In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Falcons have opted for familiarity over the allure of a coaching legend. While the football world buzzed with speculation about the potential hiring of Bill Belichick, the Falcons made a historic decision by appointing Raheem Morris as their new head coach, marking the franchise’s first full time Black head coach.
Raheem Morris: A Familiar Face Returns
Raheem Morris, 47, is no stranger to the Falcons organization. His journey with the team began in 2015, serving as the defensive pass game coordinator and later as the wide receivers coach until 2019. Morris then stepped into the role of defensive coordinator in 2020 and took over as interim head coach for the latter part of that season. Despite his earlier stint, Morris wasn’t given the full time job back then.
After spending the past three seasons as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, Morris returns to Atlanta, this time as the head coach. The Falcons’ decision comes after an extensive search that included high profile names like Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, and Jim Harbaugh.
A Historic Day for the Falcons
Owner Arthur Blank expressed his excitement about the historic nature of this appointment. “This is a historic day for the Atlanta Falcons,” said Blank. “Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future.”
The Falcons’ coaching search involved 14 candidates, and Morris was one of four coaches who had a second interview with the team. The decision to pass on Bill Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl winner and coaching legend, speaks volumes about the confidence the Falcons have in Morris’s leadership.
Morris’s Coaching Journey
Morris’s coaching journey has been diverse, including a three-year stint as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011. Despite his relatively short tenure in Tampa Bay, Morris gained valuable experience, which eventually led him to the defensive coordinator role with the Rams, culminating in a Super Bowl win in 2021.
The Falcons’ Quarterback Conundrum
One of Morris’s immediate challenges will be addressing the quarterback situation. With Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder on the roster, Blank acknowledged the deficiency in the team’s quarterback play last season, a contributing factor to the firing of the previous head coach, Arthur Smith.
Was It the Right Decision?
As a fan, it’s natural to question whether the Falcons made the right call. Bill Belichick’s track record speaks for itself, with numerous Super Bowl victories highlighting his coaching prowess. On the other hand, Morris brings a youthful energy and familiarity with the organization.
In my personal opinion, it’s challenging to definitively say if this was the right decision. Belichick’s proven success contrasts with Morris’s relative lack of head coaching experience. However, Morris’s previous stint as interim head coach did garner positive feedback from players like Falcons fullback Keith Smith, emphasizing the rapport Morris has with the organization.
The Verdict: Only Time Will Tell
The Falcons have taken a bold step by choosing Raheem Morris over a coaching giant like Bill Belichick. As fans, we can only wait and watch how Morris shapes the team’s future. His success with the Rams and his familiarity with the Falcons organization are undoubtedly factors in this decision. Only time will reveal if this gamble pays off.
