Kyle Shanahan Recruits Former Ally as 49ers Defensive Coordinator
The San Francisco 49ers have chosen Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Robert Saleh. This decision marks a shift from the speculation of promoting an internal candidate. Morris’s appointment follows his candidacy for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching position, which ultimately went to Mike LaFleur.
Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris: A Coaching Partnership
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and Morris have a long-standing professional relationship. They first collaborated during Morris’s tenure as the assistant defensive backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2004 to 2005, when Shanahan served as the offensive quality control coach.
They reunited while working together at Washington from 2012 to 2014. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator, while Morris took on the role of defensive backs coach.
Recent Coaching Experiences
Their last collaboration took place with the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2016. During this time, Morris was the assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator, leading the team to potential playoff success.
Morris’s recent experience as a head coach with the Falcons saw him finish with an 8-9 record in 2024 and 2025, failing to reach the playoffs. Despite this setback, Shanahan emphasized the value Morris brings to the 49ers.
- Shanahan has consistently praised Morris’s coaching abilities.
- Morris’s experience in various coaching roles enriches the 49ers’ strategy.
- Morris’s successful stint as coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams includes a Super Bowl-winning season in 2021.
Defensive Strategy and Future Goals
Morris inherits a young and developing defensive unit. His successful tenure with the Rams showcased his ability to produce results, especially with inexperienced players. Under his guidance, the Rams defense ranked 20th in EPA per play but achieved an 11th place success rate in 2023.
The 49ers aim to revitalize their performance following a lackluster pass rush in 2025. Key players Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are expected to rebound from injuries, providing a stronger foundation for Morris to build upon.
With Morris’s established background in defensive strategies, particularly the Cover 3 scheme foundational to the 49ers’ defense, there is optimism that he can lead the team toward notable improvements in the upcoming season.
