Bears Add Vikings Assistants Mike Singletary and Mike Priefer to Coaching Search

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker coach Mike Singletary prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

OK, the Chicago Bears coaching search has officially jumped the shark.  Word from Brad Biggs is that the Bears will interview Vikings assistants Mike Singletary (linebackers coach) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator).   Yes, that Mike Singletary.  Not this Mike Singletary, he of the piercing eyes patrolling the middle of the ’85 Bears’ 46-defense.

No, they’re interviewing this Mike Singletary.  The former San Francisco 49ers head coach who went on this rant and reportedly pulled down his pants to make a point during a halftime speech.

I say it’s jumped the shark because Phil Emery already has ten known candidates on the list already and Singletary was a major flop in San Francisco.  But wait, there’s more.  As I dive deeper, Biggs offers the real story behind the interview:

I knew a McCaskey had to be behind this!  I personally hope that it’s Emery just appeasing his bosses because while I admire the heck out of Singletary the player but Singletary the coach became a punchline.  It’s hard to take this search seriously at this point.  I appreciate Emery’s diligence and thoughtful approach, but when will it be enough?  How many candidates are too many?

Just about every GM worth his salt has a short list of head coaching candidates.  Being thorough is one thing, when you go out and parade 30 guys through the interview process, it makes it seem like there was no plan.   That scares me about this coaching search.

Nov 20, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Mike Priefer during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Mall of America Field. The Raiders defeated the Vikings 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Incidentally, Vikings S-T coordinator Mike Priefer was a graduate assistant at Navy at the same time when Emery was strength and conditioning coach there.  Priefer was a helicopter pilot who’s missions included dropping off and picking up Navy SEALs in the Middle East.  But can he beat the Packers?