Mike Singletary: NFL Head Coach & Hall of Fame Linebacker

Mike Singletary is a celebrated figure in American football, renowned both for his legendary playing career and his time as an NFL head coach. Best known for his fierce leadership and intensity, Singletary is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a respected coach.

Playing Career

• College: Baylor University (1977–1980)
  - Two-time All-American linebacker
  - Winner of the Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (then awarded to the nation's top defensive player)
• NFL: Chicago Bears (1981–1992)
  - Selected in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft
  - 10× Pro Bowler, 7× First-team All-Pro
  - NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988)
  - Key leader and "heart & soul" of the famed 1985 Bears defense
  - Super Bowl XX Champion (1985 season)
  - Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998

Coaching Career

• Baltimore Ravens: Linebackers Coach (2003–2004)
• San Francisco 49ers:
  • Linebackers Coach (2005–2008)
  • Interim Head Coach (2008), Head Coach (2009–2010)
    - Known for fiery speeches and tough-love approach
    - Finished with an overall record of 18–22 as head coach
    - Famously declared, "I want winners!" in an iconic postgame press conference
• Other Coaching Roles:
  • Minnesota Vikings: Linebackers Coach & Assistant Head Coach (2011–2013)
  • Los Angeles Rams: Defensive Assistant (2016)
  • Memphis Express (AAF): Head Coach (2018–2019, short-lived league)
  • High School Coaching: Trinity Christian Academy (Texas)

Legacy & Highlights

• Regarded as one of the greatest middle linebackers in NFL history
• Famous for his intimidating "eyes" and leadership on the field
• Key architect of the 1985 Bears' dominant defense
• Noted for his focus on discipline, motivation, and character as a coach

Mike Singletary's impact on football is enduring, as both a player and coach. His leadership, intensity, and passion for the game have inspired generations of players and fans.

Legacy & Career Overview

Mike Singletary: NFL Head Coach & Hall of Fame Linebacker

Mike Singletary is a legendary figure in the world of American football, renowned both for his Hall of Fame playing career and his time as an NFL head coach. His journey from humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, to becoming one of the most respected linebackers in NFL history, and later transitioning into coaching, is a testament to his work ethic, leadership, and passion for the game.

Early Life and Background

Born on October 9, 1958, in Houston, Texas, Michael Singletary was the youngest of ten children. He faced adversity early in life, including the tragic loss of his brother in a car accident and the death of another brother due to gas poisoning. Despite these challenges, Singletary found solace and discipline in football, quickly rising as a standout player at Worthing High School. He continued his football journey at Baylor University, where he developed a reputation for his fierce tackling and football intelligence.

College Football Career

At Baylor, Singletary became one of the most decorated defensive players in the nation. He was a two-time All-American (1979, 1980) and won the Lombardi Award in 1980 as the best college lineman or linebacker. Over his college career, Singletary set a school record with 662 tackles, including an incredible 35 in a single game against the University of Houston. His intensity and leadership made him a cornerstone of Baylor's defense and set the stage for his NFL career.

NFL Playing Career: Chicago Bears Legend

Mike Singletary was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round (38th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft. He quickly became the heart and soul of the Bears’ legendary defense, earning the nickname "Samurai Mike" for his disciplined approach and intimidating on-field presence.

• Position: Middle Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6 ft 0 in, 230 lbs
• NFL Career: 1981–1992 (Chicago Bears)
• Games Played: 179
• Tackles: Estimated over 1,400 (official tackle stats not kept until 2001)
• Interceptions: 7
• Fumble Recoveries: 12

Singletary was named to 10 Pro Bowls and was a First-team All-Pro selection seven times. His leadership was pivotal in the Bears' dominant run during the 1980s, culminating in their Super Bowl XX victory in January
1986. That 1985 Bears defense is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, and Singletary was its undisputed leader, winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in both 1985 and
1988. Renowned for his intense stare, meticulous preparation, and ability to diagnose plays, Singletary became an iconic figure in the league.

After 12 seasons, all with the Bears, Singletary retired following the 1992 season. His #50 jersey is one of the most recognizable in NFL history, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Coaching Career

Following his playing days, Singletary transitioned into coaching, bringing his legendary intensity and leadership to the sidelines.

• Baltimore Ravens (2003–2004): Linebackers Coach under Brian Billick, helping develop a defense that consistently ranked among the NFL's best.
• San Francisco 49ers (2005–2010): Joined the 49ers as linebackers coach and assistant head coach. In October 2008, following the firing of Mike Nolan, Singletary was named interim head coach and then given the full-time head coach position in 2009.

As the 49ers Head Coach (2008–2010), Singletary was celebrated for his motivational style, fierce discipline, and emotional leadership. He famously delivered a passionate post-game press conference after his first game as interim coach, coining the phrase, "Cannot play with them, cannot win with them, cannot coach with them. Can't do it." His tenure saw him instill toughness and accountability in a struggling franchise, finishing with an 18-22 record over parts of three seasons. While he did not lead the 49ers to the playoffs, he helped lay the foundation for the team's later success under Jim Harbaugh.

• Minnesota Vikings (2011–2013): Served as assistant head coach and linebackers coach under Leslie Frazier.
• Other Coaching Roles: Singletary has had stints in various coaching capacities at the collegiate and high school levels, including the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mike Singletary is also known for his deep Christian faith and commitment to mentoring young athletes. He is a motivational speaker and author, and has been active in charity and community work throughout his career. He has been married to his wife, Kim, since 1984, and together they have seven children.

Legacy: Mike Singletary's impact on football is profound and lasting. As a player, he redefined the middle linebacker position with his intelligence, heart, and ferocity. As a coach, he is remembered for his uncompromising standards and inspirational leadership. His influence continues to be felt in the game, both through his coaching tree and the many players he has mentored.

Career Highlights and Awards

• Super Bowl Champion (XX)
• 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988)
• 10× Pro Bowl Selection
• 7× First-team All-Pro
• Chicago Bears No. 50 Retired
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
• Lombardi Award Winner (1980, college)
• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1995)

From his days as the Bears' defensive anchor to his passionate sideline leadership as a coach, Mike Singletary remains a symbol of excellence, integrity, and intensity in the world of football.