One of the potential candidates for Washington’s head coaching job has coached here in the DMV previously.
Morris spent time as the defensive backs coach for the Redskins in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.
During that 2012 season, Washington won the NFC East (10-6) as Alfred Morris rushed for 1,613 yards and quarterback Robert Griffin added 815 more yards on the ground.
That 2012 coaching staff included HC Mike Shanahan, OC Kyle Shanahan, DC Jim Haslett, OL Chris Foerster, QB Matt LaFleur, OA Mike McDaniel, TE Sean McVay, DB Raheem Morris, LB Bob Slowik, and DA Bobby Slowik.
Shanahan, LaFleur, McDaniel and McVay have all not only succeeded in the NFL as position coaches and coordinators, but also as head coaches. Slowik is succeeding in his first year as an offensive coordinator in Houston with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Morris, on the other hand, had the misfortune of being offered the head coaching job of the Tampa Bay Bucs earlier in 2009. Morris had been a position coach (DB) in the NFL, but not yet an NFL coordinator. Having been with the Bucs 2002-05 and again in 2007-08, Bucs ownership saw potential in Morris.
The Bucs ownership had experienced a tough time with Jon Gruden’s personality. He was so strong-willed, so controlling. Jon was much different than his brother, Jay. He was a bully, verbally lashing out often at many.
Ownership determined they could not go that route again, so they intentionally hired someone much less experienced, who had not yet developed any power in the NFL, someone they could control and manage much easier.
Morris was young and could not refuse the offer. But he was too quickly moved up to head coach, though he had not yet been an NFL coordinator. Ownership was overreacting to the problems they experienced with Jon Gruden.
Morris lasted three seasons, 2009-11, as the Bucs head coach before they moved on. Since that time, Morris, however, has gained very valuable experience as an NFL position coach, coordinator, and assistant head coach with the Falcons and Rams. For good reason, he has been employed in the NFL every season since 2007.
Morris was not yet ready to be a head coach that first time, but it was also 2009. Morris today has had the necessary experience, has done well, and has built his reputation as an NFL teacher, leader, and communicator.
Raheem Morris will again be an NFL head coach soon, and he is much more prepared for the task.
Might Morris be the next head coach of the Commanders?