The Atlanta Falcons took their time going through the interview process and after hiring head coach Raheem Morris, the team waited over a week to formally introduce him. That extra time allowed Morris to assemble the majority of his staff before meeting with the media.
The 19th head coach in Falcons franchise history was cool, calm and collected during his introductory press conference on Monday afternoon. Morris, who was joined by general manager Terry Fontenot, fielded a variety of questions about the direction of the team, expectations for the 2024 season, and the quarterback position.
Here’s a look at 10 notable quotes from Morris’ introductory press conference.
1
Morris on season goal: "Clear-cut goal for us is to win the South"
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. "The clear-cut goal for us to obviously win the (NFC) South."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
2
Morris says Falcons have had "limited conversations" about QB
#Falcons head coach Raheem Morris: "I got a lot of confidence in the people that are going to be able to help me and be a part of finding our next QB to move forward" https://t.co/3xHDJVVNFA
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) February 6, 2024
3
Morris on pressure to win now: "This job, It comes with pressure"
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on whether he feels pressure to win right away after comments owner Arthur Blank has made about that importance: "This job, it comes with pressure that we're all built for."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
4
Morris on approach: "I don't need to be the smartest person in the building"
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris: "I don't need to be the smartest person in the building." Emphasizes collaboration to create the best team he can.
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
5
Morris on the need for collaboration: "Let's go put ourselves in the best position to win"
“Let’s go collaborate together. Let’s go put ourselves in the best position to win football games.” pic.twitter.com/QHXYyp2mJ9
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 5, 2024
6
Morris on why he's the right man for ATL: "It's about showing people what's going to be different"
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on why this won't be a repeat of last time he was here: "It's less about telling people what's going to be different. It's about showing people what's going to be different."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
7
Morris on what he likes about roster: "Drake London, Bijan Robinson"
What does Raheem Morris like about this Falcons current roster?
"That's really easy: Drake London, Bijan Robinson."
— Amna (@amna__subhan) February 5, 2024
8
Morris views OC Zac Robinson and Sean McVay in "same light"
Falcons HC Raheem Morris, when asked about Zac Robinson, the team's new OC, said he was around Kyle Shanahan & Sean McVay when they were young and how they developed.
Said he's Zac Robinson in the "same light" & how he can develop.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
9
Morris says defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake will call plays
Falcons HC Raheem Morris said DC Jimmy Lake will call the plays.
Morris said he wants to be able to be able to be with both sides of the ball.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
10
Morris likes OC Zac Robinson's "ability to relate to" QBs
Raheem Morris talking about new OC Zac Robinson: Said that it stuck out to him from the start of their professional relationship that Robinson has a notable "ability to relate to a quarterback." Has seen it with the multiple QBs who have come through LA in recent years.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) February 5, 2024