The possibility looms that the former Patriots coach might find himself without a coaching role in the current cycle. Meanwhile, it has been a noteworthy rebound year for individuals of color securing head coaching positions. Additionally, speculation is rife regarding the top contenders for the coveted position of Sean McVay’s defensive coordinator.
For those not privy to the internal discussions within the Atlanta Falcons’ facility advocating for Raheem Morris to assume the head coaching position (and it appears there were many), the announcement of his appointment may have come as a surprise.
Certainly, Morris, the once-prominent and young head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who diligently navigated the challenging journey back to the pinnacle of coaching, has long warranted another opportunity for such a role. In our 2024 coaching carousel primer earlier this year, a highly respected offensive coach identified Raheem Morris as the defensive equivalent of the “hot play-caller” in the league. It’s conceivable that had Morris been more closely associated with his time as an offensive coach, he might have secured the Indianapolis Colts’ job a year ago, even though the team was committed to selecting a quarterback and had confidence in Shane Steichen’s ability to develop the position.
However, the more significant revelation is the prospect of a year passing without Bill Belichick gracing the NFL sidelines, marking the first time since 1975 when he served as an assistant under Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda. There appears to be a division within the coaching industry regarding Belichick’s future. While in December, it was anticipated that Belichick might transition to television in 2024, some persisted in the notion that, given the stat
Belichick’s chances of landing a head coaching job in 2024 seem unlikely after Morris’s hiring Thursday. Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports
Unless Belichick takes the unprecedented step of, for instance, becoming Sean McVay’s defensive coordinator, he might find himself in a surprisingly fitting role as a storyteller or television personality. I must emphasize my concern: given Belichick’s father, Steve, excelled in advanced scouting, the thought of Belichick providing mercenary game-planning assistance to a rival team is genuinely unsettling.
It’s already time to ponder a significant question: If Belichick reenters the market in 2024–25 at the age of 72, turning 73 on April 16, will there be a demand for his services?
There’s a genuine prospect that Don Shula’s all-time wins record (347) might remain intact. However, Belichick, boasting 333 victories, now has a window, akin to a Sean Payton sabbatical, to explore and potentially sow the seeds for future opportunities—perhaps leveraging the access provided by a television network. One should not underestimate his knack for maneuvering his way into another coaching role at some point.
Morris will return to the head coaching ranks for the first time since he served as the Buccaneers coach from 2009–11. Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Additional insights from the aftermath of Morris’s hiring:
Despite some murmurs of discontent among coaches regarding the tone of specific interviews related to the Rooney Rule, which mandates teams to interview two people of color, this year signals a positive resurgence in minority representation in coaching. The Las Vegas Raiders (Antonio Pierce), Atlanta Falcons (Morris), New England Patriots (Jerod Mayo), and Carolina Panthers (Dave Canales) have all appointed coaches who meet the criteria of Rooney Rule candidates. This marks a notably healthier diversity landscape within the league’s head coaching ranks, though there is acknowledgment that further progress is needed. The current state is a considerable improvement from the crisis years surrounding the Brian Flores lawsuit.
Turning attention to the search for Sean McVay’s defensive coordinator, it’s reasonable to consider Chris Shula, who has ascended within the Rams’ organization and is the grandson of the legendary NFL figure Don Shula, as the front-runner. Former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley is also in contention, given his previous brief tenure as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. McVay’s strong endorsement of Staley during their initial meeting could play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. However, considering the Rams’ status as Super Bowl contenders in 2024, there remains a slim but intriguing possibility that McVay might adopt a more far-reaching perspective, introducing potential wild cards into the mix.
Anticipating Raheem Morris’s move, it is likely that he will bring Zac Robinson along as the offensive coordinator. Robinson, 37, who has served as the Rams’ pass-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past two years, could face challenges in transitioning the team’s offensive dynamics under McVay. However, retaining the core brain trust, including offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, pass game specialist Jake Peetz, and tight ends coach Nick Caley (assuming Caley does not return to New England), will provide stability for the Rams. Keep an eye on Aubrey Pleasant, the Rams’ defensive backs coach and defensive pass-game coordinator, as a potential favorite for the defensive coordinator role under Morris in Atlanta.