ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons formally introduced its new head coach, Raheem Morris, in a news conference Monday.
A few weeks ago, the Falcons announced on social media that Morris would fill the position. It was left open after the team parted ways with Arthur Smith.
Morris is someone who is very familiar with the Falcons, having spent six seasons with Atlanta from 2015 to 2020 in several different coaching roles, including assistant head coach and passing game coordinator. Morris served as the interim head coach after the Falcons fired Dan Quinn in 2020 and went 4-7 as interim.
"This is coming home," Morris said. "When you get a chance to go back home in this profession, it is extremely important and it is extremely critical to everybody involved. And that is a special moment."
Morris said he can feel the excitement. He's glad to come back and work with the Falcons, calling it "the best feeling in the world."
Morris becomes the 19th head coach -- including interims -- for the Falcons and the first Black permanent head coach in franchise history.
"I want to let you guys know I do understand the importance of being the first Black coach in Atlanta history without an interim tag. I understand the importance of that for us; I understand the importance for the people before me, the people after me, the current people right now," Morris said. "I understand the importance of that and how important that is to the city."
And when it comes to game days on the football field, Morris said he recognizes that the job comes with pressure. He's ready to embrace those moments and have a winning culture.
Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot said they had a thorough and detailed search to find the next person to fill the job.
"Through that search, it was very clear that there was one person that stood out, and that's Raheem Morris," Fontenot said. "It was his infectious leadership, his natural leadership, his charisma, his football instincts and intelligence but also his collaborative mindset."
Fontenot acknowledged how this change came about.
"We're always looking in the mirror, the entire building," said Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot. "We're always looking at ways to improve."
He said sometimes different decisions are made, but he acknowledged Smith, saying they had a great collaborative relationship.
"I would say from 2021 to this point right now, we do believe that this team is in a different place, and Arthur played a big part in that, and we wish him and Allison and their family the absolute best," he said.
As for Morris' goals for this season, he said it's to win the NFC South.
"If you can win the South, you can qualify to get into the playoffs. If you can get to the playoffs, anything can happen," Morris said.