The Atlanta Falcons have made franchise history by appointing Raheem Morris as their head coach, marking the first time a Black individual has held this position in the team’s history. Morris secured this milestone achievement after facing competition from 13 other candidates, including the renowned coach Bill Belichick, who recently parted ways with the New England Patriots. Another contender for the role was the former Tennessee Titans coach, Mike Vrabel.
Expressing his excitement, Morris conveyed in a statement to ESPN, “I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and me to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach. 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 the entire organization for putting its trust in me to help lead this team.”
Morris, one of the four coaches who underwent a second interview with the Falcons, clinched the position with a strong resume. Hailing from New Jersey, he served as the Falcons’ interim coach for 11 games during the 2020 season. Although the Falcons did not offer him a permanent head coaching position at that time, Morris went on to serve as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where he contributed to winning a Super Bowl title in 2021, as reported by ESPN.
The 47-year-old embarked on his first stint as a full-time NFL head coach with Tampa Bay, overseeing the franchise from 2009 to 2011. Following this, Morris assumed the role of Washington’s defensive back coach from 2012 to 2014. Subsequently, he joined the Falcons in 2015, initially serving as the defensive pass game coordinator.
Morris’s football journey began at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, where he not only played but also started his coaching career as a graduate assistant. In 1999, he took on the position of defensive backs coach at Cornell. Returning to Hofstra, Morris then served as the defensive backs coach from 2000 to 2001. His entry into the NFL coaching realm occurred when he became the Buccaneers’ defensive assistant.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed confidence in Morris’s preparedness for the challenges ahead, citing his diverse experience. “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 have helped him develop into an even more prepared coach in all aspects of the game,” Blank stated, as reported by ESPN. He believes that Morris’s leadership skills and understanding of fostering a highly collaborative one-team culture have significantly evolved.
Blank emphasized the historic significance of the day for the franchise, welcoming Raheem Morris back to Atlanta as the new head coach. “Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future,” Blank declared.
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