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**gruntbygod** · 08-10-2007, 10:37 AM

http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_...nclick_check=1

Quote:

Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary hopes to become an NFL head coach someday. Thursday, the 49ers' assistant head coach got some practical experience, stepping in to run the team's training-camp practice in the absence of Coach Mike Nolan.

Nolan turned the reins over to Singletary while he attended the memorial service for former 49ers coach Bill Walsh, who was a mentor to both men.

It wasn't lost on Singletary that his initial experience came on the day that Walsh was being memorialized. Singletary said he had talked frequently with Walsh and solicited his advice when he decided to get into coaching five years ago after a decade away from the game.

"He was an innovator and a leader," Singletary said. "For me to have had the opportunity to visit with him, I am really humbled by the time that he took with me. I will forever be indebted to Coach Walsh."

Singletary has emerged as a leading head-coaching candidate. He interviewed for the vacancies in San Diego, Dallas and Atlanta this year and in Detroit last year.

"I knew when I came back into the league I wanted to be a head coach," Singletary said. "Mike knew I wanted to be a head coach. This is something that he and I talk about, but it's not something I focus on. The most important thing for me is to make sure I'm the best assistant head coach/defense I can be."

Singletary said if and when his opportunity comes, he'll embrace it. But he also said he was thankful he hadn't gotten
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the job yet.

"That was for my protection," he said. "But I'll be ready. The simple fact is it is not just you. If you don't have great people, and if you are not surrounded by great people doing a great job, then you will fail."

Left tackle Jonas Jennings returned to practice a day after he left team workouts early because of dehydration. Rookie safety Dashon Goldson also resumed practicing after missing a practice because of a leg contusion. Wide receiver Marcus Maxwell was held out of practice because of a sore hamstring, and receiver Taylor Jacobs was held out of the afternoon special-teams practice to rest his sore shins.

The morning workout was the last contact practice before Monday's exhibition opener against Denver.

"We are really trying to make sure as we approach our first preseason game that we get some rest," Singletary said. "We've been in pads quite a bit. Mike Nolan really wants to give these guys a chance to come back, physically."