San Francisco 49ers Are Reportedly Targeting Super Bowl-Winning Coach
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The San Francisco 49ers’ search for a new defensive coordinator has become one of the biggest coaching stories of the offseason. One name keeps coming up, that is Raheem Morris.
Around the league, many believe Morris is strongly linked to San Francisco as the team looks for stability on defense. The 49ers want a proven coach and someone head coach Kyle Shanahan trusts. Morris fits both needs.
Morris won a Super Bowl as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator. He also has a long coaching history with Shanahan across different teams. That connection continues to draw attention as the 49ers try to settle a position that has seen frequent changes.
Why Raheem Morris Fits The 49ers Right Now
The Athletic framed Morris as a serious option if San Francisco targets experience and leadership. The outlet pointed to his championship resume and his familiarity with Shanahan’s approach. Shanahan has never hidden his respect.
“Raheem’s one of the best coaches I’ve been with,” Shanahan said last season, according to The Athletic. “I always tried to get him here, every single year.”
That quote carries weight. Shanahan rarely speaks that directly. It shows real interest, not speculation.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added another layer this week. Fowler reported that Morris continues to wait on head coaching opportunities. Arizona has already involved him in its search. Fowler also noted that teams expect Morris to draw strong coordinator interest if he misses out on a top job.
“Raheem Morris is waiting out head coaching chances,” Fowler wrote. “He’s involved in Arizona search, but is expected to have multiple defensive coordinator looks should he not get a head job.”
Raheem Morris is waiting out head coaching chances – he’s involved in Arizona search – but is expected to have multiple defensive coordinator looks should he not get a head job, per sources.
Morris has close ties to Kyle Shanahan (SF), Matt LaFleur (GB) and Dan Quinn (WSH). pic.twitter.com/l6oVmbl1MY
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2026
Fowler also pointed out that Morris has strong ties to Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, and Dan Quinn in Washington. Those connections matter because they give him options and could speed up his next move.
For the 49ers, this decision cannot take too long. Morris may not wait once the head coaching market settles, and other teams could act quickly.
Hiring Morris would bring stability and confidence to San Francisco. The defense already has top-level talent and mainly needs consistency. The team has dealt with frequent coordinator changes in recent years, and another reset could lead to small mistakes late in the season.
Morris brings experience and leadership. He has coached playoff defenses, handled star players, and understands the pressure that comes every week.
The 49ers know what is at stake. If they want Morris, they may have to move fast before another team does.
