The Atlanta Falcons have hired Raheem Morris as their new head coach, passing on six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick. Morris, who was the Falcons’ interim coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season, will lead the team for the 2024 season.
This decision came after interviewing 14 candidates, with Belichick being the most notable among them. The Falcons also had a second interview with Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, earlier the same day they made the announcement.
Morris, 47, has a lot of coaching experience, including a three-year period as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also worked in various coaching roles with the Falcons from 2015 to 2020, showing his adaptability.
Morris becomes the first permanent Black head coach in Falcons history, marking an important moment for the team. This hiring also supports the NFL’s efforts to increase diversity in coaching roles.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed his excitement about the hiring, saying, “Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future.” The decision also changes the leadership structure, with both Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot now reporting directly to Blank instead of CEO Rich McKay.
Morris has taken over a team that has made many changes since his last coaching session in Atlanta. The Falcons have been focused on rebuilding the team, adding key players through the draft and free agency to strengthen both the offense and defense.
However, a big challenge for Morris is the quarterback position, as the team looks for a dependable quarterback to lead the offense.
This makes Morris the second coach in Atlanta history to have two non-consecutive stints as head coach. His hiring surprised many, especially considering the interest in a coach like Bill Belichick and the team’s consideration of younger, rising coaching talents.
General manager Terry Fontenot expressed his trust in Morris, saying, “Raheem is the right fit for our team, culture, and shared vision for success in Atlanta. I cannot wait to start working with him and have his energy in our building.”
Morris’s recent experience as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams likely influenced the Falcons’ decision. Under his leadership, the Rams’ defense ranked 20th in yards allowed and helped the team return to the playoffs this season.
