Raheem Morris is one of the most experienced coaches in the NFL today. With more than two decades in professional football, his journey from collegiate assistant to NFL defensive coordinator and head coach reflects tenacity, defensive insight, and leadership. In 2026, Morris embarked on a new chapter as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, following his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Coaching History: From Graduate Assistant to NFL Veteran
Raheem Morris began his coaching journey soon after his playing days at Hofstra University (1994-1997), where he played safety. After graduating in 1998, he started as a graduate assistant, helping with defensive scouting and analysis.
Over the years, his career progressed through key roles in both college football and the NFL:
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Hofstra University – Graduate Assistant (1998); Defensive Backs Coach (2000-2001)
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Cornell University – Defensive Backs/Special Teams Assistant (1999)
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New York Jets – Defensive Minority Intern (2001)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Defensive Quality Control to Defensive Backs Coach (2002-2005)
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Kansas State Wildcats – Defensive Coordinator (2006)
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Washington Redskins – Defensive Backs Coach (2012-2014)
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Atlanta Falcons – Multiple roles including Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and Interim Head Coach (2015-2020)
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Los Angeles Rams – Defensive Coordinator (2021-2023) and Super Bowl LVI champion (2022)
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Atlanta Falcons – Head Coach (2024-2025)
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San Francisco 49ers – Defensive Coordinator (2026-present)
This progression highlights Morris’s versatility and adaptability — from mentoring defensive backs to orchestrating complex NFL defenses.
Defensive Scheme & Coaching Philosophy
Morris’s defensive approach is known for blend of flexibility and aggression. Rather than rigidly adhering to one style, he adapts game plans based on personnel and matchups. Recent reports suggest he transitioned the unit in San Francisco toward a 3-4 defensive base, emphasizing zone coverage, hybrid fronts, and situational pressure.
In previous stops, particularly with the Los Angeles Rams, he mixed coverage schemes and incorporated multiple fronts, focusing on confusion and unpredictability for opposing offenses. His experience spans zone principles, blitz packages, and defensive back versatility, although his units have sometimes landed in the middle of league defensive rankings — underscoring both his scheme adaptability and the challenges of sustaining elite performance.
Coaching Record & Achievements
Raheem Morris’s head coaching record includes multiple NFL seasons across teams:
Head Coach Career
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011): 17-31 overall
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Atlanta Falcons (2024-2025): Back-to-back 8-9 seasons; team did not make playoffs
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Interim Head Coach (Falcons, 2020): 4-7
Overall Head Coaching
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Career record: Roughly 37-56 (.398) with no playoff appearances as a full-time head coach.
Championships & Milestones
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Super Bowl Champion (as Coach):
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Super Bowl XXXVII with Buccaneers (Quality Control)
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Super Bowl LVI with Rams (Defensive Coordinator)
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While his head coaching numbers may not glitter, Morris’s defensive pedigree — particularly as a coordinator on a Super Bowl-winning staff — ranks among his strongest career achievements.
Personal Life: Wife and Family
Off the field, Raheem Morris is a devoted family man. He married Nicole Marie Moulton (Nicole Morris) in 2014, after the pair met during a challenging period in his career, following his departure from Tampa Bay. Their marriage has endured through many of the highs and lows of NFL life.
Together, they have two children, Maliya and Jalen, and Morris also has a daughter, Amaya, from a previous relationship. The family prioritizes privacy despite the high-profile nature of his career.
Conclusion
Raheem Morris’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and evolution. From starting as a graduate assistant to becoming a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator and NFL head coach, his career offers lessons in adaptability and resilience. Whether analyzing defensive schemes or leading a franchise, Morris continues to shape NFL narratives — both on and off the field.
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