Full Breakdown
Raheem Morris Misses 50th Birthday While En Route to 49ers’ Australian Opener
9/8/2026, 12:24:08 PM
Season Opener in Melbourne and a Missed Milestone
San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris turned 50 years old on September 3. The same day the 49ers departed Northern California for Melbourne, Australia, beginning a 15-hour flight that would carry the team across the International Date Line. Because the flight left on September 2 and arrived on September 4 local time, Morris spent his birthday aboard the aircraft and did not experience the calendar date in either time zone. The team’s Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia.
Background: Morris’s Coaching Path
Morris spent three seasons (2009-2011) as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before becoming the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator (2021-2023), where his unit helped win Super Bowl LVI. After two seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (2020-2021) with an 8-9 record each year, he was hired by the 49ers in February 2026 to replace Robert Saleh, who left for the Tennessee Titans.
Timeline of the Flight and Birthday
| Date (UTC-PT) | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2 – departure | The 49ers left Northern California for Australia. |
| September 3 – birthday (U.S. time) | Morris’s 50th birthday occurred while the team was still in the Pacific Ocean. |
| September 4 – arrival | The squad touched down in Melbourne, Australia, where the local calendar already read Friday. |
Official Statements & Responses
- Kyle Shanahan, 49ers head coach, told reporters the first few days in Australia were spent acclimating to the time-zone shift and preparing for the upcoming game, leaving little opportunity for personal celebrations.
- Raheem Morris addressed the situation in a press conference, acknowledging the inconvenience but emphasizing the team’s focus on the opening contest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When it's your birthday for years, football comes with that,” — Raheem Morris, who jokingly took a swipe at Schefter
What’s Next
The 49ers will use the extra days afforded by the early arrival to adjust to the time difference before the Week 1 clash with the Rams. Morris is expected to resume his defensive duties without further personal interruptions, and the team hopes the overseas start will give them a competitive edge in the NFC West race.
