Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as new head coach

Raheem Morris is returning to a familiar sideline.

Morris, the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator over the past three seasons, is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced on Thursday night.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero earlier reported Morris' hiring. 

Prior to joining Sean McVay's Rams staff in 2021, Morris spent the 2020 season with the Falcons as their defensive coordinator and then their interim head coach following the dismissal of Dan Quinn.

Now, Morris will get a second chance in Atlanta and a second chance as a full-time head coach following a three-year run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011.

In doing so, Morris will become the first Black full-time head coach in the organization's history (Morris was an interim head coach, as was Emmitt Thomas).

"I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach," Morris said in a statement issued through the team. "We know from firsthand experience what a first-class organization Atlanta is and what this team means to its city and its fans. I am incredibly appreciative of Arthur Blank for his leadership and for this entire organization for putting its trust in me to help lead this team. I can't thank the Rams organization enough for the experience and opportunity with the team. From the Kroenke family, Kevin Demoff, Les Snead, Sean McVay and the entire staff, the Rams are a first-class organization all around. We loved our time in L.A., loved the fans and know the Rams continue to have a very bright future."

Upon the team's announcement of Morris' hiring, the Falcons also announced some structural reorganization.

Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot will report directly to owner Arthur