Mike Singletary closes in on Giants QB Phil Simms during the NFC playoff game in 1986. (Tribune file)
Dan Pompei
Former Bears great Mike Singletary, now the coach of the 49ers, talked with Chicago reporters on a conference call Tuesday and said going against his former team was not a distraction.
"I know they're not distracted by going up against us and I want to make sure our team is not distracted going up against them," he said.
This will be Singletary's first time facing the Bears since he has been a head coach, but he has faced them as an assistant coach.
"The Bears will always be a team that I love," he said. "So many
friends, family, memories. The first time I played the Bears when I
first got to San Francisco, coming to Soldier Field, with all the
excitement, it was a bit overwhelming. I'm glad this is not the first
time I'm playing the Bears because that would be tough. Now that I've
played them a couple of times it's just a matter of going out and
competing against a good football team."
San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis had some nice things to say about his coach in his chat with Chicago reporters.
"Everybody respects him because of how he's been in life and what he's done in the game, the legacy he's left behind," Davis said. "When he speaks, everyone can feel what he's saying and they can relate to him. He's been there and done that. When coach Singletary talks, he has everyone's respect and attention. When you hear him talk, it touches you because it feels almost as if he's playing the game with you because he wants it so bad and he's so emotional."
For more on Singletary and why he is the way he is as a head coach, check out my story later tonight on chicagotribune.com/sports.
San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis had some nice things to say about his coach in his chat with Chicago reporters.
"Everybody respects him because of how he's been in life and what he's done in the game, the legacy he's left behind," Davis said. "When he speaks, everyone can feel what he's saying and they can relate to him. He's been there and done that. When coach Singletary talks, he has everyone's respect and attention. When you hear him talk, it touches you because it feels almost as if he's playing the game with you because he wants it so bad and he's so emotional."
For more on Singletary and why he is the way he is as a head coach, check out my story later tonight on chicagotribune.com/sports.
Singletary, then an assistant coach, and Lovie Smith talk after the 2006 game at Soldier Field. (Scott Strazzante/Tribune)
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Just looking at the picture above says it all! Look at the non-expression on Droopy and then on Mike Singletary's...what a MAROON! Lovie is a CARTOON not a coach!
MS is a great motivator, but he tends to speak in a falsehood. JUST LIKE GUESS WHO? Lovie.
But, MS does it with authority and toughness. SMith tries "the Loving father" approach ... but they both still talk as if they do not lose.
They have a 9'r TV commercial out here ... It goes like this ... MS is speaking, (they show killer highlights)
"we have one philosphy here, it's smple, we go out, and we hit them in the mouth" ....
and they lose 4 out of 5.
i don't know, should be a thriller Thursday Night.