For most of the offseason, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was considered the favorite to land the job in Atlanta. After reports of internal conflict over how much power the team wanted to give Belichick, the Falcons went in a different direction and hired Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
The decision drew mixed reactions from the fan base, but players and coaches came out in droves to vouch for Morris. Kyle Shanahan, Mike Tomlin and Sean McVay were among those to heap praise onto the Falcons head coach. So what grade did the team get for hiring Morris?
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin gave the move a “B-minus” grade, suggesting the team should have gone with a more offensive-minded coach to better utilize Atlanta’s weapons:
It would have been nice to bring in an offensive mind that could get the most out of guys like Drake London, Kyle Pittsand Bijan Robinson, but Morris is a bonafide leader that has the support of his players. Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey even reacted to the news on social media saying: “Falcons got one of, if not the best coach in the NFL forreal!” – Coby Benjamin, CBS Sports
However, just going after an offensive coach because you have offensive weapons doesn’t guarantee success. Look no further than former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. For all the innovation Smith was credited for in Tennessee, the offense never took shape in Atlanta.
Not to mention, while Raheem will be coming to Atlanta with a defensive background, serving multiple defensive coordinator jobs, he also has an offensive background. While he was with the Falcons, Morris served as the pass-game coordinator in 2019 and a wide receivers coach from 2016-2019.
Time will tell if the decision works out for Atlanta, but it’s worth noting that Belichick did not receive a single other interview.
