The San Francisco 49ers have moved decisively to address a persistent area of instability within their coaching structure by appointing Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator. This strategic hire sees the former Atlanta Falcons head coach tasked with bringing long-term stability to a role that has become something of a revolving door for the franchise in recent seasons.
A Familiar Face for Kyle Shanahan
Morris's appointment is not a surprise to close observers of the league, given his established professional relationship with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. The pair share a significant history, having worked together on three separate coaching staffs earlier in their careers.
Their collaborative journey began in Tampa Bay from 2004 to 2005, continued in Washington between 2012 and 2013, and was renewed in Atlanta from 2015 through 2016. Shanahan has long been an admirer of Morris's defensive acumen, having attempted to recruit him for his original San Francisco staff back in 2017. That move was ultimately blocked by then-Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
Filling a Critical Vacancy
Morris steps into the role previously held by Robert Saleh, who departed the 49ers to assume the head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans. Saleh had returned to San Francisco for the 2025 season following a challenging period as head coach of the New York Jets. During his recent stint, he was credited with assembling a competitive defensive unit despite being hampered by significant injuries to key players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams.
This appointment marks Morris as the fifth different defensive coordinator for Kyle Shanahan in as many seasons, highlighting the team's urgent need for consistency. The position has seen considerable turnover since DeMeco Ryans left after the 2022 campaign to become head coach of the Houston Texans. Shanahan subsequently cycled through Steve Wilks and Nick Sorensen over the following two seasons before parting ways with both.
Morris's Varied Coaching Portfolio
Raheem Morris brings a wealth of diverse experience to the Bay Area. He was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons last month after consecutive 8-9 seasons. Prior to his tenure in Atlanta, he served as head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, compiling a 17-31 record.
While he has yet to reach the playoffs as a head coach, Morris enjoyed a highly successful three-year spell as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams from 2021 to 2023. Notably, he helped guide the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in his very first season with the organisation. His coaching background is notably versatile, encompassing extensive work as a secondary coach and even a period coaching wide receivers during his time in Atlanta.
The 49ers' leadership is clearly banking on this extensive and proven track record to finally provide the defensive leadership and continuity they have been seeking. The hope within the organisation is that Morris's strategic mind and existing rapport with Shanahan will translate into a formidable and stable defensive scheme for seasons to come.
