Raheem Morris made his debut before the Atlanta media on Monday during his inaugural press conference, and judging from the buzz on social media, Falcons supporters are brimming with enthusiasm about the franchise’s prospects moving forward.
For Morris, it felt more like a reintroduction to Atlanta, as he described the opportunity as a homecoming. Having served various roles under Dan Quinn—ranging from defensive backs coach to interim head coach—Morris has deep ties to the Falcons organization.
Despite being overlooked for the Falcons’ head coaching position when it became vacant after Quinn’s departure, with Arthur Smith ultimately chosen, Morris didn’t let that setback deter him. Instead, he joined Sean McVay’s coaching staff in Los Angeles as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl appearance after nearly two decades.
Interestingly, three years after being passed over by Blank, Morris was eventually hired by him. However, his journey had transformed him significantly. His time in Los Angeles, collaborating with McVay and observing his rapport with Rams GM Les Snead, provided invaluable lessons that Morris has brought back to Atlanta.
In particular, Morris emphasized the importance of learning to delegate during his introductory press conference with the Atlanta media, acknowledging that wisdom comes with experience and the willingness to lean on others, even when one might initially believe they have all the answers.
#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 brought on Raheem Morris for his prowess in motivating and guiding teams, his knack for assembling a top-tier coaching lineup, and his contagious positivity. Throughout his career, Morris has continually evolved, and his growth is evident.
While his tenure as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was certainly beneficial, it’s arguable that his experiences under the mentorship of Sean McVay and Dan Quinn were even more impactful. Witnessing the inner workings of a thriving franchise while not necessarily being at the helm provides invaluable insights and enlightenment.
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