NBARecap
For better or worse, Victor Wembanyama's Game 4 ejection changed complexion of the series — and his first playoff arc
Victor Wembanyama's first ejection in Game 4 changes playoff series for Spurs.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Raheem Morris Turns Heads with New 49ers Defensive Philosophy
TL;DR
Raheem Morris, the new defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, aims to enhance the team's existing defensive style while maintaining its core strengths. He plans to implement a more versatile approach to play calling in 2026.
Key points
- Raheem Morris is the new defensive coordinator for the 49ers.
- The 49ers have traditionally used a four-man front defense.
- Morris aims to enhance the team's existing defensive strengths.
- A more versatile approach to play calling is planned for 2026.
Mentioned in this story
Raheem Morris
San Francisco 49ers
Raheem Morris Turns Heads with New 49ers Defensive Philosophy
The San Francisco 49ers have been a straightforward defense for much of recent memory. The Niners have attacked opposition from a four-man front with relentless mentality.
New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris does not want the Niners to lose this component of their current style. Morris wants to build on what the team can do while keeping what it is already good at doing.
The new coaching addition provided clarity on what approach he and the defensive coaching staff will take to calling plays in 2026. Here's what Morris had to say about the 49ers new style of play.
"We have been a four-down rush team, and we've done a nice job with it. I know we've dibbled and dabbled a little bit last year, even with (former San Francisco defensive coordinator) Robert Saleh, who I have so much respect for and what he was able to do and how he did it. But I was able to accumulate and acquire a bunch of different ideas and thoughts along my stops with the different people that I work with. Whether it's been Jim Haslett in Washington, where they were strictly three-four base Pittsburgh team, or really being able to do some of the different things that we did last year, being able to mix it up, being able to play some four-down stuff, being able to play a bunch of five-down stuff."
Q&A
What changes is Raheem Morris implementing in the 49ers defense?
Raheem Morris is introducing a more versatile defensive strategy while preserving the team's traditional strengths.
How has the 49ers defensive philosophy evolved under Raheem Morris?
The 49ers' defensive philosophy is evolving to incorporate a more multiple approach while still focusing on their established four-man front.
What is Raheem Morris's vision for the 49ers defense in 2026?
Morris envisions a defense that builds on the team's current capabilities while adapting to a more varied play-calling strategy in 2026.