The Sports Xchange

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is optimistic heading into the season despite the team undergoing a major offseason makeover.

The 49ers’ moves included a coaching change, multiple new members of the coaching staff, free agency defections and some unexpected retirements.

“Very excited for the season,” Kaepernick told reporters Friday night before the annual Governor’s Dinner in Reno, Nev., via the Nevada Appeal. “A lot of new faces in the locker room and a lot of new coaches. I think the changes are for the good.”

The 49ers’ departures included head coach Jim Harbaugh, coordinators Greg Roman and Vic Fangio, the retirements of linebacker Patrick Willis, defensive end Justin Smith, linebacker Chris Borland and offensive tackle Anthony Davis, and the free agent defections of running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Harbaugh left the 49ers after an 8-8 record in 2014 to become the head coach at Michigan. In his previous three seasons in San Francisco, Harbaugh guided the Niners to three NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

The 49ers stayed in-house and elevated Jim Tomsula from defensive line coach to head coach.

“I feel very confident in our team,” Kaepernick said. “I feel people are writing us off, but for us, that’s all right.”

Kaepernick, who played at the University of Nevada, was the keynote speaker at the Governor’s Mansion. The dinner is a fundraiser for athletic programs at the university.

“My confidence level is always going to be the same,” Kaepernick said of the upcoming season.