Raheem Morris is a well-known name in the NFL coaching world, recognized for his extensive experience on both sides of the ball. From early assistant roles to head coaching stints and a Super Bowl title as a defensive leader, Morris’s career has been full of ups and downs. In this article, we break down his coaching journey, firing status, career record, and estimated net worth — all in one place.
1. Raheem Morris: Early Coaching Career
Raheem Morris began his football journey after playing safety at Hofstra University. Soon after graduating in 1998, he moved into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at Hofstra before holding various defensive coaching roles in college and then the NFL. These roles included coaching defensive backs at Cornell and a defensive assistant internship with the New York Jets.
Morris’s NFL coaching breakthrough came as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later with the Atlanta Falcons. His defensive acumen earned him a reputation as one of the league’s better defensive minds, eventually leading to high-profile coordinator positions.
2. Head Coaching Roles in the NFL
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009–2011)
Morris got his first head coaching job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. Despite early optimism, his tenure resulted in a 17-31 record over three seasons and no playoff appearances. He was let go after the 2011 season as the Buccaneers looked for a change.
Atlanta Falcons Interim Head Coach (2020)
Morris returned to the Falcons in 2015 in various coaching roles. When the Falcons fired head coach Dan Quinn in 2020 after a 0-5 start, Morris was named interim head coach, finishing with a 4-7 record. Despite a respectable run, Atlanta chose not to retain him as full-time coach at that time.
Full-Time Head Coach for the Falcons (2024–2025)
In January 2024, the Atlanta Falcons hired Raheem Morris as head coach after a long interview process that included notable names from around the league.
Over two seasons (2024 and 2025), Morris led the Falcons to back-to-back 8-9 records but still failed to reach the playoffs. Despite a four-game end-of-season surge in 2025 and a win in Week 18, the Falcons did not qualify for postseason play.
3. Did Raheem Morris Get Fired?
Yes — Raheem Morris was fired by the Atlanta Falcons on January 4, 2026. The decision came hours after the team’s season-ending victory over the New Orleans Saints, despite closing the campaign on a positive note.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated it was time for “new leadership,” underscoring the team’s ongoing struggles to make the playoffs. Morris finished his two-season tenure with an overall Falcons head coaching record of 16–18.
This firing marks the second time Morris was dismissed as an NFL head coach — originally by the Buccaneers — and now his second full-time tenure with the Falcons.
4. Raheem Morris: Career Coaching Record
Raheem Morris’s head coaching record across all his NFL roles includes:
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009–2011): 17–31
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Falcons Interim (2020): 4–7
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Falcons Head Coach (2024–2025): 16–18
This brings his total NFL head coaching record to approximately 37–56, with no playoff appearances to date.
It’s worth noting that his career includes successes as a defensive coordinator, including playing a key role in helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
5. Raheem Morris Net Worth & Salary
Morris’s estimated net worth is around $9.15 million as of 2025, growing steadily over the years based on his coaching career and NFL contracts.
As head coach of the Falcons, he reportedly signed a five-year contract worth about $20 million (approximately $4 million annually). Even after being fired in 2026, the Falcons are expected to owe him the remainder of his contract — roughly $12 million — unless other terms are negotiated.
Conclusion
Raheem Morris’s coaching career is a blend of defensive excellence and head coaching challenges. Despite his deep NFL experience and respect within coaching circles, his head coaching record and recent firing from the Falcons show how difficult it is to succeed at the top level of the league. With a respectable net worth and continued reputation as a defensive strategist, Morris’s next chapter — potentially as a coordinator or consultant — will be one to watch.
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