Mike Singletary's Theatrics

Last Sunday the San Francisco 49ers and Bay Area fans were introduced to a new style of coaching, not experienced by former teams of the past. Suffice to say, if last Sunday was any indication by new coach, Mike Singletary, then team and fans may be in for an intersting next 8 weeks.

If anybody needed to be reminded who Singletary was mentored by, for coaching, he helped by conjuring of images of his former coach Mike Ditka.

First, Singletary left no doubt that he wants to win. With less than a minute left in the first half, Singletary had seen enough of J.T. O'Sullivan and his turnovers. In came Shaun Hill, to close out the first half. That was a direct signal that Singletary is in charge, and if offensive coordinator Mike Martz's QB cannot get the job done, then Singletary will consider his options.

Next, starting tight end Vernon Davis was penalized 15 yards, after making a nice catch and gain, for unsportsman-like conduct. Singletary not liking the starting tight end's attitude towards the call, and body language coming off the field, ordered Davis to the bench. To further get his point across about who is in charge, Singletary then did something, possibly never witnessed before. He ordered Davis to leave the field, even telling Davis not to forget his helemet.

Upon leaving the field, after losing to Seattle, Singletary apologized to a group of fans about the 49ers embarassing performance.

Singletary saved the best for last, though. During his press conference, with a definite passion in his attitude, Singletary explained his treatment of Davis; "I would rather play 10 guys and get penalized all day until we get it right." He then added referring to Davis, "You can't coach with them, you can't play with them, you can't win with them. Can't get it done."

If everyone thought Singletary could not outdo himself, they were wrong. Very wrong. Later on during the week, it was reported and later confirmed by Singletary, that during halftime of the game he had pulled down his pants and pointed to his rearend to get a point across to his team.

Regarding the half time peep show, many see this type behavior as demeaning and degrading. I'm sure players have been every bit as demaning and degrading to their opponents on the field. Nothing wrong with getting a taste of their own medicine.

Singletary is a hard-nosed type of coach, just as he was a player. His actions and antics were questioned all week, by the Bay Area media. However, this was only the new head coach's first game. With the way the 49ers have been playing in the first half of the season, it's not a reach to think that they need a coach with passion, and a flare for the theatrics.

Whether Singletary's messages and coaching style translate to more wins for the
49ers remains to be seen. However, the fans and the media should be satisfied that they will at least get to come along for the ride.