The San Francisco 49ers have fired Mike Singletary and named
fourth-year defensive line coach Jim Tomsula as interim head coach,
according to a press release sent out Sunday night.
SANTA CLARA
No more speculation is necessary. The rumors have been answered and a decision made.
The San Francisco 49ers have fired Mike Singletary and named fourth-year defensive line coach Jim Tomsula as interim head coach, according to a press release sent out Sunday night.
49ers President and CEO Jed York will be joined by Tomsula in a news conference Monday at noon.
Tomsula coached nine years in NFL Europa, including head coaching duties for the Rhein Fire in 2006, the press release stated.
“I want to thank Mike Singletary for the passion and effort that he brought to this organization,” York said in a statement released by the team. “He is a tremendous person for whom I will always have great respect.”
The Niners (5-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 25-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams (7-8) Sunday afternoon. San Francisco has not made the playoffs since 2002.
“One of the greatest experiences of my life was having the opportunity to coach the San Francisco 49ers,” Singletary said in a statement. “What made it so special were the players. They were some of the most outstanding men I have ever been around in my life. The coaches were truly professionals. I wish the 49ers nothing but the best.”
Singletary’s tumultuous 40-game stint as the Niners’ head man began in 2008 when he replaced Mike Nolan midway through the season, leading the 49ers to a 5-4 record over the final nine games. In 2009, Singletary helped San Francisco to its first non-losing season since 2002, but the team still missed the playoffs, finishing 8-8.
Singletary first arrived to the Bay Area in 2004 and served as linebackers coach under Nolan.
“I am thankful to the York family for having given me the opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL,” Singletary continued. “I am indebted to them for that. I am also thankful for the faithful fans. I am just sorry I couldn’t give them more.”
San Francisco closes out the regular season Jan. 2 at home against the Arizona Cardinals.
