The San Francisco 49ers have officially named Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Robert Saleh, who departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The move brings a familiar face back to the 49ers organization, one steeped in a long-standing relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Morris’s appointment isn’t simply about filling a vacancy; it’s about Shanahan finally landing a defensive coordinator he’s pursued for nearly a decade. Their connection dates back to 2004 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continued through stints in Washington, and most recently, with the Atlanta Falcons. This shared history and mutual trust are central to the 49ers’ decision, as Shanahan seeks a collaborative partnership on the defensive side of the ball.
A History Forged in Collaboration
Shanahan’s desire to work with Morris isn’t new. In fact, when Shanahan was first hired as the 49ers’ head coach, he reportedly wanted Morris to lead the defense. However, the Falcons at the time prevented the move. Now, after years of navigating other options, Shanahan gets his preferred choice. This long-held belief in Morris’s abilities speaks volumes about the confidence Shanahan has in his defensive acumen.
Beyond the personal connection, Morris brings a diverse and successful track record to the 49ers. He’s demonstrated an ability to adapt to different defensive systems, a quality that impressed the 49ers’ front office. His time as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped the team win Super Bowl LVI in 2021, showcased his capacity to build a championship-caliber defense. He was with the Rams from 2021 to 2023.
Extensive NFL Experience
Morris’s NFL journey began in 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a quality control coach on defense. He steadily climbed the ranks, becoming an assistant defensive backs coach by 2005. His early work in Tampa Bay contributed to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII victory that year. He later returned to Tampa Bay from 2007 to 2008 as the defensive backs coach.
From 2009 to 2011, Morris served as the head coach of the Buccaneers, gaining valuable experience leading an entire team. He then transitioned to the Washington Commanders (2012-2014) as a defensive backs coach. His time with the Atlanta Falcons has been multifaceted, spanning multiple roles from 2015 to 2019, including assistant head coach, defensive backs coach, pass game defensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach. In 2020, he was promoted to the Falcons’ defensive coordinator and briefly served as the interim head coach following Dan Quinn’s dismissal. Most recently, he was the Falcons’ head coach from 2024 to 2025 before returning to a coordinator role.
Lynch Highlights Morris’s Versatility and Energy
49ers President of Football Operations and General Manager John Lynch emphasized the breadth of Morris’s experience and the positive energy he brings. “I think you have to look at all his experiences,” Lynch said. “Raheem has been in this league a long time. He’s done it at a high level. And I think he has a lot of variety in the type of defense, schematically and in terms of what he deploys, and we like that. He’s very familiar with the system we run, but he’s also had more experiences, like what he did with the Rams, that can add some variety to what we do. I think he thinks with vision. He’s an energetic guy. In any installation you locate Raheem, you perceive that. And we’re excited to work with him.”
Lynch acknowledged the loss of Saleh and assistant head coach Gus Bradley, who followed Saleh to Tennessee, but expressed confidence in Morris’s ability to fill the void. He believes that Morris, combined with other additions to the coaching staff, will ensure the 49ers’ defense remains a force in the league.
The 49ers defense, even while navigating injuries to key players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, and utilizing young talent, finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. Morris now faces the task of building upon that success as the team anticipates the return of those injured stars.
What This Means for the 49ers
The hiring of Raheem Morris represents more than just a coaching change; it’s a strategic alignment between a head coach and a coordinator who share a deep understanding and mutual respect. This partnership is expected to foster a more seamless and collaborative approach to game planning and in-game adjustments. Shanahan’s ability to trust Morris implicitly will allow him to focus more on the offensive side of the ball, potentially unlocking even greater offensive production.
Morris’s experience with different defensive schemes also provides the 49ers with flexibility. He’s proven capable of adapting to the strengths of his personnel and exploiting the weaknesses of opposing offenses. This adaptability will be crucial in a league where offensive strategies are constantly evolving.
The 49ers will commence their offseason program in April, providing Morris with ample time to implement his defensive philosophy and build rapport with his players. The team’s next key date is the NFL Draft, where they will look to add talent that complements Morris’s scheme and strengthens their defensive depth.
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