AM LEAVING: Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris Announces Departure
In a surprising turn of events, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has announced his departure from the team. The news, confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday, leaves the franchise at a crossroads as they prepare for the remainder of the NFL season.
Morris, who took over as interim head coach in 2020 before being officially named to the role, has been an integral part of the Falcons organization. Under his guidance, the team has seen significant improvements on both sides of the ball, although the results have been mixed in the highly competitive NFC South division.
“After much thought and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to step away from my role as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons,” Morris said. “This has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to the organization, the players, and the fans for their support. However, it’s time for me to explore new opportunities and focus on the next chapter of my career.”
Morris did not disclose specific details about his future plans but hinted at remaining involved in football, whether at the professional or collegiate level.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed his gratitude for Morris’s contributions to the team, stating, “Raheem has been a true leader for the Falcons. We appreciate his hard work and dedication, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.”
As the team searches for a new head coach, speculation has already begun about potential candidates. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and offensive coordinator Dave Ragone are considered internal options, while external names like Eric Bieniemy and Ben Johnson are rumored to be under consideration.
Morris’s departure marks a pivotal moment for the Falcons, who are looking to build on their promising young talent and return to playoff contention in the coming years.