Raheem Morris Takes Charge of 49ers Defense Amid Stability Quest

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Azat TV) – The San Francisco 49ers have officially named Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, a move announced on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This appointment marks the fifth defensive coordinator for the franchise in as many seasons, underscoring head coach Kyle Shanahan’s persistent search for stability and consistent leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Morris steps into the role vacated by Robert Saleh, who departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Morris, a seasoned NFL coach with previous head coaching experience with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings a Super Bowl-winning pedigree as a defensive coordinator. His hiring is seen as a pivotal step for a 49ers defense that battled significant injuries in the 2025 season, including season-ending setbacks for star players Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.

Morris’s Extensive Coaching Background and Super Bowl Success

Raheem Morris, 49, arrives in San Francisco with a diverse and extensive coaching resume. He previously served as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011 and led the Atlanta Falcons for two seasons, where he was let go after consecutive 8-9 finishes. Most notably, Morris coordinated the Los Angeles Rams’ defense from 2021-2023, guiding them to a Super Bowl LVI victory. His success with the Rams, particularly in crafting a championship-caliber defense, is a significant factor in his appeal to the 49ers, as reported by ESPN.

Beyond his head coaching stints, Morris has held various assistant roles across the league, working on both offense and defense. This dual-sided experience is highly valued by Kyle Shanahan, who believes it allows a defensive coordinator to better understand and counter offensive schemes. Morris was the wide receivers coach for the record-setting 2016 Falcons’ offense under Shanahan, then the offensive coordinator.

The Kyle Shanahan Connection and Shared History

The relationship between Raheem Morris and Kyle Shanahan extends back more than two decades, forming a deep personal and professional bond. Their paths first crossed on Jon Gruden’s Tampa Bay coaching staff in 2004 and 2005. They later worked together as assistants in Washington from 2012-2013 and reunited in Atlanta under Dan Quinn from 2015-2016 before Shanahan took the helm in San Francisco.

Sources like The Athletic highlight the strength of their friendship, noting an incident at the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine where Shanahan was arrested for defending Morris, whom police had mistakenly identified. Shanahan was also reportedly the first person to call Morris after his dismissal from Tampa Bay in 2011, underscoring their enduring camaraderie. This long-standing trust and shared understanding of coaching philosophies are expected to foster a more cohesive and stable working environment than the 49ers have seen recently.

49ers’ Defensive Coordinator Carousel

Morris’s hiring comes after a turbulent period for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator position. Since Robert Saleh’s initial departure after the 2020 season to become head coach of the New York Jets, Shanahan has cycled through several coordinators in a bid to find a lasting solution. DeMeco Ryans, promoted from within, flourished before leaving for the Houston Texans’ head-coaching job in 2023. Steve Wilks lasted only one season in 2023, reportedly due to schematic disagreements, and Nick Sorensen, another internal promotion, endured a brief and challenging tenure in 2024, during which the 49ers ranked among the league’s worst in run defense.

Robert Saleh returned for the 2025 season after failing to secure another head coaching opportunity, but his second stint was short-lived, as he departed for the Tennessee Titans. This consistent turnover has disrupted continuity, despite the 49ers’ defense often featuring Pro Bowl talent like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.

Challenges and Expectations for the 49ers Defense

Morris inherits a unit that, despite its star power, finished the 2025 season 20th in total yards allowed and 13th in scoring defense. These rankings were partly attributed to significant injuries, including Nick Bosa tearing his ACL in Week 3 and Fred Warner dislocating his ankle in Week 6. Both players are expected to return around the start of training camp, anchoring a defense that will also rely on development from a 2025 rookie class featuring players like Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, Upton Stout, and CJ West.

The 49ers are optimistic that Morris’s track record of adaptability and his deep understanding of both offensive and defensive schemes will help stabilize the unit. Head coach Kyle Shanahan had indicated that defensive assistant Gus Bradley was a primary in-house candidate, and Bradley did receive an interview. However, Morris moved to the top of the list after being passed over for head coaching opportunities elsewhere. It remains unclear if Bradley will stay with the 49ers in 2026 or pursue other opportunities, potentially joining Saleh in Tennessee or the Arizona Cardinals as defensive coordinator. Former Browns, Saints, and Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who also interviewed for the position, is being considered for a role on Morris’s staff.

The appointment of Raheem Morris represents more than just a coaching change for the San Francisco 49ers; it signifies a strategic effort by Kyle Shanahan to finally secure a long-term, trusted partner to lead a defense that has been a revolving door of leadership. Morris’s Super Bowl experience and deep personal connection with Shanahan offer the potential for the stability and collaborative vision the team has lacked, aiming to restore the 49ers’ defense to elite status and sustain championship contention.