49ers Appoint Raheem Morris as Defensive Coordinator
The San Francisco 49ers have appointed Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator. This move aims to stabilize a position that has seen frequent changes in recent years. The announcement was made following the departure of Robert Saleh, who became the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Raheem Morris: A Seasoned Coach
Morris’s hiring comes after his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, where he served as head coach. He was dismissed following two consecutive seasons with a record of 8-9. Prior to that, Morris gained experience as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.
Coaching Background
During his coaching career, Morris has demonstrated his skill as a defensive coordinator. Notably, he cultivated a championship-winning defense with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, contributing to their Super Bowl victory. Additionally, he has extensive experience coaching defensive backs and has even worked with wide receivers during his time in Atlanta.
Connections with Kyle Shanahan
- Morris and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan share a longstanding professional relationship.
- They first worked together as assistants in Tampa Bay from 2004 to 2005.
- They reunited in Washington from 2012 to 2013 and in Atlanta from 2015 to 2016.
Shanahan had previously attempted to bring Morris onto his initial staff in San Francisco but was blocked by the Falcons’ head coach at that time, Dan Quinn. Shanahan has consistently praised Morris’s defensive acumen.
Defensive Coordinator History with 49ers
Morris will be the fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons for the 49ers. The franchise experienced notable departures with DeMeco Ryans leaving after the 2022 season to accept a head coaching role in Houston. This was followed by brief tenures from Steve Wilks and Nick Sorensen, both of whom were let go after one season.
These changes reflect the 49ers’ ongoing search for consistency on defense. The team’s defensive unit has also struggled with injuries to key players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams, adding to the challenges faced by their coaching staff.
With Morris at the helm, the 49ers are hoping to turn a new page and build a resilient defense moving forward.
