The Falcons search for their next head coach ended Thursday night, as they are hiring Raheem Morris after passing on him for the job three years ago.
The decision sent shockwaves throughout the NFL world, but not because Raheem Morris isn’t qualified, but because they passed on Bill Belichick, who could be out of a job next season. Time will tell if the Falcons made the right decision, but if the player’s reactions are any indication, things are looking bright in Flowery Branch.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kyle Pitts took to Instagram to voice his support.
Kyle Pitts seems to be a fan of his new HC. pic.twitter.com/FWVKlaiqBz
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) January 25, 2024
Morris is more of a defensive guy, but he has experience on both sides of the ball. He knows one of the biggest failures of Arthur Smith’s tenure was his inability to get his playmakers the ball. That has to change in 2024, or it won’t take long for the fanbase to turn on him.
Defensively, the Falcons two biggest stars — Jessie Bates III and Grady Jarrett — voiced their support for their new head coach.
Jessie Bates weighs in on the Raheem Morris hiring. pic.twitter.com/Pz37NgEFOq
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) January 26, 2024
Reaction pouring in from players, I received a quote and a high vote of confidence in Raheem Morris from 2X pro bowler and defensive leader Grady Jarrett.
“We got the right guy to take us where we need to go, excited is an understatement I’m fired UP, Let’s Go!” #Falcons— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) January 26, 2024
I don’t think it will take long for Morris and Bates to become very familiar with each other. Bates is the leader of the backend of the defense and essentially another coach on the field. The pair will lean on each other moving forward as the Falcons aim to build off one of their best defensive seasons in a long time.
Grady Jarrett has been with the Falcons longer than anybody outside of Jake Matthews. He’s the heart and soul of the locker room and is very familiar with Raheem Morris. Jarrett was drafted in 2015, the same year Morris was hired to Dan Quinn’s staff. The two were together until the end of the 2020 season.
Raheem Morris has a lot of questions to answer if his next tenure in Atlanta is going to be viewed as a success. His first task will be to fill out his staff, with the most important piece being the offensive coordinator. Then, the Falcons will have to find an answer at quarterback. However, one thing that cannot be questioned is Morris’ ability to motivate and connect with players. That’s already apparent by the reactions from the Falcons current star players.
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PPhotographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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