7 Reasons Alex Smith Will Return To the 49ers and Flourish Under Jim Harbaugh

It's no secret that Alex Smith has been at the center of the blame in San Francisco for the teams recent struggles.

Truthfully, he probably deserves it.

Smith was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a franchise quarterback, and lead the team back to the top of the NFC.

Things haven't gone as planned. Smith has struggled throughout the early parts of his career, finding himself in and out as the teams starting quarterback.

Now, with Jim Harbaugh being hired as the new head coach for the team, Smith will have one final opportunity to prove he has what it takes to be the teams quarterback.

Here are seven reasons that Smith will return to San Francisco and be successful under the coaching of Jim Harbaugh.

1: Jim Harbaugh Has a Crush

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 07: Jim Harbaugh speaks at a press conference where he was introduced as the new San Francisco 49ers head coach at the Palace Hotel on January 7, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“I’m not going to hide my feelings,” Harbaugh said. “I like Alex Smith, I like him as a football player, as a person and he’ll make the best decision for him. Some people say Alex Smith needs a fresh start — needs a new place to be or whatever. I say let that place be here.”

If that isn't proof enough that Smith will be returning, and likely as the teams starter, then I don't know what is.

Harbaugh said so, and he isn't going to hide his feelings.

2: Alex Smith Will Finally Have an Offensive Minded Coach

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to Andrew Luck #12 during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary would go coaches in their own regards, but they were defensive oriented coaches.

Both had their strengths, but they also both failed to handle the quarterback controversy well.

Smith actually went on the record questioning the tactics of both coaches.

The Harbaugh situation will be nothing like that. He understands what it takes to be a quarterback in the NFL. He was one for thirteen years.

3: The 49ers Have Limited Options

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

If the 49ers don't decide to give Alex Smith a shot at quarterback, they are almost guaranteeing that they are settling for an average season.

They could draft a rookie, but that rarely results in immediate success.

Pending the results of the CBA negotiations, they could trade for a guy like Kevin Kolb. However, depending on how the market is, the cost could be a first round pick. Would the team really be willing to sacrifice this when they already have what they believe to be a good player in Smith.

Looking at it from a management standpoint, at least for this season Alex Smith presents the best opportunity. If he seizes the opportunity the spot will be his for years to come.

4: The Players Like Alex Smith

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 12: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch as Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Seattle Seahawks defends during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jaco

Vernon Davis, along with many others on the San Francisco roster have gone on the record supporting Alex Smith.

This may have just been the right thing to do as a teammate, but it appears that the players actually meant what they said.

There is a respect for Smith among teammates, and that is an important quality for a starting NFL quarterback.

5: Alex Smith Has Shown Much Improvement

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SEATTLE , WA - DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 6, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

You wouldn't know it by the random benching from Mike Singletary last year, but Smith has actually played his best football as a pro the last two seasons.

During the last two years Smith has played in 22 games. In those games he has thrown for 4720 yards and 32 touchdowns. He did throw for 22 interceptions. However, his 32:22 touchdown to interception ratio is an improvement from earlier in his career.

Smith did this without a great offensive mind coaching him. Imagine the improvements he could make with a coach that could really help him with his game.

6: The 49ers Are Not Rebuilding

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 14: Frank Groe #21 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park on November 14, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Joe Staley, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati.

Patrick Willis, Taylor Mays, Justin Smith, Aubrayo Franklin, Dashon Goldson, Shawntae Spencer.

This is not a team that lacks talent. These are quality players that have just been waiting for the right opportunity to succeed.

Harbaugh brings that opportunity.

Smith would have great players around him. Any other team he would go to would not have this type of talent.

7: The NFC West Is Not The Toughest Division in Football

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball during pregame before taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Seattle Seahawks won the division with a 7-9 record.

There was debate on whether or not they even deserved a playoff spot with that sort of performance.

The Rams will improve, the Cardinals need a quarterback, and the Seahawks are expected to drop off.

There could not be an easier division to succeed in. The 49ers easily have the most talented roster in the division.

Now, with the right coaching, Smith could lead this team back to the playoffs with few struggles.