NFL Head Coach Tracker: Falcons Set to Undo 2020 Mistake as They Interview Rams’ DC Raheem Morris

The Falcons may have likely found their candidate for the vacant HC role. And it’s someone with a home connection following Arthur Smith‘s exit. Former interim HC of the team and current Rams-DC Raheem Morris is on their priority list once again.

The Falcons have asked for the Rams’ permission to interview the defensive coordinator. The decision is well-thought-of, as Morris has a respected reputation in Atlanta. Especially after his efforts in reviving the team following an embarrassing 0-5 start in 2020.

Falcons seeking permission to interview Rams’ Raheem Morris

Morris was the Rams’ replacement for Brandon Staley, who left the side in 2021 for the Chargers‘ HC role. But before he went to the Rams, Morris was already an interim HC at Atlanta for 28 games. Remembering his time, the Falcons want him back after Arthur Smith’s firing. The team has reportedly asked for the Rams’ permission to interview the defensive coordinator.

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Morris was the active defensive coordinator when they fired then-head coach Dan Quinn in 2020. Quinn led the team to a 0-5 start, for the first time since 1997, and his time was up immediately. Going into his 6th year, Morris took up the interim role and did surprisingly well to save the team from embarrassment. The Falcons finished the season 7-10, missing out on playoffs. But Morris’ leadership caught many eyes. 3 years after letting him go, the team wants him back.

The Raheem Morris decision the Falcons want to undo

Lack of HC experience likely led to Morris’ firing, as the team didn’t feel comfortable continuing with a defensive coordinator who was heavily influenced by Quinn. But still, his defense looked like an organized one, unlike the offense… And often the better side despite losing 12 games. Starting in week 3, they even won their next 4 games out of 6 under the first-time head coach, which, unfortunately, didn’t continue for long.

The Falcons dismissed Morris after the 2021 season, where they finished 4-12. The now-fired Arthur Smith arrived in hopes of a better future. But that obviously didn’t work out, and Smith has followed Quinn’s path. In an attempt to undo their mistake, the team has made the call to bring Morris back. And they are likely to provide him with better assistants and coordinators this time if he comes around.

This time, both parties will be keen on correcting their mistakes, and won’t shy away from bringing new names to the roster, if necessary. But will the Rams allow the permission? And more importantly, will Morris himself want to come back after a bitter-sweet experience? The Falcons will need to wait for the end of the postseason, at least, to get an update.

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