Electioneering: Mike Singletary

You’ve seen the best.

And the imitation of the best.

And the kind of similar, but from a different angle.

Now, read the rest. Run got his act together on this faster than I did, but he seems intent to look at some of the more obvious candidates for eventual succession. I, on the other hand, will be going a little more off the beaten path in my efforts. I don’t look forward to the day when Joe does step down, however in preparation expect some serious, some joking and a few fictional options to be offered for the sake of discussion. First up:

Mike Singletary
Born: October 9, 1958
Graduate of Baylor

Playing Career:
(wikipedia)
Linebacker for the Chicago Bears (1981-1992)
- 10-time Pro-Bowler
- Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Coaching Career:
Linebackers Coach for the Baltimore Ravens (2003-2004)
Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers for the San Francisco 49ers (2005)
Assistant Head Coach/Defense for the San Francisco 49ers (2006-present)
- Coached at the Senior Bowl 2007 and 2008

Background:
Outside of an outstanding professional career as a player, he has, in a short time, become a highly regarded coach often rumored for new head coach openings. I believe he has interviewed with the Cowboys, Chargers and Falcons for head coaching positions and was the lead candidate to take over at his alma mater Baylor before withdrawing his name from consideration.

In 2001, he won the Walter Camp “Man of the Year” award, which “honors an individual who has been closely associated with the game of football as a player, coach or close attendant to the game. He must have attained a measure of success and been a leader in his chosen profession. He must have contributed to the public service for the benefit of his community, country and his fellow man. He must have an impeccable reputation for integrity and must be dedicated to our American Heritage and the philosophy of Walter Camp.”

Recruiting:
He’s highly charismatic and does motivational speaking on the side. I believe he would be excellent recruiter, Parents (ok, mostly fathers) would remember his playing career and he also has the NFL coaching to tout, so he can competently explain how to get recruits from high school to the pros.

Red Flags:
Ultimately, his goal is to be an NFL head coach, then again Paterno was just coaching to make money for law school and see how that turned out. I would expect him to be with the program for 5 years or less, depending upon his success, but he may love it and stay, who knows? The question remains, would someone that’s short term be the best answer following Paterno? When it’s all said and done, it could benefit both parties involved (the school and the successor if they want to move to the NFL), since it would put a little distance between the legend and those that follow.

Compensation:
Not cheap, but he may come at a discount from what the market demands in order to get that Head Coach title.

Would he take the job?
Possibly, Penn State is a traditional big-name college football program. Success would be highly visible and garner attention.

Would fans revolt?
I doubt it. There may be some misgivings that he’s an “outsider” and doesn’t have head coaching or coordinator experience, but college coaching is by and large teaching-centered (just ask Charlie Weis), putting together a competent staff will take care of the rest. His time at the Senior Bowl may prove invaluable in regards to knowing how to teach and work with college athletes as opposed to the pros.

Serious/Joking/Fictional?
Everything I see or hear about Mike Singletary makes me like him more and more. It would be a daring move and wholly unrealistic move to expect from Penn State, so I’m kidding myself, but I like to dream.

* Before anyone asks. Yes, we will look at Greg Manusky, also on the Niners staff, eventually. I’ve got a whole list of names to address.