The scene in San Francisco may appear utterly hopeless. Any chances of turning around this 2008 NFL regular season seemed to go out the window for a 49ers team which, after losing their fourth straight, seems to be headed deep into yet another meaningless, empty year.

Head coach Mike Nolan frequently spoke of change and restoring the glory days in the Bay Area and for three and a half seasons roamed the 49ers sideline while the team fell apart on the field. Despite his best efforts, including bending the NFL’s dress policy so that he could wear a custom suit during home games, Nolan never translated his convictions into the team’s weekly performance.

And so the criticisms continued; not just towards Nolan, but for seemingly questionable ownership of the team under John York, who didn’t earn the job but rather was given it when Eddie DeBartolo bolted. The change in team management has clearly been evident: from 1992 to 2002, the 49ers missed the playoffs only twice; since 2003, the team has not even once tasted the postseason.

Finally the ax came down on Mike Nolan, and he was fired late Monday night despite the team’s promise he would coach his final game this Sunday against Seattle. He leaves with his 18-37 regular season record and the second lowest winning percentage in the proud franchise’s history. San Francisco needed a momentary scapegoat, and even though he may not have deserved to go only seven games into the season, the team felt it necessary to cut ties with Nolan.

As for the manner and immediacy of his termination, that’s another debatable topic for later discussion. What’s left in San Francisco looks like the tattered remains of a once glorious organization suffering through some of the worst times in team history. Although no Niners fan could forget the massacre by former head “coach”… (cough)… Dennis Erickson from 2003-2005, the current state of the franchise appears almost as bleak to the untrained eye.

Then 49ers management made one of the best decisions in recent memory. Nolan was immediately replaced with his long-time colleague and Niners linebackers coach Mike Singletary. Yes, the same Mike Singletary from the Chicago Bears glory days, where he was one of the best linebackers this game has ever seen. The Yorks want to make careful distinction not to label him as the interim coach, but rather the head coach, only because of the potential here past this season. Think the guy has no chance of saving a team that continues to be a big joke to the rest of the league? You might want to think differently.

Singletary was described by many ESPN football analysts as being one of the most prepared and knowledgeable individuals the game has ever seen. Not only has he been portrayed as incredibly intelligent, but he also appeals to the personalities of his players. He appears to be an openly honest, passionate coach who knows how to connect with the players under him because he used to be on that same field every Sunday. He has written three books, and is an acclaimed public speaker whose way with words just might be the thing that ignites some chemistry in this 2-5 team.

What has he done for me lately? Singletary has only groomed LB Patrick Willis into one of, if not the best, linebackers in the NFL today. Willis led the league in tackles last season as a rookie, and started in the Pro Bowl during his first season. He’s right there at the top of the list in tackles again this year, and is on his way to what looks like a long, successful career in the NFL.

The team hired offensive guru Mike Martz back in January in an attempt to generate anything from a lifeless offense. As offensive coordinator, Martz has already improved the squad in nearly every statistical category. Some may see it as inevitable because the Niners were dead last in offense last season, but if looking closer, it may be something more.

Analysts might claim that the 49ers are many players short of having a competitive football team. So quickly do we forget about the Niners move to sign free agents DE Justin Smith, RB DeShaun Foster, KR Allen Rossum, or their steal in signing LB Takeo Spikes? In four games, Spikes has three interceptions and a forced fumble along with 46 tackles. Smith has three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception, which immediately is an upgrade from last season’s woeful pass rush.

First round pick Vernon Davis has failed to live up to expectations so far, but showed potential in a few early games this season. The tight end is a physically talented playmaker who has the ability to change games, and his blocking skills make him extremely valuable in the Niners offensive system. He is clearly their most valued offensive commodity behind Gore.

High-priced CB Nate Clements is on board, along with veteran WRs Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. San Francisco has young, raw talent in first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer and WR Josh Morgan. The Niners reached two seasons ago to draft OL Joe Staley despite giving up a first round pick. Staley has been everything the team has hoped for. They also drafted LB Manny Lawson in that same first round, who was considered by many as a better player than that draft’s number one overall pick: former college teammate Mario Williams.

Their only real questions lie in the quarterback position and with the defense in general. The unit has not played with the same swagger or regard for the franchise like it used to in the glory years. Don’t expect too many upgrades to the defensive team though; a steady dose of new head coach Mike Singletary may be all it takes in getting these players to work together.

QB J.T. O’Sullivan showed flashes of brilliance only to look like a flop in recent weeks. The advice for Niners faithful is not to bail on the journeyman just yet. Martz’s system is extremely difficult and will take time to execute perfectly. The Rams didn’t immediately become “the greatest show on turf”, and under Martz, the Lions didn’t have enough time or playmakers to turn their team around (it looks like nobody can win in 0-6 Detroit).

But the coaches in San Francisco can win, and like the fans, they will expect to. Here are a few more reasons why this season may not be so painful for 49ers fans:

1. Singletary is the guy Nolan never was. Nolan could never translate his lessons well with the players on the field, but the new guy can.

2. Gore. Gore. Gore.

3. After a 2-5 start against some tough teams, the 49ers schedule softens: Seattle (1-5), St. Louis (2-4), NY Jets (3-3), at Miami (2-4), at St. Louis (2-4). The other four games may be winnable as well: at Arizona on Monday Night, at Dallas, at Buffalo, and Washington in Week 17.

4. The NFC West is as weak as it’s ever been. We’re still not sold on the Cardinals as the favorite or a playoff team. Arizona is only 4-2 and a lot can change when they still have to play Carolina, the NY Giants, Philadelphia, Minnesota, New England, and San Francisco.

5. Look for more breakout games from several players, including more from Vernon Davis, Kentwan Balmer and Josh Morgan.

6. Kicker Joe Nedney will be as reliable as ever when the 49ers start playing in more competitive games.