The 49ers just experienced one of the most crushing defeats in Super Bowl history, but there are reasons to believe they’ll return to the big game next season.

Here are three of those reasons:

1. A new defensive coordinator.

With a fresh defensive coordinator on the horizon, the 49ers aim to bolster a unit that, despite discord under Steve Wilks, ranked third in the league for points conceded. The players’ lukewarm reception of Wilks, an outsider, underscored the need for rapport with the new hire, ensuring maximum effort on the field.

1. 2. A better offensive line.
2. Addressing a longstanding weakness, the 49ers seek to fortify their offensive line, particularly the problematic right side, which has faltered since 2018. Armed with a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, prioritizing an offensive tackle becomes imperative, especially with Trent Williams aging.
3. 3. Improved young players.
4. Despite an aging core, the 49ers possess promising young talent poised for growth. Players like Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Aaron Banks, Spencer Burford, Ji’Ayir Brown, Talanoa Hufanga, and Deommodore Lenoir offer potential for significant improvement in the coming season.