Rams' Raheem Morris 'Focusing on Detroit' as Head Coach Interviews Loom
As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for their playoff game against the Detroit Lions this Sunday night, their defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris, is on many minds around the league.
Morris has garnered considerable interest from teams with head coaching vacancies, receiving interview requests from the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.
But entering the Rams' first postseason appearance since their Super Bowl victory Feb. 13, 2022, Morris is focused on one thing - and it's not the looming interviews.
“I'm still focusing on Detroit,” Morris said. “I'm worried about trying to go out here and get a victory for the LA Rams. I really believe I'll handle that when that time comes and is there because ... I'm going to be the same person anyway.”
Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles' defense has largely been middle of the pack this season, ranking No. 19 with 22.2 points allowed per game, No. 20 with 337.1 total yards allowed, No. 20 with 231.1 passing yards allowed and No. 12 with 106.8 rushing yards allowed.
Morris has two prior stints as a head coach, going 17-31 from 2009-2011 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - including 10-6 in his second season - and 4-7 as the Falcons' interim coach in 2021.
Now, Morris has a chance to prove the third time's the charm - but he's unconcerned on any personal opportunities that may arise in the coming weeks.
“I think as you go through this profession the people that request you for these moments, they respect winning more than they respect anything,” Morris said. “So, I think their expectations for me are to just present my best self when I talk to those guys and really just be authentic.
“The pressure is really not on me, not on anybody that I work with or anybody that goes across this business.”
When the Rams and Lions kickoff at 5 p.m. PST Sunday, Morris will have his hands full with a Detroit offense ranked top-five in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and points.
It's an opportunity for Morris to put his best foot forward, sending a ringing statement to decision makers across the league in primetime.
There's little doubt Morris, who's well-regarded for his leadership and contagious energy, will impress in interviews off the field - but this may be his biggest test yet on the field.
And still, the 47-year-old has done his best to block out any thoughts beyond walking out of Ford Field victorious.
“I'm preparing for Detroit and getting ready for a really good opponent, going out there and playing those guys,” Morris said. “If you take this for granted, you don't have the opportunity to go to playoffs a bunch ... Let's not take that for granted.”
