Kawakami: What’s new with the 49ers? A healing coach, a changing defense, speed on offense - The San Francisco Standard

What the report says

The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami reported that the San Francisco 49ers opened training camp Sunday with several visible changes, even as head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to recover from a July 14 car accident. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster handled the closing team address and is serving as an unofficial interim voice, while Shanahan appeared only briefly at practice. Veteran tackle Trent Williams told reporters the locker room has enough leadership to keep the team steady during the coach’s limited involvement.

The most notable on-field development was a different defensive structure under Raheem Morris, who is the team’s fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons. According to the Standard, the defense showed more varied fronts, altered pass-rush angles and looks that blurred the line between edge rusher and linebacker. Fred Warner acknowledged the use of new five-man-front presentations and coverage wrinkles after years of a more familiar four-man front approach. Kawakami wrote that Morris appears to have wide latitude to bring in concepts from earlier coordinator jobs with Atlanta and the Rams.

The report also highlighted linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s return after a season with Denver and recent injury issues. Warner praised Greenlaw’s energy, while the Standard noted the 49ers are counting on him after moving Dee Winters and reopening the weak-side linebacker role.

On offense, Kawakami observed more speed than last season, when San Francisco struggled to generate explosive plays. Mike Evans and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling stood out in early practice sequences, while Brock Purdy connected on at least one deep throw. The early camp themes suggest a team trying to stay stable while Shanahan heals, but also attempting enough schematic and personnel changes to compete with NFC West rivals Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams.