Fred Warner’s 2025 season didn’t end the way he-or the 49ers-had hoped. After suffering an ankle injury in Week 6, the All-Pro linebacker made a push to get back on the field. But time ran out when San Francisco fell to the Seahawks in the divisional round, cutting short any chance of a postseason return.
Now, as Warner looks ahead to 2026, he’ll be returning to a defense with a new voice at the helm. Robert Saleh, who made a one-year comeback to the 49ers last season, parlayed that stint into a head coaching opportunity in Tennessee. In his place, the Niners have tapped former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris to lead the defense.
And Warner? He’s all in.
Speaking from the Super Bowl media center on Thursday, Warner shared his early impressions of Morris, who hasn’t even held a practice yet but is already making an impact through reputation alone.
“I’ve heard he’s got an infectious energy,” Warner said. “Exactly what we need.”
That’s not just lip service. The 49ers have long been known for their defensive identity-tough, fast, and fundamentally sound.
But Warner knows that staying static in today’s NFL is a recipe for falling behind. The league evolves.
Offenses get smarter, faster, more creative. And defenses have to keep pace.
“We’ve run the same scheme for so long,” Warner noted. “Four down linemen, Cover 3 base defense. The league evolves and you have to evolve as a defense or else you’re just gonna get left behind.”
That willingness to adapt is going to be key for Morris as he puts his stamp on this unit. While the foundation-elite talent and a physical mindset-is still there, the 49ers will likely need to introduce new wrinkles to stay ahead of the curve. Warner, for his part, is ready to embrace whatever changes come, knowing that the best defenses in the league don’t just react-they anticipate.
Of course, scheme only goes so far without the right personnel on the field. Health was a major obstacle for San Francisco’s defense in 2025.
Losing Warner for a chunk of the season was a blow, and the unit as a whole never quite reached its full potential. If the 49ers can keep their stars-Warner, Nick Bosa, and others-on the field consistently in 2026, Morris will have a much better shot at implementing his vision.
There’s no question the pieces are in place. With Warner leading the charge, a healthy roster, and a new defensive coordinator bringing fresh energy and ideas, the 49ers are setting the stage for a potential return to dominance. And if Warner’s mindset is any indication, this defense isn’t just looking to bounce back-they’re aiming to evolve.