49ers hire ILB coach and pass rush specialist coach

by David Fucillo on Jan 12, 2009 7:49 PM PST in San Francisco 49ers News

These are certainly interesting hires by Coach Singletary. The 49ers announced they've added two positions to the coaching staff. Vantz Singletary, Mike's nephew, will serve as the team’s inside linebackers coach, while Al Harris has been named as the club’s pass rush specialist coach. Jason Tarver will continue to coach the outside linebackers.

"We are pleased to add Vantz Singletary and Al Harris to our coaching staff," said 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. "Both possess the qualities and character that I am looking for to lead our group forward."

Vantz Singletary has been a successful collegiate coach for the past 17 seasons with his most recent stop in 2008 as the defensive tackles coach at Buffalo, where he helped lead the school to its first ever bowl appearance and a 2008 Mid-American Conference title. His previous assignments were with Tennessee at Chattanooga (2006-07), Hawaii (1999-2005), Southern (1997-98) and Trinity College (1992-96). He has coached numerous future NFL players while they were collegians, including current 49ers defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga at Hawaii. Vantz has also served as a summer intern at NFL camps for numerous teams.

"Vantz has had a tremendous career during his many seasons as a collegiate coach," said Mike Singletary. "I am confident that the way in which he has worked with young football players during that extensive experience will translate into success as he embarks on his NFL coaching career."

He starred during his playing days as a defensive tackle and linebacker at Kansas State in 1987 and 1988 after spending two All-American junior college seasons at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.

Al Harris returns to the NFL after a stellar playing career that spanned 11 campaigns with Chicago (1979-84, 86-88) and Philadelphia (1989-90).

"Al Harris' greatest attribute is as a teacher," said Mike Singletary. "We're excited about the addition of Al because our players will benefit from his teaching ability, in terms of the strategy and methodology of what goes into the pass rush."

I am definitely intrigued by these two additions. Singletary recognizes specific areas of need and is getting creative. I'm curious how much a pass rush specialist coach will help.

Also, I'll have a post about the interview of former BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski first thing in the morning (pacific time).

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/in before GeoMak

Al Harris was a pretty good OLB/DE for the Bears when Singletary was there. Both Harris and teammate Todd Bell held out before the ’85 season, and when the Bears failed to meet their demands, they sat out the whole year — the 15-1, “Super Bowl Shuffle”, World Champion year. Then they both realized they needed the Bears more than the Bears needed them, and returned the next year. I wonder if they fired their agents.

Haven't been to The Examined Life? No wonder your life feels so empty.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 12, 2009 8:05 PM PST reply actions

That's good. Singletary has a plan.

I hope its a good ’un.

by James Brady on Jan 12, 2009 8:14 PM PST reply actions

Geez....

they still need a field goal holder coach, a ball boy coach, and a grass growing coach what are they doing!!!

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jan 12, 2009 8:32 PM PST reply actions

Watch it.....

credability might be shot if he keeps hiring relatives and ex teammates…. better win

by Qbgetter13 on Jan 13, 2009 7:13 AM PST reply actions

True but it's not like these are major positions

I’d be more concerned if he started handing out the major coordinator/coaching roles to family and friends. These hires may not help much but I doubt they’ll hurt much either.

by methodrampage on Jan 13, 2009 8:42 AM PST up reply actions

I disagree that these are bad hires

I think if you look at the language Singletary used, it’s clear that he understands there is a major difference between inside LB play and outside LB play. Also, in the 3-4 Pass Rushing is the responsibility of both the DE and the OLB, so it makes sense to hire someone full of those tricks necessary, including strategizing when to bring new moves into the game, and how one move can set up an OT for a different move later. I am very excited about next year.

They're called RUNS for a reason.

by connie mack on Jan 13, 2009 10:04 AM PST reply actions