Raheem Morris has been named the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Even though he is familiar with the franchise, his hiring is unique.
Morris is the first Black head coach in Falcons history. While Emmitt Thomas (2007) and Morris (2020) served as interim coaches, this is the first time the team has appointed a Black full-time head coach.
Morris representing the Atlanta Falcons is a success for representation in a city where nearly half of the population is Black. Atlanta was also a hotspot during the Civil Rights Movement, and the city’s African-American population can celebrate this hire for reasons other than football.
Morris, 47, was said to be “zeroing in” on an agreement to become the Falcons coach, citing NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Thursday afternoon. In doing so, he defeated over a dozen candidates for the position, including former New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick.
Morris was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, going 17-31 over his three-year stint.
He now has another opportunity in Atlanta, where he hopes to make some more history.
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