Atlanta Falcons hire Raheem Morris as next head coach

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have officially hired Raheem Morris as their next head coach, the team announced on social media on Thursday night.

Morris had spent the last three seasons as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator.

The 47-year-old Morris should be familiar with the franchise, having spent six seasons as a coach with the Falcons from 2015 to 2020.

“I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach,” said Morris. “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.

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Morris was elevated to interim head coach in 2020 after the Falcons fired former Head Coach Dan Quinn.

With the Falcons, Morris worked as an assistant head coach, wide receivers coach, and passing coordinator from 2015 to 2019. Then in 2020, he became the team’s defensive coordinator, before being elevated to interim head coach.

With this hire, Morris will become the 19th head coach and the first Black full-time head coach in the Falcons’ history.

“This is a historic day for the Atlanta Falcons – after a comprehensive search we are thrilled to welcome Raheem Morris back to Atlanta as the team’s new head coach,” said Falcons owner Arthur Blank. “With 26 years of experience in the NFL, including the last three in an outstanding organization that has won our league’s championship in that time, Raheem emerged from a field of excellent candidates and is the right leader to take our team into the future.

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This will be Morris’ second stint as a head coach, as he previously spent three seasons as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.

Morris was just 32 when he was hired by the Buccaneers, making him one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history.

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Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers congratulates Carnell Williams #24 after his touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Raheem Morris talks to Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v San Francisco 49ers SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks the sidelines during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has some words for offensive lineman Donald Penn #70 during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs his team against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 4, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches on during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

New York Jets v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs his team against the New York Jets during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Camp TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works with receiver Chris Bonner #10 during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saintsat the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches his team against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Raheem Morris celebrates with Elbert Mack #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after defeating the New Orleans Saints 23-13 at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs his team against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 27, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs his team against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 17, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raheem Morris and Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals Ken Whisenhunt talk before the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Falcons 34-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Washington Redskins LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Raheem Morris throws out the challenge flag during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 1, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 03: Coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers greets fans prior to facing the Indianapolis Colts at Raymond James Stadium on October 3, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) (Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Interim head coach Raheem Morris throws a ball before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Tennessee Titans NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls instructions to his team during a game against the Tennessee Titans during play at LP Field on November 27, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers follows the action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 27, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v San Francisco 49ers SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers argues with a referee during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Interim head coach Raheem Morris looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers motions on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 27, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Camp TAMPA - MAY 01: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches his team during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks on the sidelines during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 27, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp TAMPA - JULY 31: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs some autographs during training camp at One Buccaneer Place on July 31, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons warms up with his team prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears v Los Angeles Rams INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris (L) and head coach Sean McVay (R) of the Los Angeles Rams watch action during a game against the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raheem Morris (L) is congratulated by Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals Ken Whisenhunt after a 38-35 win at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 29: head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Carolina Panthers before the start of a game at Bank of America Stadium on October 29, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

New England Patriots v Tampa Bay Buccaneers LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Raheem Morris head coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL International Series match between New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2009 in London, England. This is the third occasion where a regular season NFL match has been played in London. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Minicamp TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up during the Buccaneers Rookie Minicamp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v San Francisco 49ers SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks the sidelines during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 Headshots TAMPA, FL - CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) (Handout/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches his team against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders greets head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons following their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training BAGSHOT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Raheem Morris (R) speaks to Kellen Winslow at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Session held at Pennyhill Park on October 20, 2011 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Kansas City Chiefs KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons congratulates Hayden Hurst #81 after a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Green Bay Packers GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Green Bay Packers on November 20,2011 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up with interim head coach Raheem Morris before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v San Francisco 49ers SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks to his team during their loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons reacts during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks at the scoreboard during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on December 17, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons talks with interim head coach Raheem Morris before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v New York Jets EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 10: Assistant coach Raheem Mooris of the Atlanta Falcons reacts in the first half against the New York Jets during a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 29, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on January 1, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints v Atlanta Falcons ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Interim head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons throws the ball during pregame warm-ups prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Jacksonville Jaguars JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches the action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 11, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Rams Mandatory Minicamp THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 8: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following mini camp on June 8, 2022 at the team's facility at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Minnesota Vikings MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 18: Interim head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons meets with Todd Gurley #21 before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons v Los Angeles Chargers INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons discuses the call with field judge Bob Waggoner #25 during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Rams v Denver Broncos DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 26: Sean Payton head coach of the Denver Broncos greets Raheem Morris defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams following the Broncos 41-0 preseason win at Empower Field At Mile High on August 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Getty Images) (Tyler Schank/Getty Images)

Super Bowl LVI - Los Angeles Rams Practice PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Corner back David Long #22 and free safety Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams talk with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during practice in preparation for the Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl Stadium on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The Rams play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

2022 ESPYs - Arrivals HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 20: (L-R) Raheem Morris and Nicole Marie Moulton attend the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) (Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears v Los Angeles Rams INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, on the sidelines during a 34-14 win over the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)

Super Bowl LVI - Los Angeles Rams Practice PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris of the Los Angeles Rams holds practice in preparation for the Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl Stadium on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California. The Rams play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)