Singletary's job status hovering over 49ers

<p>When he was elevated to 49ers interim head coach in October, Mike Singletary was seen inside the organization as a long shot to earn the full-time position for next season.</p><p>But with the 49ers winning three of their past four games, Singletary has established himself as the people’s choice for the job. The players have responded well to his coaching, and his staff is on board, too.</p><p>One team source said the coaching staff did not initially take to Singletary as the interim head coach.</p><p>“But, then, they realized their best chance of returning was if Singletary gets the job,” the source said.</p><p>After the 49ers’ impressive 24-14 victory over the AFC East-leading New York Jets on Sunday, Singletary’s stock is high. Some believe the 49ers decision-makers should end the mystery and make it official now.</p><p>After all, Singletary has a contract that runs through the end of the season. If the 49ers do not lock him up with a contract, he will become a coaching free agent.</p><p>At least a handful of teams are likely to be seeking coaches after this season. Organizations around the league might be impressed with what they’ve seen from Singletary after he took over for fired Mike Nolan on Oct. 20.</p><p>Singletary would be able to weigh his options. If there is a market for his services, he would be able to pick from different options and find the most suitable situation. Singletary could not be faulted for picking another team over the 49ers.</p><p>If the 49ers decide Singletary is the best man for the job but fail to act, the organization runs the risk of losing him to a better offer.</p><p>In that sense, Singletary is not only coaching for the 49ers’ job; he is coaching for any team that plans to fire its head coach after this season. That’s just the way it is ... even if Singletary does not view it that way.</p><p>“I’m really not auditioning,” he said Monday. “I’m really not trying to show anyone anything. I’m doing what I love to do and that’s all I can do. After that, let the film speak.”</p><p>On the flip side, the 49ers can’t be faulted for taking their time.</p><p>Jed York, who has taken over as the front man of the organization, and general manager Scot McCloughan have a big decision ahead of them. They get to chart a new course for the organization.</p><p>Singletary is still a neophyte in the coaching ranks. He’s only been in the coaching business for six seasons. He is still relatively unknown. He has never served as a coordinator.</p><p>Why wouldn’t the 49ers use this opportunity to gather as much information as possible before making such a critical decision? After all, there are still many unanswered questions. Singletary needs to present a plan to the 49ers’ hierarchy to show how he intends to maintain continuity on offense — one of the failings of Nolan’s tenure with the 49ers.</p><p>Martz not a candidate </p><p>Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who reportedly was contacted for the position of San Diego State head coach, is no longer a candidate for the job, said a source close to Martz.</p><p>It was not clear whether Martz removed himself from consideration or the university decided to focus on other candidates. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported last week that Martz was one of at least five coaches San Diego State representatives contacted about the opening.</p><p>Davis’ blocking noticed </p><p>The perception is that tight end Vernon Davis, selected No. 6 overall in the 2006 draft, has not lived up to expectations. While his receiving numbers are down, Davis’ importance to the 49ers’ offense is immeasurable, Singletary said.</p><p>“I don’t know if there’s ever been a tight end that can block better than Vernon Davis,” Singletary said. “I mean, he did an exceptional job — it was outstanding.</p><p>“As a blocking tight end, for him to be on a defensive end, linebacker, I don’t care who it was. He was on him, he was driving him, he was moving him and it wasn’t like they didn’t know he was coming. It was very impressive.”</p><p>Gore questionable</p><p>Running back Frank Gore’s status for Sunday’s game in his hometown of Miami is questionable after he sustained a left ankle sprain against the Jets. Veteran DeShaun Foster would likely take over as the main back, if Gore can’t play.</p><p>Foster has fumbled twice this season on 43 touches. Singletary said he was concerned about Foster’s ball security.</p><p>“He’s trying to make something happen,” Singletary said. “Frank is in all the time. And then when DeShaun gets a chance, he wants to show, ‘Hey, I can do this. I’m a good back and I can make things happen.’” Practice-squad running back Thomas Clayton could get a promotion, depending on Gore’s status.</p><p>“I’ll put it this way: Mike Martz is a fan,” Singletary said. “That will tell you a lot about him. He is just working his tail off.”</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.</p><p>com</p>