The Falcons have expressed interest in interviewing a longtime acquaintance for the vacant head coaching position.
The Falcons have extended interview requests to various coaching candidates, casting a wide net across the league. Among those sought after are Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Anthony Weaver, Bobby Slowik, Ejiro Evero, Brian Callahan, and Steve Wilks. However, the notable absence is the focus of this discussion.
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Falcons are keen on interviewing a familiar face for the head coaching position—former Atlanta interim head coach and current Rams defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris. The irony lies in the possibility that, three years ago, Arthur Blank and Rich McKay opted for Arthur Smith over Raheem Morris, only to consider hiring Morris now after parting ways with Smith. This prospect appears challenging, given the reluctance to acknowledge a potential misjudgment.
Although the 47-year-old Morris has primarily specialized in NFL defensive roles, he possesses a well-rounded understanding of the game, having also spent time on the offensive side. With previous head coaching stints in Tampa and Atlanta, Morris brings experience to the table. His tenure in Tampa spanned from 2009 to 2011, and he took over as the Falcons’ interim head coach in 2020 after Dan Quinn’s dismissal, accumulating a 21-38 record. Post-Atlanta, Morris joined the Rams as their defensive coordinator, contributing to their Super Bowl appearance.
While Raheem Morris is viewed as deserving another opportunity as head coach, skepticism arises regarding the Falcons’ likelihood of hiring him. The doubt stems from potential hesitations on the part of Blank and McKay to concede past errors and acknowledge the inefficiency of the last three years, making Morris’s selection appear improbable.
