Fred Warner Comments on 49ers’ New DC in Interview Before Super Bowl LX – Reveals Upcoming Changes That Have Fans on the Edge of Their Seats

San Francisco, California – February 5, 2026

After the San Francisco 49ers’ disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round and changes to their coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the team is now fully in offseason mode. One of the biggest changes is the appointment of Raheem Morris as the new defensive coordinator (DC), replacing Robert Saleh, who left to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. These changes are causing excitement and anticipation among 49ers fans as they hope the team will return to its defensive dominance in 2026.

Fred Warner, the star linebacker of the 49ers, shared his thoughts on the new DC Morris during an interview with PFT Live before Super Bowl LX. While Warner has not yet met Morris directly, he expressed a strong belief that Morris is bringing something special to the team. Warner feels confident that Morris will help take the 49ers defense to new heights, offering a fresh perspective and strategy for success. This indicates that a major shift may be coming for the team, and fans are eager to see how this will unfold.

Warner mentioned that Morris brings an “infectious energy,” which he believes is exactly what the 49ers defense needs to return to dominance. While the team has used the same defensive scheme for a while—four down linemen and base cover-3—Warner acknowledged that change is necessary to keep up with the evolution of the NFL. This signals that the defense will undergo changes to stay competitive, something that Morris is expected to drive.

"He’s a very special coach. Even though I haven’t had the chance to meet him yet, I can feel that he’s bringing a completely new strategy to take our defense back to dominance. The league is evolving, and you have to evolve with your defense, or you’ll get left behind. But what’s coming next... it won’t be like anything you’ve seen before." – Fred Warner

With Morris now at the helm, the 49ers have a prime opportunity to strengthen their defense, which faced challenges due to injuries in the 2025 season. Players like Warner, Nick Bosa, and other key contributors understand that change is essential for the team to get back on top. Warner’s attitude shows his openness to adapting to whatever changes Morris brings to the table, creating hope and optimism for the 2026 season.

Warner has proven his worth as one of the top linebackers in the NFL. Despite struggling with an ankle injury in the 2025 season and missing the playoffs, his presence remains essential for the 49ers’ defense. With Warner fully healthy and working alongside Bosa and other key players, the defense will be much stronger, especially with Morris’s tactical adjustments.

The 49ers’ decision to switch defensive coordinators could have a wider impact not only on their own team but across the NFL. As other teams also look to improve their defensive schemes, the 49ers’ shift in strategy under Morris may set a new trend, especially considering his extensive experience in adjusting and improving defenses over the years.

With the changes ahead, the San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2026 season with renewed focus and determination. Change is inevitable in an ever-evolving NFL, and the 49ers are not going to be left behind. Fred Warner’s positive outlook on Raheem Morris’s appointment shows that the team is ready to adapt and grow stronger. This sets up an exciting season, where the 49ers can reclaim their place at the top and return to the defensive greatness they once knew.