The San Francisco 49ers replaced defensive coordinator Robert Saleh with Raheem Morris this offseason, and the two coaches differ in their foundational defensive philosophies, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan — a difference on display during a joint practice with Saleh's Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.
49ers defensive coordinator Morris brings hybrid roles and higher blitz rates to San Francisco camp
The San Francisco 49ers replaced defensive coordinator Robert Saleh with Raheem Morris this offseason, and the two coaches differ in their foundational defensive philosophies, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan — a difference on display during a joint practice with Saleh's Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.
Shanahan described the distinction in terms of academic specialization. 'Raheem majors in the secondary, whereas Saleh majored more in linebacker play,' Shanahan said. 'To be a good coordinator, you have to know all three levels, and they both do.'
Morris has introduced two hybrid defensive roles to San Francisco: the 'star,' described as an every-down nickel defender capable of covering the slot, supporting the run, and rushing the passer; and the 'fever backer,' a player who can line up off the ball, attack from the edge, or drop into coverage.
During Tuesday's joint practice, Morris repeatedly sent linebacker Fred Warner after Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward, a departure from Saleh's historically low blitz rates. A disguised coverage also led Ward to throw an interception returned for a touchdown by safety Ji'Ayir Brown.
Linebackers coach K.J. Wright described the fever backer role this way: 'You're off the ball, you're on the ball, you get a fever, you're sick. It's like you can do so many things. It's a football sicko.'
Several 49ers players said Morris's system has had a noticeable effect. Left tackle Trent Williams said 'everything's different.' Brown called it his favorite training camp. Renardo Green said the defense allows him to play faster, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said Morris simplified his responsibilities.
Saleh's 2025 season in San Francisco was affected by significant injuries: defensive end Nick Bosa tore his ACL and Warner suffered a season-ending ankle injury. The 49ers finished last in sacks that season. Without consistent pass-rush pressure or their primary defensive communicator, Saleh placed greater responsibility on the secondary, according to the article.
Morris now has Warner and linebacker Dre Greenlaw available, and is using blitzes and simulated pressure to compensate for Bosa's continued absence.
Tuesday's joint practice was also marked by physical confrontations. Three fights broke out within the first six snaps, and four players were reportedly ejected under the teams' no-punch policy.
- Robert Saleh is not quoted or given an opportunity to respond to characterizations of his defensive approach or his tenure with the 49ers.
- Raheem Morris is not directly quoted in the article despite being its central subject.
- Specific blitz-rate statistics for Saleh's tenure with the 49ers are not provided.
- The outcome or full details of Tuesday's joint practice beyond the noted plays and altercations are not reported.
- The identities of the four players reportedly ejected are not given.
- The source text supplied appears truncated; some material may be missing.
Read the original at New York Post