San Francisco 49ers: Now and Then.

Once upon a time, the 49ers were the model team of the NFL. They had the best of everything from top to bottom, and an owner who made certain that every employee was treated with first class respect.

This team responded by winning five Superbowl trophies.

One of many things that are not mentioned enough, is the attention placed on hiring the best coaches available—the "Old School" type of coaches that could get the best out of their players.

Other than the well known head coaches, I make reference to Bobb McKittrick who was an OL coach for 21 years with the 49ers, who was, arguably, the greatest offensive line coach in the NFL.

''He has developed more offensive-line knowledge than anyone, ever,'' Bill Walsh, one of McKittrick's head coaches, once said. ''His men have played longer, with better technique, more production, fewer injuries. In every possible category you can measure, he's right at the top.''

I make reference to this because that caliber of coaching has been lost for the better part of the last decade, and the underachieving level of play is the proof.

Yes, we had a brief glimmer of hope when Bill Walsh was brought back to help. After his final departure this once proud franchise fell from grace.

I finally see some hope once again, and his name is Michael Singletary. He brings that "Old School" type coaching to this team.

The players "want" to play for him and are motivated. The coaching staff is left to do their jobs as they determine it should be.

This is how it should be. Let the coaches coach.

Let Manuski run his style of defense, let Raye run his style of offense, and let the line coaches to do the same. Test it on game day.

Can they make adjustments and quick decisions to counter the opponents? If they can prove it on game day, let them keep their jobs. If not find someone better.

Better coaches create better players, but only if they can gain the players respect.

Michael Singletary commands respect and knows how to motivate his players and his coaches. He lets his coaches coach. Simple philosophy.

Are we ready for a Superbowl run? Not yet. But soon, very soon!

GO NINERS!!