10 months, 4 weeks ago

Atlanta Falcons pass on Bill Belichick and hire Raheem Morris

ATLANTA — Three years ago, the Atlanta Falcons passed on a chance to make Raheem Morris their head coach. The Falcons hired the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator on Thursday, bringing back a familiar name who served as Atlanta’s interim coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season after Dan Quinn was fired. AP AUDIO: Raheem Morris hired as head coach by Atlanta Falcons, who pass on Bill Belichick. Morris becomes the first non-interim Black coach in Falcons history and joins general manager Terry Fontenot, who also is Black, in leading a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season since 2017.

Team Super Bowl Atlanta Los Angeles Season Smith Coach Morris Head Coach Head Quinn Rams Coordinator Blank Belichick Raheem Morris Bill Belichick Fontenot Three Seasons Falcons Pass raheem job team coordinator head fontenot coach hire morris falcons pass bill atlanta season belichick

History of this topic

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Mayfield and Buccaneers must overcome Cousins and revamped Falcons for 4th straight NFC South title

Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Losing Tom Brady didn’t loosen the Buccaneers’ hold on the NFC South. Before Penix, Atlanta’s previous three first-round picks were running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Atlanta bolstered its defense during training camp, adding four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon and two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons to join …

9 months, 1 week ago

Kirk Cousins looks to build his postseason legacy with the Falcons

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins has a single playoff victory in his long career. “When the owner, general manager, head coach and quarterback are on the same page, that’s when you really have a chance to go win a Super Bowl,” Cousins said at the team’s suburban training facility. That’s exciting for me and why I’m thrilled to be …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons owner Blank says Bill Belichick never asked for player personnel control in interviews

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Bill Belichick made no demands for additional authority during his two interviews with Atlanta in the coach search that led to the hiring of Raheem Morris, according to Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Blank described Belichick’s record as “incredible” and said “he’s the greatest coach who ever coached the game” or “on a very short list.” He said the …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons’ Arthur Blank: Bill Belichick didn’t ask for full control, wasn’t offered job

New York Times

Raheem Morris is the coach of the Atlanta Falcons today because he was the best candidate for the job, not because Bill Belichick asked for too much when interviewing for the job, team owner Arthur Blank said Friday. “He was very collaborative.” Belichick, whose 333 combined regular-season and playoff wins leave him only 14 short of Don Shula’s NFL record, …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Ranking the Falcons’ top free agents: How will Raheem Morris restock his defensive line?

New York Times

One of Raheem Morris’ first tasks in his new job will be evaluating who among the Atlanta Falcons’ free agents he might want to pursue. 3 pick in the 2020 draft might get the biggest deal out of the Falcons’ free agents this year simply because of potential and youth, but it’s unlikely to come from the Falcons. Mack Hollins, …

10 months, 2 weeks ago

Raheem Morris seeks a Super Bowl title for Atlanta after loss 7 years ago that still ‘stings’

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Raheem Morris wants to make the most of his second opportunity as the Atlanta Falcons’ coach. He was an assistant with the Falcons from 2015-20 and their interim head coach in 2020, and he said the lingering pain from that game is “a part of coming home.” “That 2016 loss, it stings as bad as any one I’ve …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Dan Quinn signs his contract to become coach of the Washington Commanders

Associated Press

Dan Quinn has signed his contract to become coach of the Washington Commanders, with the final NFL team to fill a head vacancy going with a candidate with previous experience in the role. “Dan has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, building tough, explosive and dynamic teams that compete hard,” controlling owner Josh Harris …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons’ Raheem Morris hires Kevin Koger from Chargers as tight ends coach

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris is continuing to fill out his staff, hiring former Los Angeles Chargers assistant Kevin Koger as tight ends coach on Friday. Morris, the former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator who was hired on Jan. 25 to replace Arthur Smith, also added former Rams assistant Nick Jones as assistant offensive line coach, …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Washington Commanders hiring Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as coach, AP sources say

Associated Press

The Washington Commanders have an agreement with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to hire him as coach, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. He became Washington’s choice after Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, considered a top candidate, told teams Tuesday he was staying with Detroit and the Seahawks hired Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald on Wednesday. …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Raheem Morris adds two new members to Falcons coaching staff, keeps seven others

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris added two new members to his staff Wednesday, while announcing that he’s keeping seven members of the previous staff. Morris appointed Jay Rodgers as defensive line coach and Steve Scarnecchia as chief of staff for coaching operations. Rodgers comes to the Falcons after spending the past three seasons with the Los …

10 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons appoints Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake to run defense

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris began assembling his staff on Monday, appointing Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator and Jimmy Lake to run the defense. Both assistants followed Morris from the Los Angeles Rams, where the new Atlanta coach served as defensive coordinator before he landed the Falcons’ job last week. Morris also announced that Marquice Williams …

10 months, 4 weeks ago

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson leaving for Atlanta Falcons

LA Times

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson stands on the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 3. Zac Robinson, the Rams’ quarterbacks coach, will become offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly said. Rams Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach After many interviews to …

10 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons phase out Rich McKay -- again -- as Raheem Morris comes on board as coach

Associated Press

ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Falcons began their search for a head coach, Rich McKay was sitting side by side with owner Arthur Blank. McKay, the CEO of Blank’s sports operations and a former general manager with both Atlanta and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will no longer have a say in football-related matters. The Atlanta owner also indicated there would …

11 months ago

Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach

LA Times

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons to be their head coach. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Thursday. Morris, who succeeded Brandon Staley as Rams defensive coordinator in 2021, interviewed with the Falcons, Chargers, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Rams …

11 months ago

Falcons interview former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, meet again with Carolina assistant Ejiro Evero

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel had an in-person interview with the Atlanta Falcons to discuss their head coaching vacancy on Wednesday. Earlier Wednesday, the Falcons met again with Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who joined Rams assistant Raheem Morris and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick in receiving second interviews. The Falcons have interviewed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator …

11 months ago

Falcons interview Rams’ Raheem Morris, Bills’ Joe Brady after 2nd meeting with Bill Belichick

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Saturday for their head coaching vacancy. The virtual interviews with Morris and Brady came one day after former longtime New England coach Bill Belichick completed his second interview with the Falcons. Brady, the Bills’ quarterbacks …

11 months ago

Atlanta Falcons complete a second interview with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Bill Belichick completed his second coaching interview with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, moving closer to joining the franchise that endured its biggest disappointment with him on the opposite sideline. The Falcons also met virtually with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, but all eyes were on Belichick amid reports that he was the team’s top choice and …

11 months, 1 week ago

Rams’ Sean McVay hopes in-demand coordinator Raheem Morris will be back next season

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have established a foundation for the future. McVay hopes to have defensive coordinator Raheem Morris back next season, while recognizing his status as one of the more desirable candidates to fill any of the seven head coaching vacancies around the NFL. “But if we do lose Raheem, there will be a very patient, …

11 months, 1 week ago

Bill Belichick interviews with Falcons for head coaching job

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Bill Belichick signaled he’s ready to get back to coaching less than a week after parting with the New England Patriots, speaking with the Atlanta Falcons about their vacant position. The Falcons announced Monday night they have interviewed the 71-year-old Belichick, who left the Patriots on Thursday after 24 seasons and a record six Super Bowl championships. The …

11 months, 1 week ago

NFL coach and GM tracker: From Jerod Mayo to Dan Quinn, the 2024 hiring cycle is complete

LA Times

CHARGERS: Staley and Telesco were fired in mid-December after the Chargers lost five of six following a 4-4 start to the season. Others who interviewed include Patrick Graham, Todd Monken, Steve Wilks, Mike Macdonald and former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier. Four candidates were interviewed over Zoom by Jan. 12: Panthers interim head coach …

11 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, the team announced at midnight Monday morning, hours after the conclusion of the regular season. “There’s a lot of things that go into what makes a quarterback successful or not.” The Falcons hired Smith to replace Dan Quinn following the 2020 season. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.” Smith’s final moments with …

1 year ago

Coordinator Raheem Morris says he’s focused on helping the Rams, not job vacancies

LA Times

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could finally return to the head coaching ranks with many vacancies popping up throughout the NFL. “When those opportunities present themselves, I’ve just got to be ready to present myself in the best version,” Morris said of head coach interviews. “I’d not be telling you the truth if I didn’t think I would be better …

1 year, 10 months ago

Falcons hire Gray from Packers as assistant head coach for D

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith continued to reshape his defensive staff by hiring Jerry Gray as the assistant head coach for defense on Tuesday. Gray, 60, brings 26 years of NFL coaching experience to Atlanta, including eight as a defensive coordinator and 16 as a defensive backs coach. The addition of Gray, who had been Green …

3 years, 11 months ago

Arthur Smith signs deal to be Falcons coach

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Arthur Smith has signed a contract with the Atlanta Falcons to be their next coach, the team announced Saturday. “Throughout our research and interview process, Arthur stood out amongst a very deep and very talented candidate pool with an outstanding plan for our organization to return to the level of competition our fans deserve and expect,” …

3 years, 11 months ago

Falcons pick Titans offensive coordinator Smith as new coach

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have chosen offense and youth as the calling cards of their new coach. Atlanta agreed to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Friday to become the team’s head coach. Atlanta got a good one.” Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel congratulated Smith in a statement released by the Titans. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has …

3 years, 11 months ago

Cowboys pick ex-Atlanta coach Quinn as defensive coordinator

Associated Press

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms Monday with former Atlanta coach Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, turning over a unit that was among the worst in franchise history to someone who built his reputation on defense in Seattle. Quinn was hired in Atlanta in 2015 after two seasons as Seattle’s defensive coordinator. The Seahawks went to the …

3 years, 11 months ago

Falcons interview Chiefs’ Eric Bieniemy, 49ers’ Robert Saleh

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons accelerated their search for a new coach on the first day of their offseason by interviewing Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Blank said the Falcons’ third consecutive losing season “doesn’t represent any aspect of our goals.” “Most would say this is a roster much better than 4-12,” …

4 years, 2 months ago

Morris uses communication skills to spark Falcons to victory

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Heading into his first game as interim head coach, Raheem Morris sought to make the underachieving Atlanta Falcons uncomfortable last week. It’s time to turn it up every single week.” Deion Jones intercepted Kirk Cousins’ pass over the middle on the first play from scrimmage. Atlanta got off to a good start in Morris’ debut because it played …

4 years, 2 months ago

Falcons fire coach Quinn, GM Dimitroff after 0-5 start

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Dan Quinn, who guided Atlanta to the Super Bowl for only the second time in franchise history but infamously squandered a 28-3 lead to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, was fired Sunday night just hours after the Falcons dropped to 0-5 for the first time since 1997. In the midst of his sixth year with the …

Atlanta Falcons pass on Bill Belichick and hire Raheem Morris

History of this topic

Mayfield and Buccaneers must overcome Cousins and revamped Falcons for 4th straight NFC South title

Kirk Cousins looks to build his postseason legacy with the Falcons

Falcons owner Blank says Bill Belichick never asked for player personnel control in interviews

Falcons’ Arthur Blank: Bill Belichick didn’t ask for full control, wasn’t offered job

Ranking the Falcons’ top free agents: How will Raheem Morris restock his defensive line?

Raheem Morris seeks a Super Bowl title for Atlanta after loss 7 years ago that still ‘stings’

Dan Quinn signs his contract to become coach of the Washington Commanders

Falcons’ Raheem Morris hires Kevin Koger from Chargers as tight ends coach

Washington Commanders hiring Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as coach, AP sources say

Raheem Morris adds two new members to Falcons coaching staff, keeps seven others

Falcons appoints Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake to run defense

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson leaving for Atlanta Falcons

Falcons phase out Rich McKay -- again -- as Raheem Morris comes on board as coach

Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach

Falcons interview former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, meet again with Carolina assistant Ejiro Evero

Falcons interview Rams’ Raheem Morris, Bills’ Joe Brady after 2nd meeting with Bill Belichick

Atlanta Falcons complete a second interview with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Rams’ Sean McVay hopes in-demand coordinator Raheem Morris will be back next season

Bill Belichick interviews with Falcons for head coaching job

NFL coach and GM tracker: From Jerod Mayo to Dan Quinn, the 2024 hiring cycle is complete

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

Coordinator Raheem Morris says he’s focused on helping the Rams, not job vacancies

Falcons hire Gray from Packers as assistant head coach for D

Arthur Smith signs deal to be Falcons coach

Falcons pick Titans offensive coordinator Smith as new coach

Cowboys pick ex-Atlanta coach Quinn as defensive coordinator

Falcons interview Chiefs’ Eric Bieniemy, 49ers’ Robert Saleh

Morris uses communication skills to spark Falcons to victory

Falcons fire coach Quinn, GM Dimitroff after 0-5 start

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