The San Francisco 49ers are once again at a crossroads on the defensive side of the ball. With Robert Saleh taking the reins as the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Kyle Shanahan and the Niners are in the market for a new defensive coordinator heading into the 2026 season. And while the search is still unfolding, three names have emerged as early contenders-two from outside the organization and one with deep roots in the Bay.
Here’s a closer look at the trio of candidates who’ve reportedly interviewed for the job.
Raheem Morris: The Familiar Face with Head Coaching Experience
When it comes to defensive minds with head coaching chops and a history with Shanahan, Raheem Morris checks every box. At 49, Morris brings a wealth of experience that spans over two decades in the NFL. He’s been a head coach twice-first with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, and most recently with the Atlanta Falcons from 2024 to 2025.
But what really makes Morris a compelling candidate is his longstanding connection with Shanahan. The two worked together in Washington and again in Atlanta, giving them a shared language and philosophy that could make for a seamless fit. Morris has shown he can command a locker room and adapt to different personnel, which is crucial for a 49ers team that’s consistently been built around defensive toughness and versatility.
Gus Bradley: The Veteran Architect of Tough, Disciplined Defenses
Gus Bradley is another name that jumps off the page. At 59, Bradley has been around the NFL block, and his résumé speaks volumes.
He’s led defenses in Seattle, Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas, and Indianapolis, and he served as the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach from 2013 to 2016. Most recently, he was brought into the 49ers’ building as an assistant head coach last offseason-a move that already put him in Shanahan’s inner circle.
Bradley’s calling card has always been his ability to build disciplined, physical defenses-think back to his work with the Legion of Boom in Seattle. While his schemes are typically rooted in a traditional Cover 3, he’s shown the flexibility to evolve with the modern game. That experience, combined with his existing role on the 49ers’ staff, makes him a logical candidate if the team is looking for continuity and leadership.
Joe Woods: The Internal Option with a Proven Track Record
Then there’s Joe Woods, a name that should sound familiar to 49ers fans. Woods spent the 2019 season in San Francisco as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator-a year that ended with a trip to the Super Bowl. Since then, he’s added even more experience as a defensive coordinator, leading units in Denver, Cleveland, and most recently, New Orleans.
At 55, Woods brings a steady hand and a deep understanding of how to build secondaries that can hold up in today’s pass-happy NFL. His previous stint with the 49ers gives him an edge in terms of cultural fit and familiarity with Shanahan’s expectations. And with the Niners’ defense already stocked with talent at every level, Woods could be the kind of coach who steps in and keeps the machine running without missing a beat.
The 49ers have options, and they’re all experienced, battle-tested coaches who bring something different to the table. Whether Shanahan opts for the familiarity of Morris, the in-house leadership of Bradley, or the proven track record of Woods, the next hire will play a crucial role in shaping the identity of a defense that’s been the backbone of this team for years.
The search isn’t over, but one thing is clear: San Francisco is looking for more than just a play-caller. They’re looking for a leader who can carry the torch and keep this defense among the NFL’s elite.