Raheem Morris (Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Raheem Morris as their head coach. This decision marks a historic moment as owner Arthur Blank, with over 20 years at the helm, hires his first former NFL head coach and welcomes the first full-time Black head coach in the franchise’s history.
Owner’s Perspective: Arthur Blank’s Vision
“This is a historic day for the Atlanta Falcons,” Blank said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome Raheem Morris back to Atlanta as the team’s new head coach. … Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future.
“His time in LA has given him an enhanced perspective on everything from personnel, team operations, game planning, working with an outstanding offensive staff and many other things that has helped him develop into an even more prepared coach in all aspects of the game. I believe his leadership skills have grown and his understanding of what it takes to have a highly collaborative one-team culture are now at a much higher level.”
Extensive Search and Morris’s Return
Morris’s hiring followed an extensive search involving 14 candidates, including notable figures like Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, and Jim Harbaugh. Morris, along with three other coaches, underwent a second interview with the club.
For Morris, this marks a return to Flowery Branch, Georgia, where he served as Atlanta’s interim coach for 11 games in 2020 after the mid-season firing of Dan Quinn. Despite a 4-7 record, Morris wasn’t given the full-time job, and Arthur Smith was appointed instead.
Now, following Smith’s departure on Jan. 8 after a 21-30 record in three seasons, the Falcons have chosen Morris as their full-time coach.
“I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach.” Morris said in a statement. “We know from firsthand experience what a first-class organization Atlanta is and what this team means to its city and its fans. I am incredibly appreciative of Arthur Blank for his leadership and for this entire organization for putting its trust in me to help lead this team.”
Morris’s Coaching Background
Morris, 47, spent the past three seasons as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, securing a Super Bowl win in 2021. This marks his second stint as a full-time head coach after leading Buccaneers from 2009 – 2011, achieving a 17-31 record.
Morris then went to Washington as the defensive backs coach from 2012 – 2014 before his first stint with the Falcons. There he first served as defensive pass game coordinator in 2015 and then receivers coach from 2016 to ’19, while also being the Falcon’s assistant head coach.
He was named the Falcons’ defensive coordinator in 2020 and was promoted to interim head coach after Quinn’s firing.
“Love it! Have only good memories with Rah at the helm,” Falcons fullback Keith Smith said in a text to ESPN. “Think his rapport with the org is an advantage to plug and play.”
Key Players and Team Dynamics
Morris inherits a team featuring notable players like second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. The offensive lineup includes talents like tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
“I’m beyond excited to work side-by-side with Raheem in bringing a championship to Atlanta.” General manager Terry Fontenot said in a statement. “… Raheem is the right fit for our team, culture, and shared vision for success in Atlanta, and I cannot wait to start working with him and have his energy in our building.”
Structural Changes in Leadership
Fontenot and Morris will report directly to Blank, with CEO Rich McKay’s involvement changing from the prior structure. McKay will remain in position with AMB Sports & Entertainment, while Greg Beadles continues as team president handling day-to-day business operations.
Addressing speculation around McKay’s role, Blank clarified that McKay will “no longer be involved in day-to-day football operations.” Instead, his role within Blank’s overall businesses will expand, including becoming an associate director on the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation board.
Morris’s Coaching Career and Background
Morris, a New Jersey native and former Hofstra player, commenced his coaching career as a graduate assistant. He went to Cornell as a defensive backs coach in 1999 before returning to Hofstra as the defensive backs coach from 2000 to 2001. He then had his first stint in the NFL as a defensive assistant with the Buccaneers.
Addressing the Quarterback Situation
Once Morris finalizes his coaching staff, his first task will be addressing the quarterback situation. Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder will remain on the roster, but Blank called the team’s quarterback play last season “deficient,” and it was one of the factors that led to Smith’s firing.
Search for Offensive Coordinator
League sources suggest Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson as a prime candidate for Morris’s offensive coordinator position, although multiple coaches will be considered. Morris will engage with various coaches to explore options for the O-coordinator role.
This report used information from ESPN.
