Raheem Morris
Current holder: Raheem Morris
Quick Facts
- Role: Defensive Coordinator
- Team: San Francisco 49ers (SF)
- Current holder: Raheem Morris
- Coaching tree: see Coaching Trees
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)
Recent News
- 2026-08-24 — 49ers preseason depth chart: Breaking down each position ahead of opener vs. Titans (49ers preseason depth chart: Breaking down each position ahead of opener vs. Titans)
- 2026-08-19 — 2026 Fantasy Football Tiered Defense (DST) rankings and strategy (2026 Fantasy Football Tiered Defense (DST) rankings and strategy)
- 2026-08-26 — 2026 fantasy football DSTs with good early schedules: Jaguars and Chiefs could help early (2026 fantasy football DSTs with good early schedules: Jaguars and Chiefs could help early)
- 2026-07-16 — 14 NFL teams changed defensive coordinators — Which new schemes could make the biggest... (14 NFL teams changed defensive coordinators — Which new schemes could make the biggest...)
- 2026-08-05 — Top 10 offensive and defensive play-callers entering 2026: Sean McVay, Mike Macdonald... (Top 10 offensive and defensive play-callers entering 2026: Sean McVay, Mike Macdonald...)
- 2026-07-21 — Previewing the top storylines for 2026 NFL training camps (Previewing the top storylines for 2026 NFL training camps)
- 2026-08-15 — 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: DJ Moore Injured In Bills Preseason Game Against Panthers (2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: DJ Moore Injured In Bills Preseason Game Against Panthers)
- 2026-04-07 — NFC Coaching Changes: How the 5 New Defensive Coordinators Will Impact IDP Leagues for... (NFC Coaching Changes: How the 5 New Defensive Coordinators Will Impact IDP Leagues for...)
- 2026-05-25 — 2026 NFL Trade Block (2026 NFL Trade Block)
- 2026-08-13 — 2026 Projected Green Dot/Full-Time Linebackers for IDP Fantasy Football (2026 Projected Green Dot/Full-Time Linebackers for IDP Fantasy Football)