The Chicago Bears defense is in a state of disrepute, begging for some sort of direction. Here is why “Samurai” Mike Singletary is their answer.

He would solve the linebacker problem

Being a 10-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer would make Singletary an expert on the linebacker position. He knows what it takes to excel at the position, but more important he has a history of molding young players into stars as a coach. In 2003 he joined the Baltimore Ravens as linebackers coach. Of course that paired him with Ray Lewis, but the greatest success story for Mike was a little-known 21-year old outside linebacker named Terrell Suggs. Their only year together, the rookie posted 12 sacks despite starting just one game.

Two years later Singletary joined good friend Mike Nolan who was taking over as head coach in San Francisco. As assistant head coach and linebackers coach, Singletary began to demonstrate a coveted ability to maximize veterans and also spot young talent as well. That was never clearer than in 2007 when with his expertise the 49ers added a stocky young man out of Mississippi named Patrick Willis. Under the tutelage of Singletary, he became an All-Pro his rookie season and has reached seven Pro Bowl thus far in what is becoming a Hall of Fame career.

From there as he took over as head coach Singletary continue to show his ability to develop. Parys Haralson, now a key member of the New Orleans Saints got his start there in 2006, as did the often overlooked but highly effective Ahmad Brooks. Then in 2010 he was able to impart his teachings on a young rookie named NaVorro Bowman before being dismissed.

Suffice to say if anybody can solve the Bears linebacker crisis, it’s him.

He’s legacy in good standing with fans

Another key is that, unlike current coordinator Mel Tucker, Singletary has the confidence of Bears fans. A good part of that is because they know him so well. He’s legacy. They know he is a leader and has a proven track record based on the success he had in Baltimore, San Francisco and also the brief stop he made in Minnesota. Mike has a stake in the organization. It matters to him. One thing to remember is that his biggest goal in life is to be a head coach and win a Super Bowl. A great way to do that is having a successful run as a defensive coordinator. Who better to help realize that vision than the same Chicago franchise that made him a star as a player? It’s a great story that fans would eat up.

He puts more pressure and demand on his players

Another key attribute that makes Mike Singletary more preferable to Mel Tucker is simple personality. His attention to detail is what made him a great player but it’s his demand of others that made the Bears a defensive powerhouse for so many years when he was on the field. That same detail-oriented approach and high demand is what the current defense needs. Tucker seems more like a player’s coach, the type who will sit back and let his assistants run the show while focusing on his duties as a play-caller.

On certain teams that may work but in the case of Chicago it’s not. Remember, Tucker is in complete control of the defense. Head coach Marc Trestman has no input on how the scheme or execution play out, which means the pressure is much higher on the defensive coordinator to instill discipline and proper fundamentals on that side of the ball. Based on the performance through 2013 and the first game in 2014, Tucker has a real problem getting through to his players on those key points as evidenced by a porous run defense and limited sack production.

Singletary wouldn’t have any fear about amping up the pressure and demand on the younger guys like Jon Bostic, Shea McClellin and Chris Conte to play better.

He is available

Perhaps the most important aspect of this entire idea is a simple one. Mike Singletary is still available. After leaving the Vikings, he chose to accept a position at the NFL league office as a senior advisor to Troy Vincent, Executive VP of Football Operations. Safe to say he may be just taking time away from the field, waiting for the right opportunity. Running the Chicago Bears defense has to count as a big one. The franchise helped make him a champion as a player. Now he could return the favor as a coach.

Image Source: SF Bay