The Los Angeles Rams greatly exceeded everyone’s expectations in 2023 as despite being in a rebuilding year, they went 10-7 to earn a spot in the postseason.
There were a lot of reasons for the turnaround this season after going just 5-12 last year, and one of the main reasons was the job defensive coordinator Raheem Morris did with the Rams’ young defensive unit.
Last offseason, the Rams made the difficult decision to part with some key veterans on defense, including Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd.
Other than Aaron Donald, the Rams’ defense is filled with rookies and young players, leading many to believe they would be one of the worst units in the league.
As he has done his whole career though, Morris coached that group up and they got better as the season went along to get to this point.
It appears Morris is being recognized for the job he has done in L.A. as according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Washington Commanders have requested to interview him for their head coaching vacancy:
Commanders requested permission to interview Rams’ DC Raheem Morris for their head coach job, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2024
The Commanders are one of many teams with a head coaching opening after deciding to part ways with Ron Rivera. While more jobs could open in the coming days, as of now, the Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders are all looking for new coaches.
Morris has interviewed for head coaching jobs the last few offseasons after he helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in his first season as defensive coordinator under Sean McVay. While Morris did not land any jobs the last few cycles, many believe now could be the time for him to get a well-deserved opportunity as a head coach again in the NFL.
And perhaps the Commanders make the most sense considering he has familiarity in that organization going all the way back to when he and McVay were on the same staff. The Panthers and Chargers are other teams that Morris will be interviewing with, and more will likely request permission as well.
While he will be interviewing for jobs in the coming weeks though, his focus will still remain on the Rams and the potential postseason run they have ahead of them.
Rams taking on Lions on Sunday Night Football
The Rams’ first postseason game is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14 at 5:15 p.m. PT when they will go to Detroit to take on Jared Goff and the Lions.
The Lions ranked third in yards per game and fifth in points per game, so Morris and the Rams defense will have their work cut out for them to slow that unit down next Sunday.
