Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams have found their replacement for Brandon Staley. The team announced Thursday that it has agreed to terms with Raheem Morris as its defensive coordinator.
Morris, 44, started last season as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator but took over as the interim head coach when Dan Quinn was fired five games into the season. The Falcons went 4-7 under Morris and improved on defense, but they still ranked last in passing yards allowed.
Morris brings plenty of experience to the table. He was the Buccaneers’ head coach from 2009-2011 and has 18 total years of NFL experience, ranging from coaching defensive backs to wide receivers.
He and Sean McVay have a relationship after coaching together in the past, too. Both were with the Buccaneers in 2008 when McVay was the assistant wide receivers coach and Morris was the defensive backs coach. Then from 2012-2014, the two were on the same staff in Washington. McVay was the tight ends coach and eventually the offensive coordinator, while Morris was the secondary coach.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Raheem and what he will bring to the Rams organization,” McVay said in a statement. “Not only is Raheem a great communicator, he is also an excellent teacher. Raheem’s background coaching both offense and defense gives him a unique perspective which allows him to see the field from a 22-man perspective.”
Morris is the Rams’ third defensive coordinator in as many years, succeeding Wade Phillips and Staley.