Press Enter to send · Shift+Enter for a new line
Defensive Coordinator · SF

Raheem Morris

Raheem Morris

Current holder: Raheem Morris

Quick Facts

Background

Raheem Morris brought in for 2026 as the fifth defensive coordinator since Kyle Shanahan arrived in 2022 (replacing DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks, Nick Sorensen, and Robert Saleh). Morris comes off a head coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons and previously won a Super Bowl as defensive coordinator under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams. Tasked with overhaul of 49ers defense after significant struggles in 2025, particularly the league-low sack total. Previous defensive coordinators under Shanahan: DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks, Nick Sorensen, Robert Saleh (second stint).

Scheme and Tendencies

Morris stresses versatility over rigid scheme, mixing up fronts and creating unpredictability week-to-week. He will shift to a 3-4 base with multiple 5+ man fronts and aggressive blitzing (36% rate—second in the NFL). His primary philosophy is getting to the QB early and often while pressuring the ball. Nick Bosa may shift from hand-in-dirt to a two-point stance as a stand-up edge rusher. Expects defensive tackles (CJ Collins, Osa Odighizuwa) in 4i techniques. The scheme is zone-heavy (77% coverage in Atlanta) with limited man coverage (~19%). He'll walk linebackers (like Fred Warner) to the edge as hybrid pass rushers. The secondary will play deep safeties and creative alignments to confuse offenses. Turnovers and disruption are central to the defensive identity.

2026 Outlook

Morris brings a pressure-first mentality to the 49ers, blitzing at a 36% rate (second in the NFL) and using multiple fronts and exotic pressures. As long as Nick Bosa is healthy post-ACL, he'll be a DL2 target despite potential scheme adjustments. Fred Warner remains the centerpiece linebacker and will be featured prominently, including walking the edge as a hybrid rusher. The scheme is built on disruption and turnovers—Malik Mustapha may play deep safety, with Upton Stout offering upside as a DB3/4 in true position leagues. CJ Collins and Osa Odighizuwa will play in advantageous gaps. Despite losing five defensive coordinators in five years, Morris brings proven aggression and a track record of generating elite pass rush numbers. (per NFC Coaching Changes: How the 5 New Defensive Coordinators Will Impact IDP Leagues for...)

Morris's impact will be immediate with the return of key defensive pieces. With Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner reuniting as an elite linebacker tandem and Nick Bosa returning from ACL recovery, the 49ers' sack production is expected to jump significantly — Bosa alone "is good for nine a season when he's healthy," a critical addition after the team's league-low 20 sacks in 2025. (per Steve Wyche Breaks Down Why 49ers Defense Could Be Among NFL's Best)

Young secondary thriving under Morris: Cornerback Renardo Green had a breakout Week 5 with 2 interceptions against Seattle, recognizing play designs presnap and baiting the QB into mistakes. Morris's scheme emphasizes trust and simplicity—players focus on assignment execution rather than freelancing—which has unlocked Green's potential after he struggled under prior systems. Malik Mustapha made his season debut in Week 5 and delivered a dominant performance with 7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and a pass breakup, praised by HC Kyle Shanahan for his physicality and range. The secondary's confidence under Morris has been notably higher; Green explicitly credited Morris's approach for making it "easier to play faster." (per The 49ers' young DBs are thriving under Raheem Morris, fueling a surging defense)

Recent News

What the Experts Are Saying

Establish The RunEVERYTHING to Know Before Week 6 Fantasy Football: Team-by-Team Breakdown
Mayo Media NetworkNFL Week 4 Best Bets, Props Teasers | 2026 NFL Picks & Game Previews