Singletary Ousts Martz
The San Francisco 49ers dismissed Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.
Coach Mike Singletary reportedly wanted to hire a new offensive boss who will emphasize the running game over the passing game.
"After an evaluation period I felt it was best to go in a different direction," Singletary said in a written statement posted on the team's website. "This was not an easy decision because I appreciate Mike Martz, and I enjoyed working with him. He is a true professional, and I wish him the best in the future."
Singletary was given the head coaching job on a more permanent basis Sunday night after the 49ers beat the Washington Redskins in their season finale. The club went 5-4 under Singletary after he was hired to replace Mike Nolan, who was fired after a 2-5 start to the season.
Martz spent only one season with the team. He and Nolan decided to give the club's starting quarterback job entering the season to journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan, who had been with Martz in Detroit, over former top overall draft choice Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. Singletary reversed that decision in his first game as an NFL head coach, benching O'Sullivan and going to Hill.
The 49ers will have a new offensive coordinator for a fifth straight season.
"I do recognize the need for a long-term solution on the offensive side of the ball," Singletary said in his written statement.
Martz said in a written statement on the team's website: "I had an outstanding conversation with Mike Singletary this afternoon. I believe he will be an outstanding head coach in the National Football League. I wish him nothing but the best. I am not what he is looking for offensively. I understand that. This is just a part of professional sports."
By
Mark Maske
|
December 30, 2008; 5:56 PM ET
| Category:
49ers
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