San Francisco 49ers Hire Former Falcons Coach Raheem Morris To Be New Defensive Coordinator

The San Francisco 49ers have filled a crucial vacancy on their coaching staff, hiring veteran coach Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator. The move comes after Robert Saleh, who served one year in his second stint as the 49ers’ DC, departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

San Francisco 49ers Hire Raheem Morris

Morris, a well-respected coach with extensive experience on both sides of the ball, was a sought-after candidate this offseason. His hiring was made possible after he was passed over for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job, which went to former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. For the 49ers, landing Morris is a significant move that brings a familiar face to head coach Kyle Shanahan and provides a steady hand to guide a talented defensive unit.

A Long-Awaited Reunion with Kyle Shanahan

The connection between Raheem Morris and Kyle Shanahan is one of the most compelling aspects of this hire. Their professional relationship dates back nearly two decades, fostering a level of trust and familiarity that is invaluable in the NFL.

Their paths first crossed in the mid-2000s on the coaching staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They later worked together in Washington for two seasons before reuniting in Atlanta, where Shanahan was the offensive coordinator from 2015-2016. During that time, Morris served as the assistant head coach and also coached wide receivers.

This is not the first time Shanahan has tried to bring Morris to San Francisco. When Shanahan was first hired as the 49ers’ head coach in 2017, he reportedly attempted to interview Morris for a position on his staff. However, then-Falcons head coach Dan Quinn blocked the interview, keeping Morris in Atlanta. Now, nearly a decade later, Shanahan finally gets his guy. This long-standing desire to work with Morris speaks volumes about the respect Shanahan has for his coaching ability.

Morris’s Extensive Coaching Resume

Raheem Morris brings a wealth of experience to the 49ers’ defensive coordinator role. At 49, he has already been a head coach for two different franchises and a defensive coordinator for a Super Bowl-winning team.

His coaching journey includes:

• Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011): Morris got his first head coaching opportunity at just 32 years old, posting a 17-31 record over three seasons.
• Interim Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (2020): He took over mid-season after Dan Quinn was fired, guiding the team to a 4-7 record.
• Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams (2021-2023): Morris led the Rams’ defense for three seasons, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI victory in his first year.

While his defenses with the Rams weren’t always statistically dominant—ranking in the middle of the pack in yards and points allowed—he successfully managed a unit that featured top-end stars and a rotating cast of role players. His ability to adapt his scheme to his personnel and his experience managing big personalities will be crucial in San Francisco.

What to Expect from the 49ers Defense

Morris will inherit a talented but injury-prone defensive unit. Last season, the 49ers finished 13th in points allowed and 20th in yards allowed, respectable numbers given the rash of injuries they suffered. Morris’s primary task will be to maximize the talent on hand and build a more consistent and durable unit.

The hire provides clarity after a period of uncertainty. Kyle Shanahan had previously indicated that assistant head coach of defense Gus Bradley was the top internal candidate for the job. With Morris now in place, Bradley’s future with the team is unclear. He could remain in a senior defensive role or potentially follow former colleagues to new teams.

Morris is known for his flexible defensive schemes, often blending 3-4 and 4-3 principles to confuse opposing offenses. He is expected to build upon the foundation laid by Saleh while incorporating his own philosophies. Key areas of focus will likely include:

• Elevating the Pass Rush: Getting consistent pressure on the quarterback will be a top priority. Morris will be tasked with getting the most out of Nick Bosa and the surrounding defensive line.
• Secondary Stability: The 49ers have invested heavily in their secondary. Morris’s experience coaching defensive backs will be vital in developing a cohesive and opportunistic back end.
• Player Development: He has a reputation as an excellent teacher and communicator, which will be beneficial for the younger players on the defense.

For the San Francisco 49ers defense, this hire represents a move toward experience and stability. Shanahan has brought in a coach he knows and trusts, one who has seen it all in the NFL. In Raheem Morris, the 49ers get a leader who has won a Super Bowl as a coordinator and understands the pressures of coaching on a championship-contending team. It’s a solid, logical hire designed to keep the 49ers’ defense among the NFC’s elite.