One-and-done head coaches are a rarity in today’s NFL, especially for those who achieve winning records. Yet, while the odds of the Falcons parting ways with Raheem Morris after a 9-8 season are slim, it might be a decision that puts the organization on the right trajectory for the first time in nearly a decade.
At times this year, the Falcons have completely failed to get off the bus for big matchups. Morris’ coordinator hires have been middling at best. The defense has regressed and the offense has underwhelmed. Morris has been out-coached on numerous occasions, and his in-game decision-making has not been a strong suit either, highlighted by his egregious time management at the end of both halves in Sunday’s game against the Commanders, which might ultimately cost the Falcons a playoff spot.
Morris has a 38.7% career winning percentage as a head coach across 75 games. While his charisma and leadership style might suggest potential, the reality is that his body of work indicates otherwise. Even if the Falcons’ front office believes he can grow into the role, the team’s future would likely be brighter under an innovative offensive mind.
There’s no way around it: offense dominates the NFL these days. The best and most successful head coaches across the league are the brightest offensive minds. Everybody is looking for the next Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell, or Kyle Shanahan. Those guys don’t come around often, but the next big thing has never been more clear.
Ben Johnson has revitalized the Lions’ offense, turning Jared Goff into a legitimate star and crafting one of the league’s most dynamic units. His creativity and willingness to push the boundaries, like executing a perfectly drawn-up hook-and-ladder touchdown against the 49ers, have made Detroit’s offense must-watch football.
Of course, there are risks with first-time head coaches. But Johnson’s time under Dan Campbell has prepared him for the challenge, and his patient approach to waiting for the right opportunity is a testament to his maturity.
And who has a better potential situation than the Atlanta Falcons? Very few can compare.
As far as offensive personnel, the Falcons are a young group oozing with potential. The offensive line is up there with the best in the league. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Darnell Mooney provide a trio of pass catchers that could be molded into whatever Johnson desired, while Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier might be the best one-two punch at the running back position.
But more than anything, Michael Penix Jr. has to excite an offensive mind like Ben Johnson. The rookie out of Washington has shown a lot of promising traits through his first two starts, illustrated perfectly in his final two drives against the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football.
Penix has it, but it’s going to be up to the organization to develop him properly, which brings us back to Raheem Morris. Are we really sure he’s the best guy to squeeze the most out of Michael Penix Jr.?
The answer to that is much easier than whether or not Morris can become a competent head coach. Having an offensive-minded head coach, particularly one as renowned as Ben Johnson, is the biggest determining factor in a quarterback’s long-term success.
Look no further than Matt Ryan’s career as a perfect example. Ryan was always a good quarterback, but he was only great during his short time under Kyle Shanahan. Just imagine the kind of career Ryan could have had with Shanahan as his head coach for the entirety of his career. We certainly wouldn’t be having a debate about his Hall of Fame status.
Ben Johnson has managed to turn Jared Goff into a perennial MVP candidate. Prior to his time in Detroit, this was a quarterback that was never viewed as anything more than a game manager, and keep in mind, Goff was coached by Sean McVay in Los Angeles. That speaks volumes about the kind of mind Ben Johnson has offensively.
Transitioning from Morris after just one season would undoubtedly spark controversy. But the NFL is a results-driven business, and Johnson’s arrival would elevate the Falcons’ ceiling and set Michael Penix Jr. on a path to success.
Jared Goff’s transformation under Johnson—from a game manager to an MVP candidate—proves that Johnson’s offensive philosophy works. With the right quarterback and a talented supporting cast, there’s no limit to what he could achieve in Atlanta.
Feelings might be hurt, and critics would abound, but the Falcons can’t afford to miss this opportunity. Hiring Ben Johnson would signal a commitment to building a team that competes at the highest level. If Atlanta wants to maximize Penix’s potential and return to contention, Johnson is the answer.
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Photographer: Steven King/Icon Sportswire
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