New 49ers DC Raheem Morris Might Pursue "Former Favorite" from Atlanta Falcons to Replace Nick Bosa – Kyle Shanahan's Reaction Shocks the NFL
San Francisco, California
After Raheem Morris was appointed as the new defensive coordinator (DC) for the San Francisco 49ers, he's already making plans to revamp the team's defense. One of the most surprising moves involves the potential recruitment of Arnold Ebiketie, a former player of Morris’s from Atlanta Falcons, to replace Nick Bosa in the lineup. This development has caught many off guard, especially with the reaction from head coach Kyle Shanahan, which has drawn widespread attention from the NFL community.
Raheem Morris, previously the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, brought with him a system heavily influenced by Vic Fangio, one that focuses on flexibility and dynamic schemes. While the 49ers' defense has long featured stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 2025 season revealed some weaknesses, particularly with Bosa sidelined due to injury. With Morris's appointment, players who no longer fit the new system might be pushed aside to make room for new talent, especially with Ebiketie being a prime candidate.

When asked about his plan to bring Arnold Ebiketie to the 49ers, Raheem Morris confidently shared:
“I spent a long time coaching at Atlanta Falcons, so I know exactly what he's capable of. If Coach Shanahan agrees with this decision, I’ll bring him over to the 49ers and help make this team stronger. Others who no longer fit will have to accept their positions being taken.”
Raheem Morris runs a more dynamic defense with a focus on edge rushers and versatile linebackers, which may not align with Nick Bosa’s established role as the cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense. Bringing in Ebiketie — a player Morris coached at Falcons — could breathe new life into the defensive line and make the team more flexible in terms of tactics. While Ebiketie isn’t a star in the making, he’s shown consistent ability and strength in recent seasons.

Kyle Shanahan’s reaction to Morris’s plan has sparked considerable attention. Although he has not made an official statement yet, sources from the team reveal that Shanahan is carefully considering the necessary changes to optimize the team. However, Shanahan insists that he needs more time to evaluate and test Ebiketie through practice and live games. He emphasized that it would be premature to make a decision about replacing Nick Bosa immediately, and that players need to show their capabilities in different situations before any decisions are made. This process will allow for a more accurate assessment rather than rushing to replace or promote players too quickly.
Nick Bosa, one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, may face a different role in the 49ers' defense if Raheem Morris’s plan is implemented. However, it’s still unclear whether Bosa will remain the central figure in the defensive lineup. Given Morris’s new approach, adjustments within the defensive scheme seem inevitable.
The appointment of Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator has caused considerable changes and unrest in the 49ers’ locker room. His decision to pursue Arnold Ebiketie and push out players who no longer fit the new system has sparked debate throughout the NFL community. However, whether Kyle Shanahan and Morris can collaborate on the new defensive strategy will ultimately determine the 49ers' success in the 2026 season. Time will tell whether Nick Bosa and other key defensive players will maintain their crucial roles under Morris's new system.













