'Best I've Ever Been Around!' Why Players Think Falcons' Raheem Morris Will Win

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has impacted many careers in his two decades of professional coaching experience. Here are three exclusive testimonials.

The names on Raheem Morris' list of references need no introduction.

Kyle Shanahan. Sean McVay. Mike Tomlin. Three of the NFL's six longest-tenured head coaches.

Each has publicly gone to bat for Morris. There's an army of other players and coaches - assembled over his 23 years in pro football - who've done the same.

From unprepared 32-year-old head coach to offensive assistant, from defensive coordinator to interim head coach, from out of a job to Super Bowl champion - Morris' career arc hasn't always been straightforward.

But it's led him back to Atlanta, where he spent six seasons as an assistant coach and is still the place he considers home.

For Morris, it's a chance to right the wrongs of Super Bowl LI, to prove he's grown since going 4-7 as Atlanta's interim in 2020, to bring the Falcons back to national relevancy.

And his former players think he's up for the challenge.

Feb 5, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Raheem Morris is introduced as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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When Mohamed Sanu signed with the Falcons in March of 2016, he was greeted by a face new in many ways - Morris.

Of course, the two had never worked together before ... but it was also Morris' first year as an offensive assistant, let alone receivers coach.

A defensive back in his playing days who stuck with the position group as a coach, Morris was taking on an entirely new challenge.

He and Sanu, who spent the first four years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, meshed immediately - perhaps reflected best by Sanu catching a career-high 59 passes for 653 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the Falcons.

Better yet, Sanu, aided heavily by Morris and quarterback Matt Ryan, kept improving.

The year after, he one-upped his career best in receptions, hauling in 67 passes for 703 yards and tying a career-high with five touchdowns.

In 2018, Sanu logged 66 receptions for a career-high 838 yards and four touchdowns, averaging more than 50 yards per game for the first time in his pro career.

By the time he was traded halfway through Atlanta's struggle-filled 2019 season, Sanu had firmly established himself as a legitimate No. 2 receiver - and Morris' impact on his career was evident.

“Raheem is a phenomenal coach who really knows how to connect with his players and set them up for success,” Sanu told SI's Falcon Report.

Sanu played professionally for a decade, spending time on five different teams. He saw what works in the NFL and what doesn't, making the postseason seven times - including twice with Morris.

Now an instructor at the youth training center 'Legacy,' Sanu is also well-versed with teaching and bettering the lives of his students.

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And during his time as one of Morris' students, Sanu not only found personal and professional growth, but also a true affinity for his coach and optimism in what's to come for the Falcons.

“He’s one of my favorite coaches I’ve ever had the opportunity to play for,” Sanu said. “I’m excited to see what he’s able to do in Atlanta.”

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Undrafted out of Northern Illinois in 2018, Christian Blake needed an opportunity. Morris provided it.

The Falcons signed and released Blake several times during his rookie season, but he continued evolving under Morris' tutelage.

In 2019, his opportunity came, as he was promoted to the active roster in October and played the final nine games with three starts while Atlanta went 6-3 after starting 1-6.

Blake saw 24 targets and made 11 catches for 91 yards while playing at least 75 percent of the Falcons' offensive snaps in three of the last five contests.

The following year, when Morris transitioned from receivers coach to defensive coordinator and, ultimately, interim head coach for 11 games, Blake continued to see his role rise.

The Plantation, Florida, native played in all 16 games, catching 13 passes for 141 yards.

When Morris left for the Los Angeles Rams, Blake stayed in Atlanta - but had a down season, hauling in four passes for 25 yards while spending most of his time on special teams. He hasn't played in the league since.

Morris was critical to Blake's success in 2019 and 2020, and Blake believes Morris will help the Falcons find similar success in the years to come.

“Coach Ra is going to be a catalyst to the Falcons success,” Blake told SI's Falcon Report. “Bringing his championship pedigree and swag to the city is exactly what we need. He’s been here before so there’s no acclimation period needed.

“He’s definitely focused and embracing the challenge of leading the team to contender status.”

The Falcons haven't made the playoffs nor finished with a winning record since 2017. They've gone 7-10 in three straight seasons.

Morris was in Atlanta for the team's last playoff berth. He was on the sidelines for the 28-3 collapse in Super Bowl LI. He said that loss is still the one that stings the most in his career.

Now, Morris is back, at least partially driven by the chance to redeem those playoff defeats.

He's well-equipped to do so, not only from his first tenure in Atlanta, when he worked with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and many others on both offense and defense, but also Los Angeles, with defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey spearheading an impressive list of players.

At each stop, seemingly everyone Morris has encountered has nothing but good things to say - and considering his personality and track record, it's easy to see why.

“He’s coached some of the greatest of our generation both on offense and defense so getting the most out of his guys is something he specializes in,” Blake said. “He’s relatable, easy to read and willing to listen and learn in every situation.

“That’s huge for being a head coach because sometimes the players do see something different out on the field and he’s willing to digest our perspective and move forward with the best strategy.”

Fans, similarly, will see something different on the field this fall - Morris is the Falcons' first full-time Black head coach, pairing with general manager Terry Fontenot to give Atlanta its first all-Black tandem at the top of its leadership structure.

Morris said he understands the significance of it within Atlanta, particularly now in the mecca of Black history.

The Falcons needed life after losing four of their final five games under Smith. Rookie running back Bijan Robinson said a new coach was needed.

Special teams coordinator Marquice Williams quickly noted Morris' energy as a difference in how the organization's being run.

From his on-field teaching prowess to off-field culture shift and history-making hire, Morris makes sense for Atlanta - both the team and city.

“Being our first Black head coach is a badge of honor he will wear proudly,” Blake said. “The city, the culture is going to back him through thick and thin. Coach Ra is the perfect fit for the job, and I wish him nothing but success.”

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It's Nov. 11, 2022, and Ramsey starts to answer the question. Almost five minutes later, he finishes his response.

The question that induced such a passionate and lengthy answer?

His thoughts on the external criticism surrounding Morris, the Rams' defensive coordinator then nine months removed from winning his second Super Bowl.

“Rah's fire,” Ramsey said. “I don't give a (explicit) what they said about Rah, I'm telling you Rah's fire. People don't have no clue. Like Rah is fire. The fact he’s not a head coach somewhere is a blessing for us, especially in that defensive room. Like Rah is the real (explicit) deal.

“I ain't even lying to you, like I'm passionate about that. His play calling, the way he allows us to play free, fast with no fear, the confidence he pushes into each of us as players.”

Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, added he'd be just fine if Morris was his defensive coordinator for the rest of his career.

Naturally, that wasn't the case, as Los Angeles traded Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins last offseason - but Ramsey's conviction in his support of Morris shouldn't be overlooked.

Morris thrives at finding the balance between being critical and instilling confidence in his players, Ramsey said, while being able to dumb down lessons for consumption regardless of which side of the ball the player hails from.

Morris has an open-door policy. Ramsey capitalized on it, learning things all the way through his final season in Los Angeles, which marked his seventh campaign in the league.

When Atlanta hired Morris, Ramsey called the 47-year-old one of the best coaches in the NFL, if not the best. He doubled down on his sentiments prior to the Pro Bowl.

“He's the best for sure,” Ramsey told SI's Falcon Report. “He's a good defensive mind, and really (the) whole offense. He taught me so much, and he’s also a players coach.”

Morris helped Ramsey expand his technical toolbox while coaching him to his first Super Bowl crown. The two share a special relationship.

But most relevantly, Ramsey, who's been a part of three organizations during his eight-year professional career, believes Morris has distinguished himself from any other coach he's had.

“He can translate, he knows relationships matter and he’s probably the best I’ve ever been around,” Ramsey said.

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Morris is often described as high energy and humble. Ramsey used the term "dope."

Why?

Those around him say he's never had a bad day. He's always smiling, effusing positivity in even the dimmest moments. He's also the first to take blame, even when it's not necessarily his fault.

All the kind words from the likes of Shanahan, McVay and Tomlin to Sanu, Blake, Ramsey and so many others aren't why Morris coaches, but they're things he's grown to cherish.

“It's always a cool experience when you get praise from players you've coached, players you've been around,” Morris said. “That is like the coolest thing in the world because it just shows the impact that you wanted to have in their lives and how you've had it.”

In Morris' first few days with his new staff, several coaches walked away amused by his excitement and authentic energy - it just never wanes.

There's legitimate buzz in Flowery Branch, spearheaded by the collaborative mindset he's implemented and the heightened spirit he's provided.

For Morris, this is normal - uplifting those around him is what he does. After all, there's nothing better than tasting shared success.

“I don't even know how you fill up those moments because it's so surreal that it just makes you know what you've accomplished thus far and how special it is to you and to them that it's just fun,” Morris said. “I don't know how else to put it - it's just fun.”

While in Los Angeles, Morris often came under fire for his defensive play-calling. The Rams' defense never ranked better than 17th in yards allowed or 15th in points allowed per game during Morris' tenure.

Naturally, players came to his side - but regardless, the external criticism was bad noise. Cases of immense internal love are the exact opposite.

“As a coach, you're always taught to ignore the noise,” Morris said. “That's got to be a part of the noise as well, but it is cool to get some acknowledgment from people that you worked with and coached and to be able to do those things because that's a cool thing.”

For some, the book on Morris has already been written.

He's 21-38 as a head coach. He wasn't statistically impressive with the Rams. The Falcons lost their final five games under his guidance in 2020.

Some see those numbers. Others see his heart - and the rest of his resume.

Morris, after going 3-13 in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led the team to a 10-6 record in 2010. It was the largest single-season turnaround in franchise history.

He's a two-time Super Bowl champion. He's worked with some of the game's greatest coaches and players of this generation.

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To some, Morris is the same coach who was fired by Tampa Bay, not retained by Atlanta and didn't field a top-10 defense in Los Angeles.

To others - including those who've played under and coached alongside him - Morris is a special human with an innate ability to connect, motivate and teach.

And perhaps most importantly, a true mentor who's inspired confidence he's the right coach to help the Falcons soar to new heights.

“Peace and blessings big dog,” Blake said. “I’m proud of you.”