Raheem Morris is heading back to the NFC West.
The 49ers are hiring the former Falcons head coach as their next defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Morris, 49, will replace Robert Saleh, who left this offseason to take the top job with the Titans.
The move to San Francisco marks Morris’ second stint in the NFC West. He previously served as the defensive coordinator of the rival Rams for three seasons, including the team’s Super Bowl triumph in February 2022.
Morris left the Rams after the 2023 season to become Atlanta’s next head coach. He previously led the Falcons on an interim basis after the firing of Dan Quinn in 2020.
Despite beating out the likes of Bill Belichick for the top job, Morris went just 16-18 in his two seasons at the helm, with Atlanta missing the playoffs both times.
Falcons brass fired Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Jan. 4, hours after the team’s final game of the season.
“I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Falcons, but I believe we need new leadership in these roles moving forward,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “The decision to move away from people who represent the organization so well and have a shared commitment to the values that are important to the organization is not an easy one, but the results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans and leadership. I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has since taken the reins in Atlanta.
Morris will now guide a 49ers defense that was plagued by injuries in 2025, with top playmakers Nick Bosa and Fred Warner missing time.
Saleh, 47, was on his second stint with the 49ers after being fired by the Jets midway through the team’s 2024 campaign.
He was announced as head coach of the Titans last week, with former Giants coach Brian Daboll joining his staff as offensive coordinator.
The Titans have not yet named a defensive coordinator.