more desperate to turn things around.
It starts with making an immediate effort to right the wrong that was naming Mike Singletary head coach.
Regardless of if he survives another week, the 49ers will undoubtedly be in the market for a new leader after the season.
Even in this era of parity in the NFL, the 49ers are far from being a quick fix.
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