San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner shared his thoughts on the hiring of Raheem Morris as the team’s new defensive coordinator during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday. Morris, who was formerly the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, replaces Robert Saleh in this new position, with Warner expressing optimism about what Morris brings to the 49ers defense heading into the 2026 season.
Though Warner was not involved in the decision to hire Morris, he highlighted Morris’s track record of success as an assistant coach for various NFL teams and believes his leadership will help take the 49ers’ defense to the next level. Warner, coming back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the previous year, is eager to see Morris’s approach and how the defense will be shaped.
Warner’s Impressions on Raheem Morris’s Impact Ahead
Fred Warner expressed strong approval of Raheem Morris’s appointment as defensive coordinator. He noted the widespread respect Morris commands wherever he has coached, emphasizing a sense of excitement within the team.
“I love the hire,” Warner said. “We’re not mad at all. We love the hire, man. All I hear is great things about Raheem. Wherever he’s been, it sounds like he’s been beloved everywhere he’s been. I’m interested to see being able to talk to him and see what his plan is for our defense.” ?Fred Warner, Linebacker
Warner reflected on the defense’s traditional style, which prioritizes aggressive play from the defensive line while allowing the secondary to react quickly and force turnovers. He expects Morris to maintain this aggressive and fast-paced philosophy.
“And we’ve always run a 4-3 defense of just telling the D-ends and the D-line to get off the rock and letting the backend just kind of play with vision and ball out, break, play fast, play violent. And I expect nothing less going forward.” ?Fred Warner, Linebacker
With key defensive players like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams also returning from injury alongside Warner, the 49ers possess a strong core to support Morris as he implements his defensive strategies.
Warner’s Reflection on Learning About the Team During Injury
Fred Warner’s 2025 season was cut short by a severe ankle injury sustained in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, limiting him to just six appearances. During this difficult stretch, Warner gained new insights into the team’s culture and resilience from the sidelines, as he explained in an interview with Jeanna Kelly of SB Nation.
“Honestly, you learn a lot when you’re behind the scenes and not watching from the sideline,” Warner shared. “I think we have one of the best cultures and standards of any team in the entire NFL, and you really learn that when you go through hard times as we have.” ?Fred Warner, Linebacker
He praised the team’s ability to adapt when key players are sidelined, highlighting the depth and determination that helped the 49ers find ways to win critical games despite multiple injuries.
“When you have a bunch of guys who are kind of your key players, guys who you are paying a lot of money to win you a game on Sundays, and they’re on the sidelines. You’re asking guys to come up and play meaningful minutes. We found ways to win. We have the best head coach in the game, Kyle Shanahan.” ?Fred Warner, Linebacker
Before his injury, Warner had been remarkably durable, missing only one game in the previous eight seasons due to a hamstring issue in 2021. He is now focused on returning to peak form as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Positive Outlook for the 49ers’ Defensive Future
Fred Warner’s reflections underscore a mix of hope and determination as the 49ers enter a new phase under Raheem Morris’s defensive leadership. The combination of established talent and fresh coaching energy could prove pivotal in improving the team’s defensive performance for 2026.
Warner’s endorsement of Morris suggests strong internal confidence within the team’s defensive unit, which will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With Kyle Shanahan continuing to lead as head coach, the 49ers maintain a culture focused on resilience and excellence, aiming to make another deep playoff run.
"I love the Raheem Morris hire..
I can't wait to talk to him about our defense"@fred_warner #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/LNaW3t6jyq
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2026
