The 49ers’ defensive stats in 2025 look mediocre, but looks in this case are deceiving as to the position Morris will take over.
San Francisco recently finished 13th in points allowed, 20th in yards allowed and last in the league with 20 sacks. However, putting together enough defensive consistency to allow the team to go 12-5 and reach the divisional playoffs was even more impressive. The 49ers were a bunch of walking wounded all year. Stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner were injured early in the season. Rebels like Mykel Williams landed on injured reserve, and even those who broke out in bigger roles due to injuries in front of them, like Tatum Bethune, fell.
Morris has the defensive acumen to maximize the many things that come back intact.
By joining the Niners, he also rotates a sideline in one of the great NFC West rivalries. Morris served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator from 2021-23 and won a Super Bowl with them in his first season there.
With any luck, he will now also help their neighbors to the north win a ring.