Journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan is scheduled to be the 49ers' starting quarterback when the regular season opens Sept. 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. Smith will be holding a clipboard and many have already affixed him with the "bust" label.

"The perception is wrong if that's the perception," Nolan said.

He explained, "I think he's getting better and better right now. He needs consistency and continuity, which we all do. He's getting that right now. He's getting a detailed offense from a detailed coach. And I think he performs well in that environment."

But that does not minimize the fact that Smith, who received $24 million guaranteed as part of his rookie contract, is now the team's No. 2 quarterback. O'Sullivan beat out Smith in a competition for the job after a solid training camp and exhibition season.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz pushed for O'Sullivan to win the job. O'Sullivan is familiar with Martz's offense after spending last season together with the Detroit Lions. O'Sullivan was the backup to Jon Kitna last season.

"I'm confident J.T. is the best man for the job right now," Nolan said.

Smith was diplomatic upon receiving word he had lost his job. Smith has been the 49ers' starting quarterback since the fifth game of his rookie season.

"It's not easy, but that's part of the deal," Smith said. "Playing football has its ups and downs. It's a new role for me, so I'm going to take it on and do the best I can with it.

"J.T.'s the starter, and I'm the two. I'm going to continue to get ready and get prepared, knowing that I am one play away. I'm familiar with that, and obviously went through it last year. Things can change fast. I'm going to continue to get better and continue to prepare as if I were playing."

Nolan said he told each of the quarterbacks -- Shaun Hill was also in the competition for the starting job -- that O'Sullivan would have his 100 percent support. But he encouraged the other quarterbacks to remain ready, in the event of an unforeseen occurrence.

"I'm going to prepare to play as well as I can, and if that's not good enough, that's not good enough," O'Sullivan said. "Obviously, if you don't play well enough, you don't deserve to be on the field."

Nolan said a final decision was made on the flight home Thursday night from the 49ers' 37-30 victory over the Chicago Bears. O'Sullivan completed seven of eight passes for 126 yards and a touchdown for a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in the 49ers' third exhibition game.

"The determining factor, I believe, is that he's got the better command of the offense between the three," Nolan said. "He played with consistency. He did the things that are real important to playing that position."