Fred Warner gives blunt reaction to Raheem Morris hire and shares expectations for 49ers defense after injury

Fred Warner did not try to take credit for any front-office move. Instead, the San Francisco 49ers linebacker kept things simple and honest when talking about the team’s latest coaching decision. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Warner shared his thoughts on the 49ers hiring Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator.

The move came after the team decided to part ways with Robert Saleh. While Warner made it clear that players were not involved in the decision, he also made it clear that he fully supports it. After missing most of the 2025 season due to an ankle injury, Warner is focused on what comes next. From his point of view, Morris brings experience, trust, and a clear defensive mindset that fits what the 49ers have always believed in. Warner explained that he has only heard positive things about Morris from people across the league. That alone gives him confidence going into the 2026 season. With several key defenders expected back on the field, the timing feels right for a fresh voice leading the defense.

Fred Warner explains why Raheem Morris fits the San Francisco 49ers defense

Warner spoke openly about why he believes Morris is the right choice for the job. He praised Morris for being respected wherever he has worked and said he is excited to finally sit down and talk football with him.

“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.”

Warner also touched on the identity of the 49ers defense. He explained that the team has long relied on a 4-3 system that lets the defensive line attack early while the secondary plays fast and reads the ball.

“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,” Warner said.

The linebacker missed all but six games last season after suffering an ankle injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in October. During that time, he learned more about the team than he expected. In an interview with SB Nation writer Jeanna Kelly, Warner spoke about what standing on the sidelines taught him.

“Honestly, you learn a lot when you’re behind the scenes and not watching from the sideline,” Warner said. “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.”

He also praised head coach Kyle Shanahan, saying the team stayed competitive even when key players were injured. With Warner returning alongside Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, expectations are high as Morris begins his new role.


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