Raheem Morris was introduced as the new Falcons head coach on Monday afternoon, and among various topics covered was an overarching theme that I gathered — Raheem Morris and Arthur Smith couldn’t be more different.
This quote, courtesy of Terrin Waack, who covers the Falcons, epitomizes my train of thought. “I don’t need to be the smartest person in the building.”
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris: "I don't need to be the smartest person in the building." Emphasizes collaboration to create the best team he can.
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
Arthur Smith was by all accounts a well-liked head coach. Every former player had glowing remarks, even one whom I have spoken privately with. However, his relationship with the fan base was less than cozy.
Smith’s schtick got old, quickly. His Bill Belichick approach fell out of favor among Falcons fans as the losses started piling up. Smith constantly treated the media and therefore the fans as an afterthought, like the conversations and questions were beneath him.
When asked, “What do you think about getting Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson the ball more, coach?”
Smith would always complicate the situation by pointing out their roles as being critical to the overall success of the offense. And though he may be right in some sense, teams aren’t better when their stars are decoys. That’s never been the case.
Raheem Morris’ radiant energy lit up the room while Smith mostly darkened the ones he walked into. Now, this is a results-oriented business, so no matter how many hands Morris shakes or babies he kisses, the only thing that matters is wins and losses.
However, Morris did immediately acknowledge getting his playmakers — Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts — the ball. Though we won’t play a game for the next six to seven months, that’s a damn good start for the Falcons new head coach, who has already won over most of the fan base.
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Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire
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