IRVING – For 12 years, Mike Singletary's piercing stare from across the line of scrimmage made him one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Cowboys would like to see if Singletary has what it takes to possibly be their next head coach.
Singletary, 48, will interview for the Cowboys' vacancy today with owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones.
Outgoing coach Bill Parcells had met with the previous candidates, but Monday marked the first day since he announced his resignation on Jan. 22 that he was not at Valley Ranch.
Singletary, the 49ers' assistant head coach, has interviewed for head coaching jobs in Detroit (2006) and Atlanta (2007).
Although the team has offered no timetable on when a head coaching hire would be made, Jones is scheduled to fly to Miami on Thursday for Super Bowl XLI festivities.
In his 12-year playing career, Singletary was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times and was named All-Pro eight times, but he has limited coaching experience.
After retiring in 1992, Singletary worked as a motivational speaker and was CEO of Leadership Zone, which provided leadership training to businesses. His first assistant coaching position came with Baltimore in 2003 where he coached inside linebackers, including perennial Pro Bowler Ray Lewis, for two years.
When Mike Nolan became San Francisco's coach in 2005, one of his first hires was Singletary as the Niners' assistant head coach. In his two years in San Francisco, Nolan has had Singletary address the team on Thursdays.
Singletary, a two-time All-American at Baylor, is the second San Francisco assistant to interview for the position. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner interviewed with the Joneses on Sunday.
San Francisco has a defensive coordinator opening, but Nolan has interviewed veteran assistants Donnie Henderson and Dave Campo for the job.
One of the most intense players in NFL history, Singletary finished his pro career with 1,488 tackles.
Singletary will be the eighth candidate to meet with the Cowboys, joining running game coordinator Tony Sparano, passing game coordinator Todd Haley, secondary coach Todd Bowles, San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, New Orleans defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, Turner and Jason Garrett, who has since been hired and remains a candidate for the vacancy.
For comparison, Miami interviewed 13 coaches before hiring Cam Cameron as Nick Saban's replacement.
The pending interview will further put the Cowboys in compliance with the "Rooney Rule," which states a team must interview at least one minority for a head coaching vacancy.
According to NFL vice president Greg Aiello, the Cowboys' interview of Bowles satisfied the obligation. Aiello said there is no distinction in the rule regarding whether a candidate is already on staff or outside the organization.
In 2003 when the Cowboys hired Parcells, they obeyed the rule with a phone interview of Dennis Green, but the league since has said a formal interview must take place.
Turner, 54, was scheduled to speak with Jerry Jones again Monday, a day after he had a more formal meeting with the club at Valley Ranch. Phillips said Monday he has yet to hear from the team regarding his candidacy.
