Singletary has simple plans for coaching debut

Holmgren has promised his wife he'll take the next year off to ride his motorcycle, hit the beach, play with the grandkids and tend to their new house near Santa Cruz - a beautiful 45-minute drive from the Niners' training complex, fans will undoubtedly remember.

Such speculation will last long after Sunday, when the teams hold the rematch of their meeting six weeks earlier in Seattle, won 33-30 in overtime by the 49ers. The clubs are a combined 2-7 since then, bringing up the rear in an unimpressive division.

The 49ers will put their faith again in J.T. O'Sullivan, whose learning curve was too gradual to save Nolan's job. With 10 interceptions and nine fumbles, O'Sullivan is taking much of the heat for the 49ers' woes.

But O'Sullivan impressed the Seahawks with his play in the 49ers' win in Seattle, passing for 321 yards while leading the tying and winning drives.

"He really did do a great job against us last time creating plays, getting first downs with his legs and buying time for him to make some great throws," Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney said. "I probably didn't appreciate his elusiveness going into the first game. I probably underestimated that."

And at least O'Sullivan is healthy, even after 29 sacks. Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck isn't expected to play after missing the two most important days of practice during the week, likely leaving the struggling offense in the hands of Seneca Wallace, who hasn't done much to make fans confident.

Wallace started in San Francisco two years ago while Hasselbeck was out with a knee injury, setting career highs in completions (19), attempts (31) and yards (252) while also throwing three interceptions in a 20-14 loss. During the Seahawks' 23-3 win in San Francisco last year when Hasselbeck was healthy, Wallace still got on the field again for a handful of plays, throwing a pass, catching an 18-yard throw and even running the ball.

"A lot of guys are stretching to try to make plays, because we're obviously not winning games," Wallace said. "Guys are trying to make up for other guys, trying to make plays. Sometimes it hurts you in the long run. We've just got to continue to keep working through it and hope for the best."