The Atlanta Falcons named Raheem Morris the 19th head coach in franchise history and are currently introducing him at a Monday press conference. Fans are eager to hear Morris’ vision for the team, his plans at the quarterback position, and what Atlanta’s expectations are in 2024.
Check out live updates from Monday’s press conference and watch for yourself below!
Arthur Blank not in attendence due to medical issue
The introductory press conference for Raheem Morris begins with an update on owner Arthur Blank, who is not in attendance today. He had a "minor medical issue come up this weekend. He's doing really well."
They are hoping to hold a teleconference with Blank later in the week.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) February 5, 2024
Terry Fontenot thanks Arthur Smith
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said he had a great relationship & collaborative relationship with Arthur Smith.
Wished him the best in Pittsburgh.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
Fontenot on the next step
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot: "The next step will be to go through our roster. … We're going to make sure we put together a team that's competing for championships."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
Morris on being first full-time Black head coach in team history
"I want to let you guys know that I understand the importance of being the first black coach in Atlanta's history without an interim tag. I understand the importance of that for us" pic.twitter.com/Ca69TOraDb
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 5, 2024
Morris on what he has learned since his Tampa Bay days
Falcons HC Raheem Morris: I've been preparing for this since my last day in Tampa.
Said he learned a lot at each stop he had from there.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
Fontenot on Morris standing out as a candidate
"It was very clear there was one person who stood out, and that was Raheem Morris." Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said Morris' infectious energy was evident right off the bat, called the first week and a half of the Morris era in ATL "a very fun 10 days."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) February 5, 2024
Morris on returning to Atlanta
Falcons HC Raheem Morris: "This is coming home."
Said it's really important for him in this profession.
"This has been a process for me which has been outstanding."
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
Morris: "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
On Super Bowl loss to Patriots
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the Super Bowl loss in 2016 season, when he was the assistant head coach/wide receivers coach: "It stings as bad as any I've ever had. Actually, the worst I've ever had. … We got different things in place to rewrite history."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
Morris on pressure to win now
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
Morris on QB situation
Falcons HC Raheem Morris said they've had "some conversation" about quarterbacks — but they've been more focused on trying to build out a staff so far.
Said they could look at free agency, trade, the draft. Basically anything.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
Morris on QB traits he values
Falcons HC Raheem Morris said they've had few conversations on the QB situation as they've built the coaching staff.
Though, he said they're looking for an "elite processor" like others guys he's worked with like Matt Ryan and Matthew Safford.
— Amna (@amna__subhan) February 5, 2024
Morris on collaboration among staff members
“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
Morris on if he doubted whether or not he'd get another HC gig
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris whether he was ever concerned he's be in this position again after leading the Buccaneers to a 17-31 record in his three years as head coach: "You don't know me very well yet, but I really don't think like that. I'm a drive person. I'm ready to…
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) February 5, 2024
Fontenot led search, Blank made final decision
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said it was Arthur Blank's final decision to hire Raheem Morris but that he led the interview process.
So…that was clearly part of his "input," to quote the release & presser on Jan. 8.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) February 5, 2024
Morris on what he likes about roster
What does Raheem Morris like about this Falcons current roster?
"That's really easy: Drake London, Bijan Robinson."
— Amna (@amna__subhan) February 5, 2024
Morris says DC Jimmy Lake will call defense
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
Morris on OC Zac Robinson
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
