Key for Singletary, McCloughan: compromise

Coach Mike Singletary has the responsibility to determine the 49ers’ 53-man roster.

Singletary’s four-year, $10 million contract provides the contractual power to hire and fire assistant coaches, as well as the final say over the team’s roster. Meanwhile, general manager Scot McCloughan has the final say on draft day.

But the key word for Singletary is “compromise.” Singletary said he will be very active in the draft, and McCloughan will have a strong voice when it comes to forming the final roster.

“I don’t see Scot as above me; I don’t see him as under me,” Singletary said this week. “He may be the guy that I report to. And I certainly know that Scot does not see me as above him or beneath him. I see us working together.”

Singletary and McCloughan will work together to upgrade the 49ers’ roster this offseason. When asked what positions he believes the 49ers need to bolster, Singletary listed the following:

Quarterback: Shaun Hill was 5-3 as the starter this season, but Singletary can make no assurances he will be the 49ers’ No. 1 quarterback in 2009 until he knows whom the 49ers may acquire in the offseason.

Alex Smith could still return as a backup if he accepts a significant pay reduction, but the 49ers will look to get a QB via draft, trade or free agency.

Offensive line: The 49ers’ biggest weakness is right tackle, where Jonas Jennings, Barry Sims and Adam Snyder each started games. The 49ers did not get consistent play from that position. Singletary said the 49ers might seek another guard, too.

Pass rusher: Outside linebacker Parys Haralson led the 49ers with eight sacks. Now the team will look to find a consistent third-down pass rusher on the other side to upgrade the spot Roderick Green filled this season.

“You never have enough of those,” Singletary said. “So a couple of those guys would be great.”

Safety: Free safety Mark Roman has not intercepted a pass in more than two seasons. Michael Lewis ranked third on the team in tackles, but his weakness is coverage.

“Our guys have done a good job, but going forward we may want to get a safety that has some range,” Singletary said.

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.com