Former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is back atop the coaching ladder. He agreed to a deal to become the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, returning to the place where he served as interim head coach in 2020 before joining the Rams. While on one hand, it’s a disappointment for Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay to lose one of football’s best defensive coordinators, they also could not be prouder.
McVay and Snead had both openly stated their opinion that Morris should be a head coach in the NFL, and were actively endorsing him to land a role at one of the many open head coaching positions. The Falcons opted to hire Morris despite interviewing Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. And although the Rams now need to replace Morris, hardly an easier task, they are both beyond happy to do it.
Both Snead and McVay released statements about Morris joining the Falcons, both praising Morris for his time in L.A. and what he’ll do for the Falcons organization.
“The Atlanta Falcons, an organization and owner that mean a lot to me personally, are fortunate to have hired Raheem Morris to lead their football team,” Snead said in a statement. “He is one of few exceptional leaders that has coached both sides of the ball with some of the game’s most respected minds at the professional and collegiate levels.
“An integral part of our Super Bowl Championship, Raheem has been successful everywhere he’s been, including his first stint as a head coach. He leaves an indelible mark on everyone he works with and has a rare ability to unify and inspire a collective group to accomplish their mission. Most importantly, he is a respected leader who treats everyone the same, and is a model husband, father, and friend.”
McVay and Morris have grown close over the years, so he is extremely happy for him.
“Raheem has a charisma, presence, and ability to communicate and connect with players and coaches that’s truly unmatched,” McVay said in a statement. “He epitomizes great leadership through the ways he elevates everyone around him and makes every environment he’s a part of better. Atlanta hired an incredibly special coach, but an even more exceptional person who will lead the right way.”
It’s inspiring to see the impact that Morris had on the organization during his three years in L.A. He not only was integral in helping the Rams win a Super Bowl for the 2021 season, but he assisted in keeping the defense afloat after making several major trades and losing key starters. He always made the most with what he had.
Morris will be virtually irreplaceable in terms of his impact, but it was certainly the right call for the Falcons to make this move.
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