Raheem Morris Coaching Profile
Raheem Morris is the current head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). His coaching career highlights include:
- 23 years of NFL coaching experience
- Two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVII as quality control coach, LVI as defensive coordinator)
- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head coach
- Responsible for Rams defense leading to Super Bowl in 2021
Raheem Morris Coaching Record
| Years Active | Record | Win % | Playoff Record | Playoff Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 171-184-0 | 48.17% | 10-7 | 58.82%% |
Head coaching record is 21-38 (.356) in regular season. Playoff record a shead coach is not yet available.
Coaching Tree
Parents
Jon Gruden
Dan Quinn (post first HC job)
Mike Shanahan (post first HC job)
Jay Gruden (post first HC job)
Sean McVay (post first HC job)
Children
No notable head coaches have emerged from Morris’s coaching tree yet.
READ MORE: FULL LIST OF NFL HEAD COACHES
Raheem Morris Salary
While exact salary figures are not always publicly available, Raheem Morris’s salary as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons is estimated to be in the range of $4-5 million per year.
RELATED: FULL LIST OF HIGHEST PAID NFL COACHES
Raheem Morris Coaching Style
Raheem Morris’s coaching approach is characterized by his versatility, leadership skills, and adaptive defensive strategies.
Key features of Morris’s coaching style:
- Strong emphasis on player relationships and team culture
- Ability to coach on both sides of the ball (offense and defense)
- Flexible defensive schemes tailored to personnel strengths
- Focus on developing versatile players, especially in defensive roles
- Track record of improving team performance and adapting to challenges
The central goal is to create a well-rounded team with a strong defensive foundation while fostering player growth and team cohesion, as evidenced by his success in various coaching roles across multiple NFL franchises.
Coaching Philosophy and Defensive Scheme
Morris is known for his adaptability and innovative defensive strategies.
- Implementing a base 3-4 defensive scheme with emphasis on versatility
- Utilizing outside linebackers who can both rush the passer and drop into coverage
- Adapting defensive strategies based on available personnel
- Emphasizing strong communication and teamwork across all units
- Focusing on creating turnovers and pressuring opposing quarterbacks
Morris’s defenses are known for their ability to adapt to different offensive styles and maximize the talents of individual players.
- Contributed to the development of defensive stars like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey
- Helped improve offensive performance as a wide receivers coach with the Falcons
- Shown ability to maximize talent across various position groups
Challenges & Criticism
Morris had struggles during his first stint at head coach with the Buccaneers which led to questions about his ability to sustain success long term. These sentiments resurfaced when he operated as interim head coach for the Falcons in 2020.
Raheem Morris Vs. Innovative Offenses
Morris’s defensive performances, particularly with the Los Angeles Rams, have shown mixed results against innovative offenses:
- Successful in containing high-powered offenses during the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021
- Faced challenges in maintaining consistent defensive performance with changing personnel
Morris’s experience on both sides of the ball and his adaptability could be assets in developing effective strategies against innovative offenses in his new role with the Falcons.
Raheem Morris Coaching Tree
Prior to becoming the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Raheem Morris worked under several notable NFL coaches:
Served as an assistant under Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Worked under Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden with the Washington Redskins
Served as an assistant coach under Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons
Was the defensive coordinator under Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams
As a relatively young head coach, Morris has not yet developed an extensive coaching tree of his own. His influence on future coaches may become more apparent in his new role with the Falcons.
Raheem Morris Football Career Timeline
| 2024 | Head Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2023 | Defensive Coordinator | Los Angles Rams |
| 2022 | Defensive Coordinator | Los Angeles Rams |
| 2021 | Defensive Coordinator | Los Angeles Rams |
| 2020 | Defensive Coordinator / Interim HC | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2019 | Asst. HC / Offensive Pass Coordinator/ WR Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2018 | Asst. HC / Defensive Pass Coordinator / WR Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2017 | Asst. HC / Defensive Pass Coordinator / WR Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2016 | Asst. HC / WR Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2015 | Defensive Pass Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2014 | Defensive Backs Coach | Washington Redskins |
| 2013 | Defensive Backs Coach | Washington Redskins |
| 2012 | Defensive Backs Coach | Washington Redskins |
| 2011 | Head Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2010 | Head Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2009 | Head Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2008 | Defensive Backs (Secondary) Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2007 | Defensive Backs (Secondary) Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2006 | Defensive Coordinator | Kansas State Wildcats |
| 2005 | Asst. Defensive (Secondary) Backs Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2004 | Asst. Defensive (Secondary) Backs Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2003 | Defensive Asst. Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2002 | Defensive Quality Control Coach | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2001 | Bill Walsh Minority Fellowship | New York Jets |
| 98-2001 | Defensive Backs Coach / Graduate Assistant | Hofstra Pride |
Coaching Achievements and Impact
- Won Super Bowl XXXVII as a quality control coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Led the Los Angeles Rams defense to a Super Bowl LVI victory
- Improved the Buccaneers from 3-13 in his first year as head coach to 10-6 in his second year
- Successfully transitioned between coaching offense and defense at the NFL level
- Developed strong relationships with players and fellow coaches across multiple organizations
As Raheem Morris begins his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, several factors will be key to his future success:
Ability to rebuild and improve the Falcons’ overall team performance
Successfully integrating his defensive philosophy with the team’s existing talent
Leveraging his experience on both sides of the ball to create a well-rounded team
Applying lessons learned from his previous head coaching experience
Developing a strong coaching staff and fostering a positive team culture
Morris’s diverse coaching background and proven ability to adapt suggest potential for success, but rebuilding the Falcons and establishing a consistent winning culture will be crucial in determining his legacy as a head coach in the NFL.
