Mike Singletary Likely To Be Named 49ers Permanent Head Coach

While his head coaching career got off to an awkward start including a QB benching, Mike Singletary has done something that trumped any of the “rookie mistakes” he’s made along the way—he’s gotten the 49ers to respond and play hard.  After posting a 2-7 mark to open the season, the Niners have gone 4-2 under Singletary and indications are that he’ll be named the team’s permanent head coach after the regular season ends.
Singletary’s credentials as a player, of course, are off the charts—an NFL Hall of Famer, he was the leader of arguably the best defensive unit in NFL history on arguably the best team in NFL history (the 1985 Chicago Bears).  His on-field toughness and intensity are legendary, as is the respect he earned off the field for being one of the true “character guys” in the league.  He quickly took charge of a rudderless Niners team when appointed the interim head coach after the dismissal of Mike Nolan.  Unlike many other “interim” coaches who appear more interested in keeping a low profile than anything else, Singletary started to “right the ship” and generally acting like a NFL head coach should.
Reports suggest that Singletary and Niners officials met early this week for a general discussion about his long term future with the club.  At the meeting, Singletary laid out a plan for the team’s return to contention that blew away the Niners brass.  As a result of that meeting, along with the team’s improved showing under his leadership, Singletary will likely shed the “interim” tag after the regular season is over. 
Despite reports that he’s coached himself into a full time gig, Singletary was characteristically focused on the task at hand:
"I will just say this: I don't interpret anything as ... really good or really bad. I think the most important thing is that I just continue to stay focused. After it's all said and done, we can look back at how positive things are, and our direction or whatever, and we can fully pay attention to it."
Also significant is the support that Singletary has generated among the Niners fans, who never really “bought in” to his predecessor.  Furthermore, Singletary’s players are certainly supportive as well.  Shaun Hill, who responded impressively after his promotion to starting QB under Singletary, gave his endorsement:
"The way guys have responded to him and played for him says a lot. Those decisions aren't up to us, but we feel like we can turn the corner with what we have."
While Singletary may have earned a job in the City by the Bay, offensive coordinator Mike Martz may have lost his.  The pass happy Martz is a poor fit in the run oriented vision of Singletary, and will likely be replaced after the season.  Still, Singletary refused to throw Martz under the bus further demonstrating why he’s considered a paragon of class:
"I think everything that I asked him to do, he made every attempt to do the things he needed to do. Going forward, I just feel that after the season, we have to sit down ... and look at what gives us the best opportunity to win."
The Niners host the Washington Redskins, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, in the final week of the season.