New Offensive Coordinator: Jimmy Raye (NYJ RB Coach: 2006-2008; OAK Assist. HC / OC: 2004-2005; NYJ Assist. HC / Sr. Off. Assist: 2003; Sr. Off. Assist: 2002; WAS OC: 2001; KC OC: 1998-2000; RB Coach: 1993-1997; Off. Assist. / TE Coach: 1992; LA Rams OC: 1991; NE OC: 1990; ATL WR Coach: 1987-1989; TB OC: 1985-1986; LA Rams OC: 1983-1984; ATL WR Coach: 1980-1982; DET RB Coach: 1978-1979; SF WR Coach: 1977)

Mike Singletary first became a member of the 49ers coaching staff in 2005 under newly hired head coach, Mike Nolan. His first season with the franchise was spent working with the team’s linebacking corps while also holding the title of Assistant Head Coach. In 2007, the 49ers used their first round selection on middle linebacker Patrick Willis out of the University of Mississippi. Under Singletary’s guidance, Willis went on to win the Associated Press’ Rookie of the Year honors while also being named to the Pro Bowl. Following up on his first year’s success, the former first round pick was again named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad in 2008.

While Singletary continued working with the linebackers during this time, he also began an expanded role in 2006 in which he oversaw all areas of the 49ers defense. He was not the team’s defensive coordinator, but instead of focusing solely on linebackers he began developing San Francisco’s defensive backs and defensive lineman as well. Singletary also maintained his position as an assistant head coach during this period.

Prior to joining the 49ers staff, Singletary spent two years working as a member of the Baltimore Ravens organization. It was here that his relationship with Mike Nolan began - being as Nolan was the Ravens defensive coordinator during those seasons. Singletary was hired to coach the Ravens inside linebackers. For his efforts during the 2003 campaign, and while following Singletary’s direction, middle linebacker Ray Lewis took home Defensive Player of the Year honors. The defensive unit as a whole finished third in total yards allowed per game that season, and ranked sixth in that category during the year that followed.

Midway through Mike Nolan’s fourth season as head coach of the 49ers he was fired. The team had compiled a 16-32 record under him during his first three years, and managed just a 2-5 mark through the first seven games of 2008. Upon Nolan’s dismissal, Singletary was named San Francisco’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Shortly afterwards, J.T. O’Sullivan was stripped of his status as the team’s starting quarterback and Shaun Hill took over under center. Under Singletary’s leadership the team went on to win five of their remaining nine games. On December 28th, after posting a win against the Redskins in their final game of the season, Singletary had the interim tag removed and was named the 49ers new head coach heading into 2009.

Joining Singletary’s staff as offensive coordinator is Jimmy Raye. Raye has 32-years worth of coaching experience at the NFL level, serving his last three as running backs coach for the New York Jets. He has previously worked as an offensive coordinator during tenures with the Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During those stints Raye became known for establishing a strong rushing attack within his offense. It is well known Singletary wants the same feat achieved in San Francisco during his tenure, which plays in stark contrast to the 49ers previous offensive coordinator, Mike Martz.

Quarterbacks: Shaun Hill; Alex Smith; Damon Huard; Nate Davis (R)

Officially speaking, the 49ers starting QB position is up for grabs between Shaun Hill and former number one overall pick Alex Smith. Given the level of success Singletary achieved with Hill last season however, one has to consider him the favorite to be under center at the start of the year.

Hill threw for just over 2000 yards in 9 outings during 2008, but that was with Mike Martz in place as the team’s offensive coordinator. While Jimmy Raye has orchestrated successful passing attacks in the past, Singletary has made no secret of his desire for the offense to revolve around its ground game. With that in mind, Raye will be certain to fully establish Frank Gore in the offense before attempting to open things up through the air.

Given the approach San Francisco’s offense will take this season, it’s doubtful their starting quarterback should be valued all that highly in fantasy leagues. Either Hill or Smith could perform as a serviceable back-up, but it’s unlikely the position will produce any better than 16-19 touchdown passes and 3200-3400 yards passing. If everything clicks there could be hidden value here, but it can be had during the later rounds of your draft.

Running Backs: Frank Gore; Glenn Coffee (R); Michael Robinson; Moran Norris (FB); Kory Sheets (R)

Frank Gore’s last two seasons have been somewhat disappointing, but the year ahead should rank as his best since his breakout performance in 2006. San Francisco’s offense is sure to revolve around its rushing attack during the 2009 campaign which means plenty of touches coming Gore’s way. The only thing that would hold him back is if he breaks down under the heavy workload, but things like that are difficult to forecast amongst most players at any position in the NFL.

Provided Gore remains healthy, he’s a legitimate threat to rush for over 1200 yards and post 8-10 touchdowns this season. He should also remain a valuable contributor as a receiver out of the backfield and record 45-55 receptions for another 400-450 yards.

Serving as Gore’s backup will be rookie Glenn Coffee. He won’t have much value in redraft leagues other than serving as a handcuff to Gore. While some handcuffs aren’t worth selecting, Coffee will serve as a valuable asset in fantasy leagues should Gore go down with an injury for any period of time.

Wide Receivers: Isaac Bruce; Josh Morgan; Michael Crabtree (R); Arnaz Battle; Jason Hill

Glancing at the 49ers cast of wide receivers, its doubtful any of them will stand out in fantasy leagues this season, but there is some value here. Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan, and Michael Crabtree could all prove worthy of producing as a fourth or fifth option to be used during the bye weeks, or in case of injury to one of your starters. To rely on any of them as something more than that is a risky proposition however.

Crabtree’s development will be worth keeping an eye on to see if he shows signs of breaking out as a rookie, but for the most part don’t expect any members of the trio to produce more than 55-65 receptions, 650-850 yards, or more than 5 touchdowns.

Tight Ends: Vernon Davis; Delanie Walker; Bear Pascoe (R)

At tight end, there are no doubts Vernon Davis remains an incredible athlete. Unfortunately, it hasn’t transpired into him achieving much success in the NFL. He’s been touted as a sleeper at the position since being selected sixth overall in the 2006 draft, but has produced little. After three full seasons of disappointing play, his value is now at an understandable all time low.

If Singletary can coach him up, Davis may surprise us with a solid outing in 2009, but at the moment he’s no better than a late round flier in most leagues.