Raheem Morris is not your run-of-the-mill NFL coach — he’s someone who’s carved a distinctive path through the league, blending defensive acumen, leadership grit, and emotional intelligence. In 2024, he returned to the Atlanta Falcons as their head coach, marking a historic moment for both him and the franchise. But his story goes much deeper than just titles and resumes. Let’s dive into who Raheem Morris is, how he got here, and why his journey matters.
Early Life & Coaching Beginnings
Raheem Morris was born on September 3, 1976 in Irvington, New Jersey. Growing up in a modest household, he developed a strong work ethic early on. Raheem Morris played college football at Hofstra University, where he was a safety from 1994 to 1997. While he could’ve pursued a playing career, he made a different choice — one that would define his life: coaching.
Right after college, Morris stayed at Hofstra as a graduate assistant coach in 1998. It was a humble start, but he soaked up every lesson from the ground up: breaking down film, learning the nuances of defensive schemes, and building relationships with players and staff. Raheem Morris That first year established a foundation. Raheem Morris He then moved on to Cornell University in 1999 as a defensive backs coach, before returning to Hofstra for two more seasons.
This collegiate coaching phase was critical — for Morris, it wasn’t just about X’s and O’s. It was about building trust, understanding personalities, and learning to adapt. He was young, energetic, and philosophical about coaching, traits that would serve him well in the NFL.
Rise to the NFL: Buccaneers & Beyond
First Steps in Tampa Bay
Morris made his NFL debut in 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, working as a defensive quality-control coach. Raheem Morris It was a low-level role but put him on the radar — and in the mix for real coaching responsibility. By 2004, he was handling the defensive backs, and he stayed in that capacity through 2005.
This stint taught him a lot about pro football: how to coach veteran players, how to scheme against elite offenses, and how to stabilize a unit. Raheem Morris He established himself as a thoughtful, detail-oriented coach, never losing sight of player development.
A Turn in College — and Back
In 2006, Morris made a bold move: he joined Kansas State as their defensive coordinator. Raheem Morris For a young coach, it was a big responsibility — calling plays, managing a full defense, and being accountable for performance. That season added a layer to his experience, reinforcing his ability to build and lead a system.
Then he returned to Tampa Bay, coaching the defensive backs again in 2007–2008. Raheem Morris His familiarity with the organization and his demonstrated growth made him a natural candidate to step into a larger role.
First Head Coaching Role: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In 2009, the Buccaneers made Morris their head coach, making him one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history. Raheem Morris The promotion was a huge leap and a vote of confidence from the organization. But as we know, being young and talented doesn’t always mean quick wins.
Morris led the Bucs for three seasons (2009–2011). Raheem Morris His record? 17–31. The team struggled to consistently find its footing under his leadership. In 2010, there was a bright moment — Morris guided the team to a 10–6 finish — but the high didn’t last. By the end of 2011, after a rocky stretch, he was relieved of his duties.
Despite the subpar record, this period was invaluable for Morris. Raheem Morris He learned the brutal realities of being a head coach — how to handle media pressure, manage turnovers (both in roster and performance), and deal with adversity. Many coaches with his experience would never get another shot. Morris would.
Building Resilience: Assistant Roles & Return to Atlanta
After Tampa Bay, Morris continued to build his coaching résumé. Raheem Morris From 2012 to 2014, he worked with the Washington Redskins as a defensive backs coach. Though no longer in charge, he focused on refining his technique, coaching strategies, and mentorship skills.
In 2015, Morris joined the Atlanta Falcons, a move that would mark the beginning of a long and complex relationship. Over the next several years, he wore many hats: assistant head coach, defensive backs coach, offensive pass-game coordinator, wide receivers coach — yes, offense too. Raheem Morris This versatility spoke volumes about his adaptability. He wasn’t just a defensive mind; he was capable of contributing across phases.
In 2020, Morris was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Falcons. Raheem Morris Mid-season, after head coach Dan Quinn was fired, Morris was named interim head coach, finishing the season with a 4–7 record. He wasn’t handed the full-time job right away, but this interim gig laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Championship Pedigree: Rams & Beyond
Morris made another pivotal move in 2021, becoming the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Raheem Morris This was a turning point in his career: not only did he stabilize and elevate the Rams’ defense, but he also earned a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl LVI.
That championship run added significant credibility. Raheem Morris It’s one thing to coach — it’s another to lead a unit that wins it all. During his time there (2021–2023), he helped shape a defense that could perform under the highest pressure, proving he had learned from earlier stumbles and grown into a mature leader.
Return to Atlanta: Making History
On January 25, 2024, Raheem Morris was officially hired as the 19th head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. This wasn’t just a return — it was historic. Raheem Morris He became the first Black non-interim head coach in Falcons franchise history.
That hire signaled more than just football strategy; it was also a commitment from Atlanta to continuity, to experience, and to cultural importance. Raheem Morris Owner Arthur Blank and his front office put trust in someone who knew the city, the locker room, and the context. Morris expressed genuine gratitude and humility upon his hiring, noting how much he respected the organization and how much he believed in its future.
Coaching Philosophy & Style
One of the defining traits of Raheem Morris as a coach is his versatility. Raheem Morris He’s not pigeonholed into just being a defensive mind — he has coached offense, special teams, and has been deeply involved in game planning across phases. That diverse background helps him connect with a wide array of players and inject creativity into his game plans.
Another cornerstone of his philosophy is player development. Raheem Morris cares deeply about relationships. He’s the kind of coach who takes time to understand not just what a player does on the field, but who they are off it. That approach builds trust, which in turn fosters accountability. He doesn’t shy away from holding players to high standards, but he also knows how to mentor.
Importantly, he believes in resilience. His own journey hasn’t always been smooth — he’s experienced highs (a Super Bowl) and lows (losing head coaching record in Tampa). Raheem Morris That lived experience gives him empathy when players struggle, but also credibility when he demands more. He’s not just preaching commitment; he’s lived it.
Challenges & Criticisms
Of course, no coaching journey is without controversy. Some critics point to Morris’s time-management decisions and in-game management, especially during tense game moments. These strategic calls have, at times, drawn frustration from fans and pundits. (Reddit boards have featured debates on this very topic.)
Others worry about consistency. While he’s shown brilliance as a coordinator and leadership strength, his previous head coaching record with the Buccaneers was rough. That raises the question: can he translate coordinator success into sustained wins as a head coach?
Also, the quarterback situation in Atlanta has been a talking point. Some believe that Morris’s success hinges on his ability to develop or acquire a reliable signal caller. And early in his 2024 tenure, he didn’t shy away from publicly calling out the team’s recent QB performance.
Why His Return Matters
Morris’s return to Atlanta is significant on multiple levels. First, it’s a homecoming of sorts — he knows the culture, the organization, and many of the personnel. That continuity can be a real asset when rebuilding or reimagining a team’s identity.
Second, his hiring is symbolically powerful. Being the first non-interim Black head coach in Falcons history is more than a footnote. It’s a signal to current and future generations — representation still matters in coaching ranks. And in a league that continues to wrestle with diversity and opportunity, Morris’s position sends a message.
Third, from a football standpoint, he brings a mix of experience + youth + championship pedigree. He’s learned from his mistakes and celebrated big victories. That balance could be exactly what a franchise like the Falcons needs: someone who respects where they’ve been but isn’t afraid to push toward a bolder future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Morris & the Falcons
As Morris leads the Falcons, there are a few key areas to watch:
- Quarterback Decision: Whether through the draft, trade, or free agency, getting the right QB will be critical. Morris’s ability to develop that player could define his tenure.
- Roster Building & Culture: He’s known for building relationships. How he shapes the locker room — who he trusts, who he mentors — will matter as much as X’s and O’s.
- Defensive Identity: Given his background, one can expect a disciplined, well-coached defense under Morris. But can he replicate the success he had in L.A. in Atlanta?
- Sustained Success: His first full season will be viewed as a litmus test. Can he translate his coordinator brilliance and interim leadership into consistent, long-term winning?
Final Thoughts
Raheem Morris is more than just a coach — he’s a symbol of perseverance, growth, and leadership. His journey from a young assistant at Hofstra to the head coach of an NFL franchise is inspiring, but it’s also a reminder that success in football isn’t linear. There will be bumps, critics, and hard lessons — but there’s also real promise.
If the first chapter of his Atlanta return is any indication, Morris is ready to write something special. He brings experience, heart, and a vision that’s grounded yet aspirational. For Falcons fans, for young coaches, and for the broader NFL community, Raheem Morris’s story is a compelling one — and we’re only at the beginning.
