The San Francisco 49ers are set to appoint former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator, as reported by ESPN. This move comes after the departure of Robert Saleh, who took over as head coach of the Tennessee Titans following one season in San Francisco.
Morris, who had a challenging tenure with the Falcons, guided the team for two seasons before being let go at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. Prior to his time in Atlanta, he significantly contributed to the success of the Los Angeles Rams, serving as their defensive coordinator. In 2021, under his leadership, the Rams captured the Super Bowl title, establishing Morris as a formidable candidate for future head coaching roles.
Despite the Falcons’ struggles, their defense performed respectably under Morris, finishing 15th in total defense and 12th in defensive DVOA. A notable highlight was their impressive performance against the Rams, where they achieved three interceptions of quarterback Matthew Stafford in a surprising Week 17 victory.
As Morris steps into his new role with the 49ers, he inherits a defense that exceeded expectations in 2025, despite facing significant injuries to key players like edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. The 49ers finished the season ranked 13th in scoring defense and 20th in yards allowed, showcasing resilience throughout the campaign.
Following his release from the Falcons, Morris has attracted interest as a head coaching candidate, engaging with multiple teams looking to fill their vacant positions. His experience and successful track record could bring a fresh perspective and renewed strength to the 49ers’ defensive unit moving forward.