Raheem Morris met with Atlanta media for the first time on Monday during his introductory press conference and judging by the reactions on social media, Falcons fans are excited about the future of the franchise.
It was more of a re-introduction to Atlanta as Morris described the opportunity as returning home. The new head coach spent many years under Dan Quinn as a Falcons defensive backs coach, wide receivers coach, defensive coordinator, and interim head coach.
When it was his time to interview for the Falcons head coaching vacancy following Dan Quinn’s termination, Morris was passed over in favor of Arthur Smith. He’d go on to join Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles as the Rams defensive coordinator, helping the club to its first Super Bowl in nearly two decades.
Ironically, Arthur Blank ended up hiring Morris three years after passing over him, but he certainly wasn’t the same candidate. The time in Los Angeles, working with McVay and watching his relationship with Rams GM Les Snead gave him invaluable experience that he’s taken to Atlanta.
Specifically, Morris grew to understand the practice of delegating, he told the Atlanta media during his introductory press conference.
“When you’re 32 years old, you’ve got all the answers. What you find out is there’s a learning process every single day. And you better be able to lean on people.”
#Falcons HC Raheem Morris said he told Sean McVay he was jealous of his relationship with GM Les Snead, and it was a cool process to see their collaboration.
Morris on what he learned from the first time he was HC: "When you're 32 years old, you've got all the answers. … What… pic.twitter.com/2lbRqT7RSk
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2024
The Falcons hired Raheem Morris for his ability to inspire and lead, build an All-Star coaching staff, and his infectious attitude. At every stop along his journey, Morris grew and it shows.
His time in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers head coach was valuable, but I’d argue the time he spent under Sean McVay and Dan Quinn was more valuable. Seeing how a successful franchise is run without being the guy running it has to be enlightening.
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Photo: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
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