​  This is a young Charlotte program that’s in desperate need of a break.In 11 years at the FBS level, it has one winning season with last year’s 1-11 run, with no conference or FBS wins, the worst of the bunch.The pressure is off. No one will be expecting anything, so go surprise, 49ers.Aug 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;Charlotte 49ershead coach Tim Albin and his team wait to take the field during the first quarter against theAppalachian State Mountaineersat Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images(© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)The Biff Poggi idea – a former Michigan assistant who didn’t fit the true head coaching type – was an outside-of-the-box shot at greatness that didn’t work. The two years under his watch were a struggle, and it required a total redo to come from Tim Albin, a wonderful hire from Ohio.Everything started fresh last season, and the results were disastrous. There’s another overhaul of talent, the schedule is a problem, and …Let it rip, Charlotte.Head Coach: Tim Albin (2nd year: 1-11; 9th year: 59-38)Best Case / Worst Case: Flirt with bowl eligibility/A second straight season without an FBS winKey Player: Grayson Loftis, QB Jr. or Conner Harrell, QB Sr.2025 Record: 1-11Biggest Question: Is there anything the 49ers can do right on either side of the ball on a consistent basis?1st Quarter Scoring: Opponents 124, Charlotte 23Extra Points: Opponents 56-of-56, Charlotte 15-of-15Rushing Yards: Opponents 2,403, Charlotte 981It wasn’t because of a lack of coaching or effort. This was a total rebuild, and nothing was assembled.The offense averaged just 286 yards and 14 points per game, struggled to score when it had the chance, and didn’t get anything working on the line to help everyone out. Once again, it’ll be another year of transfers trying to make it all work.To start with the positives, the 49ers have quarterbacks. They just need to stay healthy and get time to operate.Conner Harrell is the best of the bunch, but he’s coming off a knee injury. Grayson Loftis had his moments, and Cole Gonzales is a baller from Pitt.At least when it comes to the portal, the receiving corps might be the team’s biggest strength. Cam Pedro was a major playmaker at SE Missouri State, and App State’s Jaden Barnes made 55 grabs and seven touchdowns last season.Throw in speedy Zyheem Collick from Bryant, tight end Logan Mauldin from McNeese State, and the promising Tank Boston from NC State, and the 49ers will get plenty of big plays out of this bunch.The coaching staff really does know what it’s doing. Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch is a veteran quarterbacks coach who has been around the block several times.Before Albin became an FBS head coach, he was a terrific offensive coordinator for years at North Dakota State and then at Ohio. He’ll get creative, too.Scoring. The 49ers have to manufacture points from somewhere. They don’t have the top personnel to get       ​Read More