In the team's press release, it was announced that Morris and Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot will report directly to team owner Arthur Blank on all football-related matters. Rich McKay remains CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE). He will continue to represent the team on league matters and the NFL's Competition Committee. Greg Beadles will remain president of the Falcons and oversee all day-to-day business operations.
Although the Falcons interviewed 14 candidates for the head coaching job, including Bill Belichick, they chose Morris, who served as the team's interim head coach in 2020.
"This is a historic day for the Atlanta Falcons," Blank said in a statement. "After an extensive search, we are thrilled to have Raheem Morris return to Atlanta as the team's new head coach. With 26 years of experience in the NFL, including the last three with an outstanding organization that won our league's championship at the time, Raheem emerged from a group of excellent candidates and is the right leader to lead our team into the future.
"His time in Los Angeles has given him an enhanced perspective on everything from personnel, team operations, game planning, working with an outstanding offense and many other things that have helped him become a more prepared coach in every aspect of the game. I believe his leadership skills have improved and his understanding of what it takes to have a collaborative one-team culture is now at a much higher level."
The Falcons stopped hiring Morris in 2021 after he replaced Dan Quinn for the final 11 games of the 2020 season. The Falcons were 4-7 under Morris.
He spent three seasons in Tampa, going 17-31 in 2009-11, including a 10-6 record in 2010.
Morris spent the last three seasons with the Rams and helped them win Super Bowl LVI.
"I'm excited to work side by side with Raheem on bringing a championship to Atlanta," Fontenot said. "We conducted one of the most thorough and extensive searches and came across so many incredible candidates in the process. Raheem is the right fit for our team, our culture and our vision for shared success in Atlanta, and I can't wait to start working with him and bring his energy to our building."
After multiple interviews for head coaching positions since his time leading the Buccaneers, Morris finally got his second chance.
"I am very happy for my family and me to have the opportunity to return to Atlanta as head coach of the Falcons," Morris said. "We know from first-hand experience what a world-class organization Atlanta is and what this team means to the city and its fans. I am incredibly grateful to Arthur Blank for his leadership and the entire organization for trusting me to lead this team.
"I can't thank the Rams organization enough for the experience and opportunity on the team. From the Kroenke family to Kevin Demoff, Les Snead, Sean McVay and the entire staff, the Rams are a first-class organization in every aspect. We loved our time in Los Angeles, we loved our fans and we know the Rams continue to have a very bright future."
