The Los Angeles Rams are in need of a new defensive coordinator as the Atlanta Falcons officially hired Raheem Morris to be their next head coach.
Morris had served as the Rams defensive coordinator since the 2021 season and regularly received praise from the likes of Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Morris played a key role in helping the team win Super Bowl LVI and was an influential voice for the defense.
The hiring is a homecoming of sorts as Morris coached for the Falcons from 2015-2020, which included a brief stint as interim head coach. Before that, Morris was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011.
Replacing Morris will be no easy task, but the Rams should have plenty of intriguing options to choose from. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is interviewing for the Packers’ defensive coordinator vacancy, and the Rams have interest in a potential reunion as well:
Former Chargers’ HC Brandon Staley is meeting today with the Packers about their defensive coordinator job, is scheduled to meet with the Dolphins about their DC vacancy this weekend, and has drawn interest from the Rams about being a potential Raheem Morris replacement, per… pic.twitter.com/76Bk9ItNVV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2024
Staley spent parts of three years as the Chargers head coach before he was fired 14 games into the 2023 season. Prior to that, he served as the Rams defensive coordinator during the 2020 season.
Although his time with the Rams was brief, Staley’s defense ranked first in points and total yards allowed. Notable contributors that year include Donald, who had 13.5 sacks, and Leonard Floyd and Troy Hill, who both enjoyed breakout seasons.
The Rams figure to interview multiple candidates in their search for a new defensive coordinator, and Staley would be a great addition due to his familiarity with the franchise and track record.
Rams coaching turnover
As is usually the case each offseason, the Rams have lost several coaches from Sean McVay’s staff. In addition to Morris being hired by the Falcons, the team saw Eric Henderson accept a co-defensive coordinator position at USC.
Furthermore, Zac Robinson and Nick Caley have been interviewing for offensive coordinator positions around the league.
