Kyle Shanahan Credits Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris for 49ers' Strong Start

The San Francisco 49ers' current 5-0 record, marking the third time in the Kyle Shanahan era they have achieved this start, is significantly attributed to the performance of their defense, led by defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

"It doesn’t surprise me with Raheem [that the defense has been so good and young players are performing well]," Shanahan told Evan Webeck of The Post. "I’ve just been around him for too long. He’s one of the best people and best coaches I’ve ever been around."

Shanahan and Morris have a long-standing professional relationship, having worked together in previous coaching capacities. They were both part of Dan Quinn's staff in Atlanta in 2016, with Shanahan serving as offensive coordinator and Morris as assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. The Falcons reached Super Bowl 51 that season.

Shanahan revealed he attempted to bring Morris to San Francisco when he first took the head coaching job in 2017, but the move was blocked. "I tried to bring him here originally when I left Atlanta. They wouldn’t let him out," Shanahan stated. "So, it’s been a long time coming to get him here."

Through the first five weeks of the season, the 49ers' defense ranks sixth in the NFL, allowing an average of 18.6 points per game. They are also the eighth-best pass defense, conceding an average of 199.6 yards and only five passing touchdowns.

"He’s done an unbelievable job this year, especially with the injuries, but just overall. Everything he’s mixed up schematically," Shanahan said. "I love the confidence he’s given our DBs and the way they’ve been playing since training camp. He’s had a real huge effect on this team. We’re very lucky to have him."