After 24 years of leading the New England Patriots as their head coach, Bill Belichick was suddenly let go, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL community. There was much speculation about where Belichick would end up and many believed that he could potentially become the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
However, Falcons owner Arthur Blank had a different plan in mind. In a surprising move, he decided to hire Raheem Morris as their new head coach, leaving Belichick out of the picture. This decision may come as a surprise to some, but upon further examination, it is clear that Morris is the perfect fit for the Falcons and their future success.
Morris has been with the Falcons organization since 2015, initially serving as the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach. He then moved on to become the defensive coordinator in 2020, and after leading the team to a 4-7 record, he was named interim head coach. Under Morris’ leadership, the Falcons finished the season with a 4-12 record.
Despite the less than stellar record, Morris’ impact on the Falcons was evident. He brought a sense of energy and passion to the team that was missing before. He also proved to be an effective leader, earning the respect and support of his players.
But it’s not just Morris’ leadership skills that make him the right choice for the Falcons. His coaching experience and knowledge of the game are also noteworthy. Prior to joining the Falcons, Morris was the head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team and the secondary coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
One player who knows Morris well is Robert Griffin III, who played under him during his time in Washington. In a recent interview, Griffin had nothing but praise for his former coach, saying, “He’s a great teacher. He’s a great motivator. He’s a great coach. He’s a great leader. He just has it all.”
Griffin also highlighted Morris’ ability to connect with his players and bring out the best in them. This is crucial for a team like the Falcons, who have a talented roster but have struggled to reach their full potential in recent years. With Morris at the helm, it’s clear that the Falcons will have a leader who can bring the best out of his players.
It’s also worth noting that Morris has a strong relationship with Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan had some of his best seasons under Morris’ guidance as the offensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013. This familiarity and chemistry between the two will be vital as the Falcons look to improve their offense and compete in the highly competitive NFC South.
While Belichick’s experience and success with the Patriots are undeniable, it’s important to consider the current state of the Falcons. They are a young team with potential, and Morris is the perfect coach to help them reach their full potential. His enthusiasm and ability to connect with players will be crucial in building a winning culture in Atlanta.
Moreover, hiring Morris over Belichick shows that the Falcons are not just looking for a quick fix, but rather a long-term solution. Belichick may have had immediate success, but it’s uncertain how long he would have stayed with the team. Morris, on the other hand, is committed to building a winning team and has already expressed his excitement and dedication to the Falcons’ organization.
In conclusion, while the speculation about Belichick becoming the Falcons’ head coach was exciting, the decision to go with Raheem Morris is the best move for the team’s future success. His leadership, coaching experience, and ability to connect with his players make him the perfect fit for the Falcons. As they look to turn their fortunes around, having Morris at the helm is a step in the right direction.
