The Atlanta Falcons are bringing in a new staff under Raheem Morris, and the team will undergo significant adjustments.
Among the notables, Morris disclosed in his first news conference on Monday that defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake would call the defense’s plays.
So, who is Lake, and why does Morris trust him?
The answer starts by appreciating Morris’ considerable connection with Lake.
Their professional relationship started in 2007, when Morris was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ cornerbacks coach and Lake was his assistant.
They were separated for the following two years, but from 2010 to 2011, Lake was the defensive backs coach for Morris, Tampa Bay’s head coach.
Morris went on to become the defensive backs coach with the now-Washington Commanders before a six-year stay in Atlanta, which included 11 games as interim head coach. He subsequently moved to Los Angeles for three seasons as defensive coordinator.
Lake, on the other hand, returned to college football coaching for a second time, serving as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator at Boise State University from 2012 to 2013.
He departed Boise State for the University of Washington, where he progressed from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator and, eventually, head coach.
Lake was 7-6 in his two seasons as head coach before being fired on November 14, 2021, just than a week after being suspended for throwing a player out of the way of a brawl. He was not fired for cause, and Washington covered his buyout.
The 47-year-old Lake took a break from football in 2022, but returned in the spring of 2023 to join the Rams as assistant head coach, where he was reunited with Morris, who was still the defensive coordinator.
Rams head coach Sean McVay credited Morris with assisting in the formation of his relationship with Lake, which ultimately played a significant role in the Rams’ decision to hire him.
“I’ve known Jimmy for a while through Raheem Morris,” McVay explained on March 10. “Great overall viewpoint; obviously as a head coach, areas on the defensive side of the ball, but some of the other things he’ll be able to bring from a leadership standpoint, from offence to defence, defence to offence, will be quite useful.
“It’s been great having Jimmy in the building.”
Prior to coaching, Lake was a four-year strong safety at Eastern Washington University, receiving honourable mention All-Big Sky Conference honours in 1998 and serving as team captain.
Despite being a defensive player and having spent his whole coaching career on defence, Lake was active on both sides of the ball with the Rams due to his significant knowledge.
McVay stated that his role reflected his confidence in Lake’s leadership abilities.
“I think some of the leadership experiences that he’s had will serve well,” he added. “There’s a bunch of different roles, but the assistant head coach is a reflection of the respect I have for Jimmy, but then also his involvement on both sides of the football.”
Lake also had opportunities to speak in front of the squad and deliver messages and speeches during the season, confirming his leadership position in Los Angeles.
The Falcons have yet to say whether Lake or Morris will call defensive plays, but whether Lake takes on the traditional defensive coordinator role or not, his experience as a good secondary development will be valuable in Atlanta.
Lake received accolades while with the Rams for the development of second-year cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, as well as for assisting in the promotion of late arrival Ahkello Witherspoon to a prominent position.
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