Falcons introduce Raheem Morris as head coach on Monday
ATLANTA - After much anticipation, Falcons fans finally heard from the team's new head-man in charge.
The Atlanta Falcons formally introduced Raheem Morris as their new head coach on Monday, more than two weeks since it was announced he would take over the top spot.
Morris says he plans to bring a Super Bowl title to Atlanta, making it clear that is his goal for the team. Morris has been to three Super Bowls and has two rings.
Morris also talked about being the first non-interim head coach for the Falcons and knowing that's important for the next generation, but said that race did not coming up during the interview process. Morris says that he really felt like they believed he was the most qualified candidate for the job and he thought that was really cool.
The Falcons announced Morris' selection on Jan. 25.
Assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons stands on the field prior to a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on August 18, 2016 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Atlanta won 24-13. (Photo by Nick
The former Los Angles Rams defensive coordinator is not a new face to the Falcons franchise, having spent from 2015 to 2020 with the team, including a stint as interim head coach.
Morris has made history as the first Black head coach in Falcons history. He takes over for Arthur Smith, who was let go after the 2023-2024 season.
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Raheem Morris owns a 21-38 record as a head coach, but he never doubted he would get an opportunity to be a head coach again – it was a matter of it being the right place, the right opportunity, the right people, and he feels like the Atlanta Falcons are that right fit for him.
Raheem Morris Falcons coaching hires
Since his hiring, Morris has continued to fill out his staff, most recently hiring former Los Angeles Chargers assistant Kevin Koger as tight ends coach.
Morris also added former Rams assistant Nick Jones as assistant offensive line coach, former Nebraska assistant Barrett Ruud as inside linebackers coach and Chandler Whitmer as passing game specialist. Whitmer was an offensive quality control coach for the Chargers the last three seasons.
The Falcons also announced Steven King will remain on the staff as a special teams assistant.
Ike Hilliard was hired as wide receivers coach. Shortly after he took over in Atlanta, Morris selected his coordinators when he named Zac Robinson to head the offense and Jimmy Lake to run the defense. Special teams coordinator Marquice Williams was retained from the 2023 staff.
Morris added Jay Rodgers as defensive line coach and Steve Scarnecchia as chief of staff for coaching operations.
Also returning from Atlanta’s 2023 staff: run game coordinator and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, quarterbacks coach T.J. Yates, assistant head coach for defense Jerry Gray, senior defensive assistant Dave Huxtable, running backs coach Michael Pitre, director of coaching operations Sarah Hogan and coaching operations assistant Donavan Ellison.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.