Rams' Raheem Morris Completes Interview with Falcons for Head Coaching Vacancy
The Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff could take a big hit in the aftermath of their playoff return.
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris continues to work through the interview process for other teams' open head coaching roles - and he checked another box Saturday.
The Atlanta Falcons, who fired head coach Arthur Smith after Week 18, announced they held a virtual interview for Morris, who was Atlanta's interim head coach for 11 games in 2020, going 4-7 after the team went 0-5 under Dan Quinn.
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 was largely 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 was with the Falcons from 2015 to 2019 as the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2020.
The 47-year-old Morris met with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders on Friday before interviewing with the Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.
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 - along with his 4-7 tenure in Atlanta.
During his time in Los Angeles, Morris routinely garnered praise from players and coaches alike - and recently received another positive endorsement from Rams general manager Les Snead.
"Great human being," Snead said. "The guy is coded to respect everyone, to build a relationship with everyone no matter where you’re at in the organization. He’s a highly intelligent human being who happened to choose football, and probably could’ve done a lot of things in life but chose the path of football."
Could Morris return to Atlanta? What about receiving an opportunity elsewhere?
Only time will tell - but he evidently has his feet in lots of doors around the league.
