New defensive coordinators and rising linebacker coaches headline the 49ers' strategic staff shake-up, building for future success.
The San Francisco 49ers have officially solidified their coaching ranks for the 2026 season, announcing a flurry of hires and internal promotions that signal a calculated eye toward the future. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s staff undergoes a significant facelift this offseason, headlined by the arrival of seasoned leaders and the rapid ascent of a former All-Pro linebacker.
A New Look on Defense: The Raheem Morris Era Begins
The most notable addition is Raheem Morris, who takes the reins as Defensive Coordinator after his stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Morris brings a Super Bowl pedigree from his time with the Rams and a versatile defensive mind to a unit that remains the backbone of the franchise.
To support Morris, the 49ers made two powerhouse hires in Matt Eberflus (Assistant Head Coach/Defense) and Jerry Gray (Defensive Passing Game Coordinator). Eberflus, a former Chicago Bears head coach, and Gray, a 30 year coaching veteran, provide a level of "head coach on the field" experience that is rare for a supporting staff. This approach suggests San Francisco is bracing for the possibility that Morris, much like Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans before him, may quickly play his way back into a head coaching gig.
The K.J. Wright "Pipeline"
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline is the promotion of K.J. Wright to Linebackers Coach. Wright, who spent 11 seasons terrorizing the NFC West as a member of the Seahawks, has spent the last two years as part of San Francisco’s quality control team.
His promotion follows a blueprint that has become legendary in Santa Clara. The 49ers have a history of turning linebackers coaches into elite coordinators. Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans both used this specific role as a springboard to defensive coordinator and, eventually, head coaching positions. By moving Wright into this pivotal spot, the 49ers appear to be grooming their next great defensive mind. If Morris departs in 2027 or 2028, Wright becomes the heir apparent.
Offensive Continuity and Internal Growth
On the offensive side, Shanahan continues to reward loyalty and versatility. Leonard Hankerson takes over as Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers, while Cameron Clemmons makes the jump from the offensive line to coach the Tight Ends.
Joe Graves earns a significant promotion to Run Game Coordinator, a vital role in Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme. Graves, who has spent four seasons in the building, will be tasked with maintaining the league’s most feared rushing attack as Christian McCaffrey enters another heavy workload season.
Notable Hires and Title Changes for 2026:
- Raheem Morris: Defensive Coordinator
- Matt Eberflus: Assistant Head Coach, Defense
- K.J. Wright:* Linebackers Coach
- Leonard Hankerson:* Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers
- Joe Graves:* Run Game Coordinator
- Roman Sapolu: Assistant Offensive Line Coach
- Jerry Gray: Defensive Passing Game Coordinator
- Johnny Holland:* Defensive Run Game Coordinator *Indicates new title for 2026
The Big Picture
With a trip to Melbourne, Australia, to open the season and a roster loaded with expensive stars, the 49ers’ coaching staff needs to be as efficient as the players they lead. By blending veteran head coaches like Eberflus with rising stars like Wright, Shanahan has built a staff that is designed to weather the storm of a 17 game season. The infrastructure is set and the succession plan is in place.