Oct 21, 2008 - 6:19 PM
0 shoutsSANTA CLARA, California (Ticker) -- Mike Singletary has a simple goal for the San Francisco 49ers - take them to the "next level."
Singletary was introduced to the media on Tuesday, one day after he was named as the replacement for Mike Nolan, who was fired seven games into his fourth season with the 49ers.
Before accepting the job, Singletary said he spoke with Nolan, who told the Hall of Fame linebacker that he would be "very disappointed" if he did not assume the reins of the flagging franchise.
"At that point it was very clear I was going to take the job with no hesitation - with his blessing," Singletary said.
The team's assistant head coach and defensive coordinator under Nolan, Singletary said he does not plan wholesale changes for San Francisco, which is 2-5 and mired in a four-game losing streak.
"It's a matter of stepping in and bringing it all together," Singletary said. "That's something I've done my whole life."
Asked how he could turn around the fortunes of the Niners, who went 18-37 during Nolan's tenure, Singletary said his task is easier than that of his former boss.
"To me, the next step is not as hard as the first," Singletary said. "Mike Nolan built the foundation. My job is to build upon it."
Nolan did issue a statement Tuesday thanking the organization for his coaching opportunity and praising his former players.
"Even during the toughest of times they remained strong and fought through it," he said. "It is difficult to put into words my respect for guys that played for the 49ers over the past 3 1/2 seasons. They have my complete respect and admiration. I am forever indebted to them."
Singletary conceded that quarterback has been a trouble spot for the team. J.T. O'Sullivan, in his first season as a starter, has a league-high 10 interceptions and nine fumbles.
"We have to be more careful with the ball," he said. "But on the defensive side, we have to do a better job as well. We have a lead, we have to keep it."
The 49ers have allowed at least 29 points in each of their losses during the recent skid.
"I don't know which button to push," said Singletary, who was named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls. "I just know what is in my heart. I know there is a fire in my heart.
"That fire is unconquerable and will not die."
Team owner Jed York said Singletary's "fire" is one of the major reasons he was elevated to head coach.
"I think we are getting 'out-intensitied.' I don't think that's a word, but I'm going to use it anyway," York said. "That's what we need, and that's what Mike Singletary's going to bring. You feel his presence when he's up here speaking. That's what he brings to the organization. That's what he's going to bring out of the players.
"I think you're going to see our players perform, and they're going to respond to this."
