Any knucklehead can figure out that first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh improved the San Francisco 49ers.

But it takes a Knucklehead to offer perspective.

"The difference, I believe, is Jim Harbaugh," said Augie Mesenburg, founder of the musical group Niner Knuckleheads.

Mesenburg was born the same year — 1950 — that the 49ers joined the National Football League. He has followed the 49ers since 1958. It was at Kezar Stadium, where he watched Y.A. Tittle, R.C. Owens and John Brodie.

Since 1971, when the 49ers moved to Candlestick Park, Mesenburg has attended "98 percent" of the home games, missing some exhibition games. He was at all five of the 49ers’ Super Bowls. Steve Young invited the Niner Knuckleheads to perform at his Hall of Fame induction party. They also played at an event honoring Bill Walsh a year before the legendary coach died.

"It’s been quite a ride with this team," Mesenburg said. "We were hoping this would be the sixth Super Bowl this year, but you know what happened on Sunday."

Offensive lineman Joe Staley can’t forget.

"It was a good season, but we came up short of our goal," Staley said, "and that was to win a Super Bowl. It still stings a little bit."

To be sure, there was uncertainty entering the season. The 49ers were 6-10 in 2010, missing the playoffs again and firing Mike Singletary as head coach. Harbaugh was hired, but then the lockout occurred.

After the lockout, Harbaugh met with the players together and individually.

"He came in there with a singular focus," defensive end Justin Smith said. "He’s real straight-forward. It’s all football."

Linebacker Patrick Willis said: "He has a way of getting his point across. He has a way of making us give everything we’ve got to play for him. I can honestly say he’s been the big difference this year."

Staley said Harbaugh was able to build on the 49ers’ finish in 2010, when they won six of their last 11 games.

"We knew we were a special team," Staley said. "We knew it would be a special team in training camp."

Staley said the early success in 2011 "gave us confidence."

The 49ers easily won the NFC West. Quarterback Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick, had a breakout season.

Willis said there is unfinished work.

"Sometimes when you think you’ve arrived, like you’re already there, you lose the fight," Willis said. "For us, we never thought we were good. We keep fighting."