Los Angeles Rams' Raheem Morris Remains Focused Despite Head Coaching Ambition

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris still wants another chance at being an NFL head coach. However, until that opportunity comes, he remains intent on helping the Rams win.

It has been 12 years since Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was running the show as the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not including his brief stint as the interim coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Morris has spent the last 12 years working toward getting a second chance. 

With the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers already having made coaching changes so far and more likely to come following the regular season's conclusion, Morris will have his chance to land another shot. 

However, until then, the 47-year-old coordinator is still focused on trying to help the Rams win football games. 

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.  / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“When those opportunities present themselves, I’ve just got to be ready to present myself in the best version,” Morris said. “But to say you’re preparing or doing anything that you would do differently other than trying to win the next football game, I’d be lying to you.”

After being hired to replace Jon Gruden as the Buccaneers coach in 2009, Morris lasted three seasons in Tampa, compiling a 17-31 record before being fired in 2011. 

From there, he'd spend three seasons with the then-Washington Redskins as defensive backs coach before heading to the Atlanta Falcons for the next six seasons, where by the end of his stint, he had become the interim coach for 11 games. 

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That is when he found himself in L.A. following up then-newly named Chargers coach Brandon Staley as the Rams' defensive coordinator.

Since being hired in 2021, Morris has helped the Rams to a Super Bowl, and after a disastrous 5-12 season last year, he hopes that his work with the current L.A. defense can help the team reach the postseason for the first time since lifting the Lombardi Trophy. 

Following their win over the Commanders on Sunday, the Rams will look to make it two wins in five days as they host the Saints on Thursday. Kickoff inside SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. (PT).