The San Francisco 49ers have identified their next defensive coordinator, moving quickly to fill the vacancy left by Robert Saleh.
According to Adam Schefter, San Francisco is set to hire Raheem Morris as the new architect of the team’s defense, opting for experience over internal continuity.
The decision comes after Morris narrowly missed out on the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job, a position that ultimately went to former 49ers assistant Mike LaFleur. With that door closed, the opportunity in San Francisco quickly emerged.
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A Longstanding Connection With Kyle Shanahan
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Morris share a coaching relationship that spans more than two decades. Their paths first crossed in Tampa Bay in the mid-2000s, when Shanahan worked in offensive quality control and Morris coached defensive backs.
The two later reunited in Washington, then again with the Atlanta Falcons, where Morris held multiple roles, including assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. That history has long fueled speculation that Shanahan wanted Morris on his staff in San Francisco.
Shanahan has previously spoken glowingly about Morris, calling him one of the best coaches he has ever worked with and noting his rare ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Track Record as a Defensive Leader
While Morris’ most recent head coaching stint with Atlanta did not result in playoff appearances, his résumé as a defensive coordinator remains strong. His most notable success came with the Los Angeles Rams, where he coordinated the Super Bowl–winning defense during the 2021 season.
Even during transitional years in Los Angeles, Morris showed an ability to develop young defensive talent and maintain schematic discipline, traits the 49ers value as they continue reshaping their roster.
What It Means for the 49ers’ Defense
San Francisco is expected to address its pass rush after a disappointing 2025 campaign, and Morris’ familiarity with Cover 3 concepts aligns closely with the defensive foundation already in place.
With key defenders expected back healthy for the 2026 season, the 49ers believe Morris can build on the groundwork laid by Saleh and help push a young, talented unit toward the next step.
After years of near-misses and shared stops across the league, Shanahan finally brings a trusted coaching ally to the Bay Area—one tasked with restoring the 49ers’ defensive identity.
