Raheem Morris will be the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who chose the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator after interviewing Bill Belichick twice.
Morris, who served as an assistant in Atlanta between 2015 and 2020, reportedly won over the Falcons front office with his plan for the team.
The Falcons conducted an extensive interview process, interviewing Belichick, Ejiro Evero and Bobby Slowik twice. They also spoke to Mike Vrabel earlier this week.
But Morris, 47, has won the race to get the Falcons job. He’s landed his second head coaching position after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 2009 and 2011.
After Morris’ three seasons at the Buccaneers’ helm, he had to work his way back up the NFL ranks to get another full-time head coaching opportunity.
Raheem Morris will be the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons
Belichick appeared to be the favorite to become the Falcons next coach after two interviews
Morris spent three seasons as an assistant with the then-Washington Redskins, before six years as a defensive with the Falcons.
Following the firing of Dan Quinn in 2020, Morris was Atlanta’s interim head coach for the rest of the season, going 4-7.
Morris was not given the full-time job, with Falcons owner Arthur Blank opting for Arthur Smith.
Smith was fired on January 8 less than a minute into ‘Black Monday,’ which signals the first full day of the NFL offseason for teams that did not make the playoffs.
The NFL now has only two head-coaching vacancies in Washington and Seattle. Belichick is not expected to get either job.
Morris’ appointment comes at a time of uncertainty in Atlanta. The team only has quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke on the roster. Drafting or trading for a new signal caller appears paramount for the franchise.
The Falcons have young, impressive offensive players Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London. A decent quarterback could unlock one of the league’s best offenses.
