While last season was very disappointing for the 49ers, there are many reason's to believe that things will get better next year. I'm going to give you all 5 reason's that you should be excited about the team in the off season and towards next season.The OffenseMike Nolan knows how to pick offensive coordinators.Say what you will about his decision making in game, but if there is one thing that Mike Nolan has proved throughout his time with the 49ers is that he knows how to pick offensive coordinators that will get the best out of the players they are given. Aside from Jeff Hostler (who was a last minute replacement after the chargers waited until the last minute to hire Norv Turner) Mike Nolan has had nothing but success in this area. Mike McCarthy and Norv Turner were both leading their teams into their respective championship games, and seeing as how only 4 coaches get there i think it's amazing that half of them were 49ers offensive coordinators the last 3 years. The hiring of Mike Martz will instantly make everyone on offense a little bit better (if not greatly) and at the very least will make it an interesting season.The Quarterback SituationWe all know the woes of the quarterback situation well being 49ers fans and all, but last year gave us a glimmer of hope with the emergence of Shaun Hill. While it is not set in stone whether he will stay or go, my feelings are that he will stay and compete with Alex Smith and 1 other quarterback for the starting job. This will work out in the fans favor, because Alex Smith will be forced to improve or sit on the bench. Shaun Hill showed tremendous heart and poise in his first 2 starts, and i think most 49ers fans would agree they feel comfortable with him behind center. The addition of Mike Martz will also prove to help both quarterbacks, as he has helped many quarterbacks go from obscurity to the summit of greatness. Also of note, as Eli Manning has shown us this year, it takes time for quarterbacks to develop. This is a promising reason not to just dismiss Alex Smith, even though many of us would like to.The DraftBy now most of you should know that the 49ers traded their first round pick to the New England Patriots to move back into the first round and get Joe Staley. Many people believe that he proved he was worth such a lofty trade and i agree. Time and time again Mike Nolan and Scott McCloughen have proved that they have what it takes when it comes to evaluating talent through the draft. Say what you will about picking Alex Smith with the first overall pick, in that same draft they got Frank Gore in the 3rd round. Vernon Davis might be a bust? How about drafting perfectly capable players later on in that same draft like Micheal Robinson (4th round) Parys Haralson (5th round) and Delanie Walker (6th round). We all know of the success of Patrick Willis and Joe Staley. Also, the 49ers have the Indianapolis Colt's first round pick this year (29th overall) and we know how Mike Nolan loves trading up in the first round. If this year is the same, look for the 49ers to be very productive in the draft. Free AgencyWhile the 49ers have been notorious under Mike Nolan for not being able to get a quality number 1 receiver, that can hardly be blamed all on him. The production (or lack thereof) of the quarterback has lot to do with that as well. The addition of Nate Clements (while overpriced) and Michael Lewis helped the defense significantly. There also are rumors that the 49ers might go after Lance Briggs or Bernard Berrian. The 49ers have a significant amount of cap room left (around 20 million) and I expect them to be minor players in this years free agency, adding one or two big names and a few quality players as well. Patrick WillisIt was a joy to watch Patrick Willis grow as a player. Towards the end of the year when most rookies are hitting the wall, Patrick Willis was actually getting better. They started unleashing him on the opposing quarterback more, and he responded with hurries, sacks, and turnovers. Also, Mike Singletary appears to be out of the running for the open head coaching positions, which means he will most likely be around to further his teaching of Patrick Willis. Add the return of Manny Lawson and the possible addition of people like Lance Briggs in free agency and you have the recipe for the 49ers defense to have a monster year.
