The Reason Atlanta Falcons DE Zach Harrison is a standout contender for 2024.
Morris, who served as Atlanta’s interim coach for 11 games in after Dan Quinn was fired midway through the season, is making a return to Flowery Branch, Georgia, with this. Morris worked from 4 to 7 but was not offered a full-time position. Arthur Smith was hired by the Falcons instead.
Now that Smith was let go on January 8th, following three seasons of 21–30 results, the team has chosen to choose Morris as its permanent coach.
I am pleased for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach, Morris stated in a statement. We have direct knowledge of Atlanta’s exceptional caliber as an organization and the significance of this team to the community and its supporters. I am immensely grateful to Arthur Blank for his guidance and to the entire organization for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this team.
Morris, 47, won a Super Bowl in 2021 while serving as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for the previous three seasons.
His first full-time NFL head coaching position was with Tampa Bay from 2009 to 2011, during which he went 17–31 in three seasons. This will be his second stint in that role.
After that, Morris worked as the defensive backs coach for Washington from 2012 to 2014 before starting his first job with the Falcons in 2015. He was Atlanta’s associate head coach in addition to serving as the receivers coach from 2016 to 2019. In 2015, Morris was the defensive pass game coordinator.
After Quinn was fired, he was elevated to the position of interim head coach and became the Falcons’ defensive coordinator in 2020.
adore it Falcons wide receiver Keith Smith texted ESPN, saying, “I have only wonderful memories with Rah at the helm.” Consider his familiarity with the organization as a plug-and-play benefit.
A.J. Terrell, a cornerback, defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, and second-team All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III make up Morris’ defense. He also inherits talented players on offense, including tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier and two offensive linemen who were there during his last stint with Atlanta — left tackle Jake Matthews and right guard Chris Lindstrom.
General manager Terry Fontenot said in a statement, “I’m beyond excited to work side-by-side with Raheem in bringing a championship to Atlanta.” I am excited to work with Raheem and have his energy in our building since he is a perfect fit for our team, culture, and shared vision for success in Atlanta.
As opposed to under the previous arrangement, where Fontenot and Morris reported to CEO Rich McKay, they will now report directly to Blank. McKay will remain in his position with AMB Sports & Entertainment, representing the franchise in league matters and on the NFL’s competition committee. As the team president, Greg Beadles continues to be in charge of day-to-day operations.
Although many believed he no longer had any influence, McKay was said to have contributed on a daily basis during the press conference held on January 8th to announce Smith’s firing. McKay claimed to have spoken to Smith and Fontenot twenty-five times every week.
McKay will no longer be involved in day-to-day football operations, according to Blank, who stated on Thursday that McKay’s role within Blank’s broader enterprises will grow. One such job will be as an associate director on the board of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
