After an exhaustive coaching search that featured a total of 14 different candidates interviewed, the Atlanta Falcons are hiring Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach.
While many initially believed Bill Belichick was the favorite for the job, a deal never transpired between the two despite multiple interviews. Once Jim Harbaugh took the job with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday evening, the Falcons zeroed in on Morris.
The 19th head coach in franchise history will take over a fairly strong roster in Atlanta, aside from the quarterback position. Morris is expected to target Rams quarterbacks coach/passing-game coordinator Zac Robinson for the offensive coordinator position.
Per usual, Falcons fans on Twitter displayed a wide range of emotions upon learning Morris had been hired. A few of Morris’ current and former players showed their support as well.
The Falcons interviewed 14 different head coaching candidates, including Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel and Jim Harbaugh.
But it’s Raheem Morris who ends up getting the job and returns to the NFC South, where he was once the head coach in Tampa Bay. https://t.co/26DabpFP6Z
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2024
Get the Falcons a QB and they're gonna make noise next year. https://t.co/XoxczvlajX
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) January 25, 2024
The Dirty Birds are ALL the way back 🔥 https://t.co/xGy4l1ehjs
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) January 25, 2024
It makes so much sense to me! From his experience, personality, and connections, he now becomes the first black HC in team history for what is arguably the black mecca of the south. Cultural, this is truly a historic day for this franchise! https://t.co/pXaKGzNGE4
— Nique (@therealpattman) January 25, 2024
Wow, not excited about this hire at all for the Falcons. https://t.co/7yhL8aj6Y1
— Nate 🐶🏈 (@NateDawgUga) January 25, 2024
Raheem Morris was a dude that has deserved another head coaching job for a minute now. The fact that the Falcons were the team to give it to him was something I wasn't expecting. But I'm glad they did. #DirtyBirds
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 🐦⬛🏈🇬🇪🇺🇦🇱🇻 (@CarasikS) January 25, 2024
Could've just did this three years ago when he was the interim HC… https://t.co/AH3KRE24uS
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) January 25, 2024
These decisions get worse every damn coaching hire https://t.co/ZTuvqXTZEp
— Yours (@FSmith_87) January 25, 2024
Bruhhhhhhh they had THREE championship caliber options and they went with the 21-38 overall record???
I’m so mad at Rich McKay https://t.co/86aQO6ioWB
— Hassan Khan (@Time2Football) January 25, 2024
Congratulations Raheem! You deserve it! And unlike many recent HC hires, you actually won a SB with the @RamsNFL team you're leaving.. Congrats Champ! https://t.co/oi2nr3pGcJ
— RAMILIA SPORTS REPORT (RSR) (@SportsRamilia) January 25, 2024
Falcons got one of, if not the best coach in the NFL forreal! https://t.co/p24Q6U8aJv
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) January 25, 2024
Love it. 13 years since his first stint in his early 30s. Coaching experience on every side of the ball, and has a WIDE network of coaches he’s worked with in his tenure. He’s the “CEO” type you’d want for the position and he’s still really young. https://t.co/TUHoOhJwLp
— Ev Glaze (@Everett_G07) January 25, 2024
It’s been long overdue for Raheem Morris to be a head coach again. Players absolutely love going to battle for him. He’s going to have a huge chip on his shoulder after how much he’s worked to get back to this level. As much as I love Ben Johnson, this is a great hire by Atlanta.
— Allen Strk (@allenstrk) January 25, 2024
Mfers are supposed to be excited about this?!……..THIS? 😐 https://t.co/EFja285Zel pic.twitter.com/focnlTR3uc
— 𝟚ℙ𝕖𝕒𝕥✍🏾 (@2PeatAx) January 25, 2024
So happy for one of the game's really good dudes & a leader. https://t.co/gWOP0ACu6Z
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) January 25, 2024
Some Falcons player reactions:
Kyle Pitts & Keith Smith pic.twitter.com/QtCy8I2yH4— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 25, 2024
LETS GOOOOOO! It time @AtlantaFalcons This a W hire! RISEEEE UPPPPP! I’m already counting down the days to opening day https://t.co/nw3rtMdK5U pic.twitter.com/NWsOZgkX0s
— Thomas Latimer (@latimerthomas) January 25, 2024
— Kevin Demoff (@kdemoff) January 25, 2024
Lol at Belichick not even getting the Falcons jobs… https://t.co/wwJBK3nlDJ pic.twitter.com/YFT6jhzl5F
— Ron Martins (@SirRonaldM) January 25, 2024
Good guy. Has connections north of Boston (married a woman from Danvers) and was gracious enough to hang with the kids at the Little League field one day. The kids thought he was the coolest … and he pretty much was. Happy for Raheem! 👏 #NFL @AtlantaFalcons @NFL @wbznewsradio https://t.co/iwDOmWd7AW
— Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) January 25, 2024
Mid hire for a mid franchise https://t.co/FVf6zoVoKT
— Jordan (@MidwestATLFALC) January 25, 2024
Arthur blank will die without a Super Bowl https://t.co/6rUhtoa7qD
— Jules (@ShadyGrady13) January 25, 2024
This actually might be my legit breaking point with this franchise…… https://t.co/JEP4Lo5CWq
— jayk (@J_Gar_) January 25, 2024
I approve @AtlantaFalcons…Let’s GET it https://t.co/eOwZBXdi4Q
— Harry Douglas (@HDouglas83) January 25, 2024
Look forward to doing this again in 3 years. https://t.co/w662rd3fxZ
— Cody Fooshee (@CodyFooshee) January 25, 2024
Belichick most likely wants roster control and Atlanta I believe likes their GM.. So I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up being the issue https://t.co/RqLRbTGimI
— Kris1980 (@Kris1980) January 25, 2024
I like the hire! Falcons and Panthers did good jobs imo https://t.co/PxHYh02uqT
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) January 25, 2024
I really do think Raheem Morris could turn out to be a good hire. Connects well with players, should build a good staff and deserved another opportunity. Just funny they passed on him three years ago. Never thought they would admit they were wrong
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) January 25, 2024
There are layers to the hiring in Atlanta. Arthur Blank was targeting the greatest coach of all time from the start.
He was then open to listening to others ideas. Some internal persuasion, impressive interviews, and here we are.
Belichick is unemployed. Raheem gets his shot.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 25, 2024
Does this now mean that Terry Fontenot will have outright control of recruitment?
Is Raheem his man? 🤔
— ATL Falcons UK 🇬🇧 (@ATLFalconsUK) January 25, 2024
Let's run it! pic.twitter.com/ij87ZwhjpB
— King's Landing (@___theKing___) January 25, 2024
Grady Jarrett’s reaction to Raheem Morris’ hire. Every player seems excited. pic.twitter.com/QviXBEG199
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 25, 2024
Raheem Morris is now officially the first black head coach in franchise history
— A M B E Z Y (@bezy_bby) January 25, 2024
Here is Les Snead's 3-minute monologue on Raheem Morris' qualifications to be hired as a head coach during this cycle
"He will be able to hire an unbelievable staff… and I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of tampering charges. Because just about every player will text him… pic.twitter.com/2Ze8s6cuYz
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 19, 2024
#Falcons eyeing Rams QBs coach Zac Robinson for OC job, per report https://t.co/PWLW8nXgIf
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) January 25, 2024
