Count me among the crowd of surprised and somewhat shocked at the announcement Thursday that Raheem Morris would be the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s not that Morris didn’t have the credentials to get the job, it’s just that it seemed a very long shot that Falcons owner Arthur Blank would go with a coach who was part of the failed Dan Quinn regime.
If you’re familiar with the recently debuted Afternoon Drive or happened to visit this space a couple of weeks ago, you’ll notice Morris wasn’t among my preferred picks.
However, I do very much believe in the “second time around is a charm” theory when it comes to NFL head coaches. Many of the winningest coaches in league history failed the first time around, as did Morris when he was chosen to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011, though he did win 10 games in his final season with Josh Freeman as his quarterback.
Remember, those 10 victories would remain the Bucs’ best record since an 11-win 2005 season until Bruce Arians lucked up with Tom Brady in 2020.
Anyway, here’s why the Morris hire is a good one despite the lack of any sort of wow factor: He’s not Bill Belichick.
NFL insider reports all but named the former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion as Blank’s preferred pick. He came in for two interviews, and the Falcons had no competition for his services.
Somehow, though, Blank either came to his senses or was possibly put off by Belichick’s power play to the point that other candidates started to look better. It’s very likely Jim Harbaugh was the top choice, but after he chose the Los Angeles Chargers, it didn’t take long to pivot to Morris.
Whatever happened, it’s a relief, because the “Patriot Way” hasn’t exactly worked outside of New England, and it would likely have meant the familiar cast of assistant coaches — yes, including Steve Belichick — would have come with him.
Fourteen candidates interviewed with the Falcons, so give them credit for being thorough. They pulled the trigger on Morris before the Seattle Seahawks, a team with reportedly strong interest, could interview him for a second time.
What they seem to be getting in Morris is a coach who not only has experience but also is well liked by, well, everyone (except, it seems by initial reaction, Falcons fans).
Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay had this to say after losing his defensive coordinator: “Raheem has a charisma, presence and ability to communicate and connect with players and coaches that’s truly unmatched. He epitomizes great leadership through the ways he elevates everyone around him and makes every environment he’s a part of better.”
Falcons stars Jessie Bates, Grady Jarrett and Kyle Pitts were quick to praise the hire on social media, as did Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who previously played for the Rams. Wrote Ramsey: “Falcons got one of, if not the best coach in the NFL forreal! It ain’t just me that thinks this lol…ask any player who has played for Rah!”
The importance of that popularity shouldn’t be underestimated. Getting coaches and players to WANT to be in Atlanta has been a longtime problem. Of course, Dan Quinn was popular. It’s been reported Arthur Smith was as well (at least among his players).
Winning solves a lot of issues, and to do that consistently, Morris needs to get his staff choices right. If he brings Rams passing game coordinator Zac Robinson with him as offensive coordinator, as rumored, that’s a great start.
Let’s also praise Blank for announcing his team’s new chain of command, which seemingly gives Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot the final say-so on personnel and lets Rich McKay handle more of the team’s dealing with the league.
Once the staff is hired, it’s time for Fontenot and Morris to find a quarterback. Or two. Get that right — we want a rookie (Jayden Daniels) AND a veteran (Kirk Cousins) — and maybe the Benz will rock next season with actual Atlanta fans in attendance.
We can dream, right?
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com.