Mike Singletary tackled the head coaching job of the San Francisco 49ers the way he wrapped up opposing running backs as a Hall of Fame linebacker. That effort will be rewarded.
The team announced that Singletary has been hired as the new coach, removing the interim tag he has had since Oct. 21.
“Mike Singletary’s leadership ability has galvanized the players and coaching staff to deliver improved results on the field,” general manager Scot McCloughan said. “By turning the second half of the season around, he has accomplished what few interim head coaches have been able to do.
“After discussions with ownership, we agree that Mike has earned the head coach position. I look forward to working with Mike to continue to build on the momentum he has created as we prepare for the 2009 season.”
With Sunday’s 27-24 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Singletary guided the 49ers to a 5-4 finish, including wins in four of their last five games. The Niners fired Mike Nolan after he went 18-37 in parts of four seasons and never made the playoffs.
Singletary played 11 years with the Chicago Bears and went to 10 Pro Bowls. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1998. After two years as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, he joined the 49ers as an assistant head coach in 2005.
Credit: ESPN
