Temper Your Expectations: Mike Johnson is Still Sing’s OC

Sep 28, 2010 at 8:25 AM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

Put me right up there with the group of people who was utterly shocked when I heard the Jimmy Raye news. Not because I thought the move was itself was wrong, but because I never thought Coach Singletary would do it. But he did, and it may be the best decision he's made all season.

But that doesn't mean the 49ers problems are solved. In fact, the number one problem still remains: Head Coach Mike Singletary.

The question from the beginning of Sing's tenure has always been how a coach with little background in X's and O's would lead a team in a league where strategy is demanded of elite teams. Bill Belichick, Rex Ryan, Sean Payton, and yes, even Todd Haley, are head coaches who strategize. They exploit match-ups, attack defensive deficiencies, and make adjustments based on what they see in-game. I would need more research and more time, but I think it's safe to say that generally, elite coaches are also elite strategists who bring innovative concepts to teams. This would leave Singletary firmly outside of the upper echelon of elite coaches.

Firing Raye was necessary, but remember that Coach Singletary had problems finding an offensive coordinator. Scott Linehan, an innovative offensive mind, declined a job offer due to "personal reasons" then accepted another coordinator role 5 (FIVE!) days later in Detroit. Singletary said in his press conference that Raye did his best to fulfill the head coach's vision. Mike Martz, another innovative offensive mind (who, incidentally, ran the ball more than Jimmy Raye did) was fired due to philosophical differences (And now Cutler and the entire Bears offense looks much better than it did in years past).

Mike Johnson and whatever game plans he may have is atill subject to the rule of Sing. He will not have the philosophical autonomy that many fans think will associate a new coordinator. This team has talent. The front office did it's job well enough to field a team with playoff-level talent. Now it's up to the coaches to maximize that talent's potential.

As long as the head of the coaching tree is intent on imposing his blunt-force philosophy on the offensive game plan, expect the 49ers to remain a team with unrealized expectations.

The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

49ers' Kyle Shanahan on blocking out online noise: 'Don't make someone else's reality your reality'

By David Bonilla
Nov 29

Kyle Shanahan takes a pragmatic approach to handling online criticism—he ignores it. The San Francisco 49ers head coach recently opened up about his mindset during a challenging season for his squad, which was once considered a Super Bowl favorite but is now 5-6 and...


placeholder image

John Lynch: 49ers still targeting Dre Greenlaw's return against Rams

By David Bonilla
Dec 6

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an update on linebacker Dre Greenlaw during his appearance on KNBR Friday morning, offering insight into the defender's recovery progress. The 49ers opened Greenlaw's practice window on November 27. While he won't suit up...


placeholder image

No Nick Bosa or Trent Williams at final 49ers practice before Bears game

By David Bonilla
Dec 6

Defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams were absent during the early portion of Friday's practice, the segment open to the media. Neither player has participated in practice this week, raising significant doubts about their availability for Sunday's matchup...


placeholder image

Week 14 predictions: Can the 49ers hold off the Bears?

By Site Staff
3 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers will host the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, December 8, with kickoff set for 1:25 p.m. PT. The 49ers are currently 3.5-point favorites heading into the matchup. Each week, 49ers Webzone staff participates in the...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone