The 49ers are heading into 2026 with a new voice leading their defense - and for the fifth straight season, that voice will be different. This time, it’s Raheem Morris taking the reins, and while the turnover at defensive coordinator has been less than ideal, there’s reason to believe Morris could be the right fit for a group still brimming with elite talent and championship aspirations.
One of the leaders Morris will lean on is Fred Warner, the heartbeat of San Francisco’s defense and one of the most respected linebackers in the league. Speaking from Radio Row, Warner admitted he hasn’t yet met Morris or had a conversation with him since the hire, but he’s already got his message ready.
“That we’re ready to work, man,” Warner said. “It’s not a bunch of guys who are set in their ways at all. I’m going into year nine, and I’m ready to learn and adapt to whatever he’s giving to us.”
That mindset is exactly what Morris will need as he looks to put his stamp on a defense that has the potential to be elite - again. Warner made it clear: this group isn’t clinging to the past. They’re hungry, adaptable, and laser-focused on getting back to the level of dominance that’s defined the 49ers’ identity in recent years.
“We’re all ready to work, we’re all hungry to get back to being dominant and give ourselves a chance to win a Super Bowl,” Warner added.
Morris brings a different flavor to the table than what San Francisco’s defenders have been used to. His most recent stint as the head coach in Atlanta showcased a more aggressive approach.
The Falcons blitzed on 35.4% of pass plays last season - second-most in the NFL. Compare that to the 49ers under Robert Saleh, who blitzed just 19.1% of the time, ranking near the bottom of the league.
That’s a significant philosophical shift, and how Morris tailors that aggression to fit the 49ers’ personnel will be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into next season. The good news?
San Francisco’s roster is built to be flexible. They’ve got a mix of savvy veterans and young players who were forced into action during a 2025 season riddled with injuries.
That experience could pay dividends now.
Warner and Nick Bosa - two of the defense’s cornerstones - are expected to return healthy, and their presence alone elevates the unit’s ceiling. But Warner knows it’ll take more than just talent to get back to where they want to be.
“Ultimately, it’s just demanding excellence of your group every single day,” he said. “You can’t let little things slide when it comes to just the details of how to play defense day-to-day. It truly is just demanding the best.”
That kind of accountability has long been a calling card for Warner, and it’s clear he expects that standard to remain unchanged - or even rise - under Morris.
“If you’re a player, you should want the best of yourself to be one of the best in the league at your position. And if everybody’s doing that, everybody’s holding each other accountable... and you do that every single day, you look up and you’re like, ‘OK, man, we did it.’ I think that’s what it is ultimately going to take.”
While the injuries last season were a setback, they also created opportunities. A number of young defenders got valuable reps, and that added depth could be a hidden strength in 2026. Morris inherits not just a talented roster, but one that’s battle-tested, deeper than before, and - most importantly - motivated.
In a league where continuity is often king, the 49ers are proving that adaptability, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence can be just as powerful. With Morris now steering the ship, and leaders like Warner setting the tone, San Francisco’s defense is poised for a new chapter - one that could very well end with another deep postseason run.