The Atlanta Falcons have made a surprising move in their search for a new head coach. In a decision that caught many off guard, owner Arthur Blank has chosen Raheem Morris to lead the team. This marks a significant departure from Blank’s usual hiring practices, as Morris becomes the first former NFL head coach that Blank has brought on board during his ownership tenure.
Blank and the Falcons organization embarked on an extensive search for their next head coach, considering a total of 14 candidates. Among the names that came up were renowned coaches like Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, and Jim Harbaugh. However, the Falcons ultimately opted to go with an unconventional choice in Morris.
This is not the first time that Morris is taking the reins in Atlanta. In 2020, he served as the team’s interim coach for 11 games after Dan Quinn’s dismissal. Though he led the team to a 4-7 record during that time, he was not given the full-time position. Arthur Smith was ultimately hired as the head coach instead. But now, after Smith’s firing, the Falcons have decided to turn to Morris once again, this time for the long haul.
Morris, 47, brings a wealth of experience and success to his new role. He spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2021. This won’t be Morris’ first foray into head coaching, as he previously held the position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011. While his tenure with the Buccaneers was not overwhelmingly successful in terms of his win-loss record, his recent accomplishments with the Rams speak to his ability to lead a defense to greatness.
As Morris takes the helm in Atlanta, he inherits a roster brimming with talent on both sides of the ball. The defense features standout players such as second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. On offense, Morris will have the pleasure of working with skilled playmakers like tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Additionally, he will have the support of two experienced offensive linemen, left tackle Jake Matthews and right guard Chris Lindstrom, who were with the team during his previous stint with Atlanta.
One of the immediate challenges awaiting Morris is the team’s quarterback situation. Last season, the Falcons’ quarterback play was deemed “deficient” by Blank, contributing to Smith’s dismissal. While Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder remain on the roster, it is clear that the team will be looking for an upgrade at the position. The new head coach will have to carefully evaluate his options and make decisions that will shape the team’s offensive strategy going forward.
With his coaching staff yet to be finalized, Morris will have the critical task of assembling a group of talented assistants who can support his vision for the team. Zac Robinson, the Rams’ quarterbacks and pass-game coordinator, is rumored to be a leading candidate for the offensive coordinator position in Atlanta. However, Morris will undoubtedly conduct a thorough search and consider multiple options before finalizing his coaching staff.
Raheem Morris’ hiring as the Falcons’ head coach signals the start of a new chapter for the franchise. As Blank breaks away from his traditional hiring methods, he places his trust in a coach who brings a unique perspective and a proven track record of success. With a talented roster at his disposal and the opportunity to shape the team’s future, Morris has the chance to make a lasting impact in Atlanta. The Falcons organization and its fans eagerly await the next chapter in their team’s history under Morris’ leadership.
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