The San Francisco 49ers are bringing in their next defensive coordinator with a wealth of experience, including as a former head coach.
The San Francisco 49ers have had to replace their defensive coordinator several times in the last few seasons – due to their success. When Robert Saleh left to become the coach of the New York Jets, DeMeco Ryans came in and led a successful unit, until he was poached by the Houston Texans. Then the Niners brought back Saleh after his stint with the Jets, until the Tennessee Titans came calling. They repeated that strategy of bringing on a former head coach, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that San Francisco is hiring Raheem Morris as their next defensive coordinator.
Morris was the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons but was let go at the end of the season. It’s easier said than done to switch mentally from being the head coach back to coordinator, but it also brings a rare leadership and command to the DC role. Despite the ridiculous number of injuries that unit suffered last season, the 49ers defense continued to contend and help the team reach the Divisional Round, making it a very attractive opening. Morris was in the running for the Arizona Cardinals’ opening, but as they hired Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Morris will head to another NFC West foe.
Here is the full story from Niners Roundtable writer Nick Crain on the new defensive leader in San Francisco.
Morris has also been on the Rams’ staff and helped them win a Super Bowl as defensive coordinator. He is also familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan, as the two have worked together multiple times in Tampa Bay, Washington, and most recently, the Falcons from 2015 to 2016.