49ers Hire Raheem Morris as New DC: A Look at His Coaching Career and Impact on the Team

The 49ers' new defensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience but faces questions about the team's long-term coaching strategy.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the 49ers' team colors, representing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the team's defensive coaching staff.The 49ers' defensive coordinator position has been a revolving door, but the team hopes Raheem Morris can bring stability and success to their unit.Denver Today

The San Francisco 49ers have hired Raheem Morris, the former Atlanta Falcons coach, as their new defensive coordinator. Morris is stepping into a role that has seen significant turnover in recent years, with him being the fifth DC in as many seasons for the 49ers. Despite the revolving door, the team is betting big on Morris to bring stability to their defense.

Why it matters

Morris' hiring raises questions about the 49ers' long-term coaching strategy, as the team has cycled through multiple defensive coordinators in recent years. While Morris brings a wealth of experience, including a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams, his arrival comes after the departure of Robert Saleh, whose defense performed well despite key injuries.

The details

Raheem Morris has been a head coach for the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. His connection to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan runs deep, with both having crossed paths in Tampa Bay, Washington, and Atlanta. The 49ers also interviewed other candidates, including their in-house defensive assistant Gus Bradley and former Browns, Saints, and Broncos coordinator Joe Woods, but ultimately chose Morris when he didn't land a head coaching job elsewhere.

  • The 49ers officially hired Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator in April 2026.

The players

Raheem Morris

A seasoned coach with a résumé that includes head coaching stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as a recent defensive coordinator role with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has a long-standing connection with Raheem Morris from their time together in Tampa Bay, Washington, and Atlanta.

Robert Saleh

The former defensive coordinator for the 49ers, who departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.

Nick Bosa

A star player for the 49ers who suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

Fred Warner

A star player for the 49ers who suffered a season-ending injury in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I really would like to go on vacation, but these D-coordinators keep making me have my family wait and get mad at me for it.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will be closely watching to see if Raheem Morris can bring stability to their defense and help the team reclaim their spot at the top of the NFC.

The takeaway

The 49ers' hiring of Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator highlights the team's ongoing challenge to find a long-term solution at the position. While Morris brings a wealth of experience, his arrival raises questions about the team's coaching strategy and whether they can build a consistent foundation on defense.