Morris had been a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching position, but the job ultimately went to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
The veteran coach spent the past two seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach after serving as the Rams' defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2023. During his time in Los Angeles, Morris was part of the staff that won Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season. He also previously served as Atlanta's defensive coordinator during the 2020 season, giving him multiple stints leading NFL defenses.
Earlier in his career, Morris was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011. He was also a member of the Buccaneers' coaching staff when the franchise won Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season.
With the hire, Morris becomes the fifth defensive coordinator for the 49ers in Santa Clara in as many seasons, following DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks, Nick Sorensen, and Saleh.
The 49ers reportedly interviewed three candidates for the defensive coordinator position. In addition to Morris, the team is believed to have spoken with internal candidate Gus Bradley, the assistant head coach, and Joe Woods, the Las Vegas Raiders' pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Other NFC West coaching moves
Morris' arrival in San Francisco is not the only notable NFC West coaching development revealed Sunday. As noted, LaFleur is headed to Arizona to become the Cardinals' next head coach.
Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks—currently preparing to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX—appear poised to lose their offensive coordinator. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Klint Kubiak as their new head coach.
Kubiak's departure removes him from the NFC West, a development that will likely be welcomed by some 49ers fans after watching Seattle eliminate San Francisco from the postseason.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy lands surprising spot in 2026 fantasy football rankings
Where does San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy rank among the NFL's top fantasy football quarterbacks entering the 2026 season? NFL Media's Dan Parr released his fantasy football quarterback rankings for NFL.com, organizing the league's top signal-callers into draft... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan falls just short of AP's top 3 NFL head coaches
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. His performance last season—leading an injury-riddled roster to a 12-win campaign and a playoff berth—only strengthened that reputation. However, it wasn't enough...