In an all-time shocker, the Atlanta Falcons have decided to pass on Bill Belichick and instead hire Raheem Morris as their new head coach.
Belichick had interviewed not once – but twice – for the job. Owner Arthur Smith was said to be sold on hiring the legend. However, his right-hand man Rich McKay apparently talked him out of it.
Morris is set to take the reins in Atlanta once again. He previously served as the interim coach for 11 games in 2020 after the mid-season firing of Dan Quinn.
After going 4-7 during his interim stint, Morris was not given the full-time position, with the team ultimately choosing Arthur Smith … But now he’s back.
interviewed all those coaches for this ??? 😂😭😭😭
— 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙞𝙙𝙨 𝘽𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 (@CookedByEmbiid) January 26, 2024
The 47-year-old Morris, who spent the last three seasons as the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator, played a crucial role in the Rams Super Bowl victory in 2021.
This marks Morris’ second stint as a full-time NFL head coach, following his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, where he compiled a 17-31 record over three seasons.
Falcons fans thinking they're getting Belichick vs. Falcons fans now pic.twitter.com/rm20iTaEbD
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 25, 2024
His coaching journey also includes stops in Washington and his initial roles with the Falcons, where he served as the defensive pass game coordinator and receivers coach.
Morris inherits a team that features standout defensive players such as safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett.
On the offensive side, he’ll work with talented players like tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London, and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Falcons fans after not landing Bill Belichick pic.twitter.com/5Fug3fghP9
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 25, 2024
The decision to hire Morris comes after an extensive search that considered 14 candidates, including Belichick, Mike Vrabel, and Jim Harbaugh, who recently accepted the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers.
This dude went 4-7 as an interim head coach and the Falcons front office said “HELL YEAH THIS IS HIM”
— Quinton Holland (@Quinnh1) January 25, 2024
Of course, the big question in Atlanta is who is going to be the quarterback going forward?
Neither Taylor Heinicke nor Desmond Ridder are considered to be the permanent answers.
There are rumors of the Falcons possibly trying to trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields
They could also pursue Kirk Cousins in free agency.
going from arthur smith to raheem morris pic.twitter.com/rJUJAKtxMb
— 😐 (@00selm) January 25, 2024
Morris, who grew up in New Jersey and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Hofstra, will now focus on assembling his coaching staff before tackling the many challenges that lie ahead for the Falcons.
This is incredibly disrespectful to two phenomenal football coaches.
Ejiro Evero (pictured) and Raheem Morris (not pictured) the brand new coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s honestly unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/WyjYukK9Og
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) January 25, 2024
Many had assumed that Belichick-to-Atlanta was a virtual forgone conclusion – especially with him being (reportedly) close with Blank.
There was a feeling that a McKay-Belichick partnership would be an absolute disaster waiting to happen.
"Arthur Blank wanted to hire Bill Belichick the head coach… it was everything else that was going to have to happen"@AlbertBreer & @tomecurran discuss the Falcon's decision to go with Raheem Morris over Bill Belichick as their next head coach pic.twitter.com/ynQoB5gzBO
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) January 25, 2024
Needless to say, social media had a ton of fun at Belichick’s expense…
“Bill Belichick getting the call that the Falcons are going with Raheem Morris.”
Bill Belichick getting the call that the Falcons are going with Raheem Morrispic.twitter.com/Rh1vVB310a
— Breyon (@bre_88) January 25, 2024
“Falcons hire of Raheem Morris as HC
Bill Belichick…”
#Falcons hire of Raheem Morris as HC
Bill Belichick: pic.twitter.com/6AW4NzrF31
— Dugless 𝕏 Wonders (@dugless1ders) January 25, 2024
“Raheem Morris to Bill Belichick after beating him out for The Atlanta Falcons job…”
Raheem Morris to Bill Belichick after beating him out for The Atlanta Falcons job pic.twitter.com/ufRKubNNJf
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) January 25, 2024
With wild rumors of Belichick potentially taking over for Andy Reid as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s possible that Old Bill will get the last laugh after all.
Regardless, what are your thoughts on the Falcons hiring Morris?
Nothing against Morris – He’s a very well-respected football-lifer … However, Atlanta did pass on Belichick and Mike Vrabel (and Pete Carroll if they ever had any interest) to hire him.
Will Morris-to-Atlanta go down as one of the worst coaching hires in NFL history???