49ers Eyeing International Stage in 2026, While Raheem Morris Brings New Defensive Identity
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a season of change - and not just on the field. The team is expected to give up a home game during the 2026 regular season to participate in the NFL’s expanding international series. While the league has already confirmed games in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid, and three in London, the 49ers are poised to be one of the teams heading overseas, though the exact destination hasn’t been announced.
A New Voice on Defense: Raheem Morris Steps In
Back at home - or wherever the 49ers line up - the defense is undergoing a philosophical shift. With Raheem Morris stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan is turning the page from the Seattle-style 4-3 roots that have defined much of his coaching hires. Morris becomes just the second coordinator under Shanahan not directly tied to that system, joining Steve Wilks in bringing a different flavor to the unit.
Morris, 49, is no stranger to adaptation. His résumé reads like a defensive playbook glossary.
He’s run everything from the old-school Cover-3 schemes with Dan Quinn in Atlanta to more modern, hybrid looks with the Rams - including 3-4 fronts, five-man “penny” packages, and a heavy mix of Cover-4 and Cover-6. He’s not married to one system, and that flexibility could be exactly what this 49ers defense needs.
His time in Atlanta had its ups and downs. Morris tried to stick with a 3-4-heavy approach early on, but it didn’t click.
He made the tough call to part ways with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and allowed Jeff Ulbrich to retool the scheme into something more familiar to 49ers fans - a 4-3 over front with Wide 9 principles. That shift helped the Falcons find their footing, particularly in the pass rush.
After notching just 31 sacks in 2024, they exploded for 57 last season - second-most in the NFL. But while the pass rush was ferocious, the run defense unraveled late in the year, especially after San Francisco exposed some soft spots.
That’s where Morris’ pragmatism comes in. He’s not afraid to adjust - or to admit when something isn’t working.
He’s worked with stars like Aaron Donald and Von Miller, but he’s also shown he can coach up a young, developing group. That matters for a 49ers secondary that struggled with communication last season, especially after injuries piled up.
Ji’Ayir Brown emerged as a key piece largely because he brought stability and leadership to a unit that desperately needed it.
Morris’ ability to “speak multiple defensive languages” could be a game-changer here. It’s not just about drawing up schemes - it’s about teaching, communicating, and getting young players to do the same. That’s something this defense has lacked at times.
Front Seven Flexibility - And Potential
Up front, Morris has shown he’s willing to experiment. He used the Wide 9 last year, but also saw its limitations - especially when defensive tackles couldn’t keep linebackers clean.
That’s something the 49ers will have to watch closely. But they’ve got the pieces to get creative.
If they want to dabble in a tite front (think 4i-0-4i), they’ve got the personnel: Mykel Williams and Keion White can play those 4i spots, Alfred Collins adds versatility, CJ West is a stout option at nose, and of course, there’s Nick Bosa. Pair him with someone like Bryce Huff or Sam Okuayinonu on the edge, and you’ve got a front that can morph and attack from different angles.
Staff Turnover Continues
While Morris arrives, others are heading out. The Tennessee Titans have hired Gus Bradley - formerly the 49ers’ assistant head coach - as their new defensive coordinator. And in Green Bay, the Packers are expected to add Daniel Bullocks to Matt LaFleur’s staff, continuing the offseason shuffle of assistants around the league.
Mac Jones vs. Brock Purdy: The Season Split
On the field, the 49ers saw a rare quarterback split between Mac Jones and Brock Purdy this past season. But the real breakout came from rookie cornerback Renardo Stout.
He started the year quietly but finished strong, allowing just a 74.9 passer rating over the final eight games and giving up only one touchdown all season. He ended up third on the team in tackles - trailing only linebackers Winters and Bethune - and looked every bit like a foundational piece moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Free Agency Buzz
As the offseason ramps up, the rumor mill is already linking the 49ers to some big names - including Joey Bosa. The idea of reuniting the Bosa brothers in red and gold is certainly intriguing, and it’s a potential move that could further elevate an already dangerous front.
Between the international spotlight, a reshaped coaching staff, and a defense in transition, the 49ers are entering 2026 with plenty of storylines. But if Raheem Morris can bring cohesion to the back end and unlock the full potential of this front seven, San Francisco might just be gearing up for another deep run - wherever in the world they’re playing.