Raheem Morris is back in the NFC West - but this time, he’s wearing red and gold.
The former Rams defensive coordinator, who helped guide Los Angeles to a Super Bowl title, has officially taken the same role with the San Francisco 49ers. And while that might raise a few eyebrows - and heart rates - among Rams fans, it’s fair to ask: is this really the kind of move that tips the balance of power in the division?
Let’s break it down.
A Super Bowl résumé - but with an asterisk
There’s no denying Morris played a pivotal role in the Rams’ championship run. He had the benefit of coaching three All-Pro talents in Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald, and Von Miller.
That’s a defensive dream team by any standard. And let’s not forget the mid-playoff miracle - convincing Eric Weddle to come out of retirement and help steady the back end of the defense.
But while the Super Bowl banner flies forever, the years that followed didn’t exactly scream dominance. The Rams’ defense under Morris saw a steady slide in rankings - from 19th in 2021, to 19th again in 2022, and down to 20th in 2023. That’s a far cry from the top-tier unit he inherited when he arrived in L.A.
The issue? Adjustments - or lack thereof.
Morris’ defenses often struggled to adapt in-game, particularly after halftime. And in a league that’s constantly evolving, that’s a red flag.
Style clash in the Bay
The 49ers have built their identity around a physical, aggressive defense - one that sets the tone at the line of scrimmage and dares you to keep up. Morris, on the other hand, leans into a bend-don’t-break philosophy. It’s a style that can frustrate fans when it works - and infuriate them when it doesn’t.
San Francisco isn’t exactly known for patience when it comes to defensive production. And Morris’ track record doesn’t scream plug-and-play fit.
His lone year running the Falcons’ defense in 2020 ended with the unit ranked 29th. With the Rams, the defense never quite returned to elite form despite the star power.
That’s not the kind of trend that inspires confidence in a fanbase used to top-five defensive showings.
Familiarity cuts both ways
Sure, Morris knows the NFC West well. He’s faced these teams twice a year for the past three seasons.
But familiarity doesn’t always translate to dominance. In 2021, the Rams went 3-3 in the division.
In 2022, they slipped to 1-5. Only in 2023 did they bounce back with a 5-1 mark.
And while wins and losses can’t be pinned solely on a defensive coordinator, it’s telling that his defenses often had trouble slowing down physical offenses - like the one he’ll now be seeing every day in practice.
The irony? The Rams offense, under Sean McVay, shares some DNA with Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. If Morris struggled to contain that style in L.A., it’s fair to wonder how he’ll adjust to defending it in practice - and whether that helps or hurts the 49ers' overall preparation.
No Donald. No Ramsey. No Von.
Perhaps the biggest question mark: personnel. Morris thrived when he had generational talents anchoring every level of the defense. That’s not the case in San Francisco right now.
Yes, Fred Warner is an elite linebacker - arguably the best in the game. And Nick Bosa, when healthy, is a game-wrecker off the edge.
But behind them, the depth is either aging or unproven. And Morris has a track record of being quick to move on from pass rushers who don’t deliver.
Just ask Dante Fowler in Atlanta, or the group of edge rushers who were cut loose in L.A. after underwhelming seasons.
It’s no surprise that the 49ers spent a first-round pick to secure another edge rusher - a move that likely had Morris’ fingerprints all over it. Expect more of that in April. But that also means fewer resources for other areas that need attention, like the secondary or interior line depth.
So, should Rams fans worry?
Not exactly.
Morris is a respected coach with a Super Bowl ring and deep knowledge of the division. But he’s also stepping into a system that may not align with his defensive philosophy - and doing so without the kind of elite talent he once had at his disposal.
The 49ers are betting that Morris can adapt. But if he sticks to the same playbook that frustrated Rams fans for three seasons - soft zones, late adjustments, and a reliance on star power - it could be a bumpy ride in the Bay.
For the Rams, this hire doesn’t look like a game-changer. In fact, it might just be the opening they need to reclaim the NFC West crown.
So yes, Raheem Morris is staying in the division. But that doesn’t mean the Rams should be looking over their shoulder. If anything, they might be looking at a familiar face trying to solve the same problems - just in a different uniform.