Singletary learning from the pros
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i defensive line coach Vantz Singletary, who preaches responsible eating as a sandwich pitchman, has a big appetite for coaching in the NFL.
Singletary is finishing his coaching internship with the Cincinnati Bengals this week. He is scheduled to return to the Warriors tomorrow.
"It's a dream of mine to coach in the NFL," Singletary said recently.
Singletary, 38, has spent eight summers as an intern at NFL camps all over the country. He has helped produce four NFL draft picks at four schools, including Hawai'i's Travis LaBoy and Isa'ako Sopoaga this year.
This summer, Singletary was awarded a minority internship with the Bengals. The minority internship was started by Bill Walsh to give minority coaches an opportunity to be seen and evaluated up close, according to Singletary.
Past internship awardees include Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts head coach), Leslie Frazier (Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator), Herman Edwards (New York Jets head coach) and Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals head coach).
"For me to have gone through the same program they've gone through, I'm honored," said Singletary, who is the nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker and former Chicago Bears great Mike Singletary.
During his internship, Singletary said he's attended personnel meetings with Bengals' owner Mike Brown and Lewis, who have welcomed his advice on evaluating NFL talent. The team also allows him to coach defensive players.
"It's a wonderful experience," Singletary said. "You're out there coaching guys who are making 20 and 30 million dollars apiece. For them to have that kind of trust and faith in me to teach and motivate their guys, that sort of speaks volumes."
Singletary said the knowledge and experience he's gained from the NFL will only help him, and the UH football team.
"I think this is going to make me a better person," Singletary said. "I think it's great for the UH football team. I'm here not only representing our defensive line, but our university and our state."
Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.
