Raheem Morris’ coaching journey is a testament to perseverance and growth. From starting as an intern to becoming a Super Bowl-winning coordinator and head coach, his story reflects resilience and adaptability
If his past experiences are any indication, Morris has the potential to lead Atlanta to success in the years to come.
From starting as a graduate assistant to becoming a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach and now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, his journey exemplifies dedication and growth in the ever-evolving world of football coaching.
His leadership and experience will be crucial in shaping the Falcons’ future success.
Raheem Morris’s journey is not just about football; it is also a story of love, resilience, and commitment to family.
His relationship with his parents, his deep bond with his wife, and his unwavering dedication to his children all paint a picture of a man who values family above all else.
Whether he’s on the sidelines coaching a game or at home spending time with his kids, Morris embodies the essence of a devoted family man.
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Table of Contents
Raheem Morris: Who Is He?
A Resilient Journey in the NFL
Raheem Morris was born on September 3, 1976, in Newark, New Jersey. His love for football was evident from a young age, and he pursued his passion through high school and college.1
He attended Hofstra University, where he played as a defensive back. While his playing career never reached the professional level, Morris quickly realized that his future in football lay in coaching.
His early years at Hofstra set the foundation for his deep understanding of the game and strategic thinking.
Morris began his NFL coaching career in 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive quality control coach. Before that, he gained experience as a graduate assistant at Hofstra.
His tenure in Tampa Bay came at a pivotal time, as the team won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003 under head coach Jon Gruden. This early exposure to championship-caliber coaching helped shape his approach to the game.
Early Life and Passion for Football
After his initial stint with the Buccaneers, Morris took on the role of defensive backs coach at Kansas State University in 2006.
His ability to develop players and enhance defensive strategies was evident, and soon, Tampa Bay brought him back in 2007 as their defensive backs coach.
Under his guidance, the Buccaneers’ secondary became one of the best in the league, leading to his promotion to defensive coordinator in 2009.
In 2009, Morris was named head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at just 32 years old, making him one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history at the time.
His first season was challenging, with the team finishing 3-13. However, he quickly turned things around in 2010, leading the Buccaneers to a surprising 10-6 record.
Despite missing the playoffs, Morris earned recognition for his leadership and ability to motivate young players.
Unfortunately, after a disappointing 4-12 season in 2011, he was relieved of his duties as head coach.
Raheem Morris: Career
Early Coaching Years: Laying the Foundation
Hofstra University (1998)
Raheem Morris began his coaching career at Hofstra University as a graduate assistant in 1998.2
In this role, he worked with the offensive scout team, gaining crucial experience in player development and game preparation.
Cornell University (1999)
The following year, Morris moved to Cornell University, where he took on the role of defensive backs coach and special teams assistant.
His time at Cornell allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of defensive strategies and secondary coaching.
Return to Hofstra (2000-2001)
Morris returned to Hofstra in 2000 to serve as the defensive backs coach. During his tenure, he further refined his coaching skills and even completed an internship with the New York Jets in 2001, offering him exposure to NFL coaching environments.
Entering the NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Defensive Quality Control Coach (2002)
In 2002, Morris joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive quality control coach.
His contributions helped the Buccaneers secure a dominant defense, ultimately leading to their victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, where they defeated the Oakland Raiders 48–21.
Defensive Assistant and Assistant Defensive Backs Coach (2003–2005)
Over the next few seasons, Morris served as a defensive assistant in 2003 and was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach in 2004.
His role in developing defensive strategies and coaching the secondary proved valuable to the team’s overall success.
College Football Experience: Kansas State University
Defensive Coordinator (2006)
In 2006, Morris took a brief break from the NFL to serve as the defensive coordinator at Kansas State University under head coach Ron Prince.
During his tenure, Kansas State’s defense showed significant improvement, ranking high in various statistical categories.
Return to Tampa Bay: Climbing the Ranks
Defensive Backs Coach (2007–2008)
Morris rejoined the Buccaneers in 2007 as the defensive backs coach. He played a key role in developing the team’s secondary, contributing to a top-tier defensive unit.
Head Coach (2009–2011)
Following his impressive performance as a defensive backs coach, Morris was promoted to head coach of the Buccaneers in 2009.
His first season saw an improvement, but after a disappointing 2011 campaign that ended with a 4–12 record, including 10 consecutive losses, he was relieved of his duties on January 2, 2012.
Washington Redskins: Defensive Leadership
Defensive Backs Coach (2012–2014)
From 2012 to 2014, Morris served as the defensive backs coach for the Washington Redskins.
His time in Washington allowed him to further refine his defensive coaching approach while working with notable defensive backs.
Atlanta Falcons: Expanding His Role
Multi-Position Coaching (2015–2019)
Morris joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 as an assistant head coach, defensive backs coach, and defensive pass game coordinator.
His versatility was showcased when he transitioned to coaching wide receivers from 2016 to 2019 while maintaining his role as an assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator.
Defensive Coordinator & Interim Head Coach (2020)
In 2020, Morris returned to his defensive roots as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator. Following the firing of head coach Dan Quinn, he was named the interim head coach, finishing the season with a 4–7 record.
Super Bowl Success with the Los Angeles Rams
Defensive Coordinator (2021–2023)
In 2021, Morris joined the Los Angeles Rams as the defensive coordinator. His defensive strategies were instrumental in the team’s journey to winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022, where they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20.
Returning to Atlanta: Head Coach Role
Head Coach (2024–Present)
As of 2024, Raheem Morris has been appointed as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His experience across different roles within the organization makes him well-equipped to lead the team in this new era.
Raheem Morris’s Playing Career
College Football at Hofstra (1994–1997)
Before stepping into coaching, Morris played college football as a safety at Hofstra University from 1994 to 1997.
He recorded 141 tackles and earned the Mayor’s Trophy in 1997 for his contributions to the team. However, he never played in the NFL.
Raheem Morris: Achievements & Awards
Super Bowl Champion
Morris has won two Super Bowls as a coach:
- Super Bowl XXXVII (2002) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Super Bowl LVI (2022) with the Los Angeles Rams
Coaching Record
As a head coach, his regular-season record stands at 23–40 (.365), reflecting his growth and experience throughout his career.
Raheem Morris’s Coaching Tree
Morris has worked under several notable head coaches, learning from some of the best minds in football. His coaching influences include:
- Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins)
- Jay Gruden (Washington Redskins)
- Dan Quinn (Atlanta Falcons)
- Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)
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Raheem Morris: Wife
A Loving and Supportive Wife: Nicole Marie Moulton
Raheem Morris is married to Nicole Marie Moulton, and the couple has been together for several years.3
Their marriage, which took place in September 2024, is built on mutual respect and shared values.
Nicole, who has maintained a relatively private life, is known for being a devoted wife and mother. She has been a pillar of strength for Morris, especially during the demanding years of his coaching career.
As the wife of an NFL coach, Nicole has had to navigate the challenges that come with a hectic football schedule.
Despite the demands of the sport, she has always been present to support her husband. Whether it’s attending games, managing family responsibilities, or offering emotional support, she has played a key role in keeping their household running smoothly.
The Role of Family in Morris’s Success
Family has played an instrumental role in Raheem Morris’s journey to success. His parents provided the foundation, his wife offers unwavering support, and his children give him the motivation to keep pushing forward.
The values he learned from his upbringing continue to guide him as a coach, husband, and father.
Many who have worked with Morris describe him as a leader who values relationships and fosters a sense of unity among his team members.
These qualities stem from the love and support he has received from his family over the years. His ability to build strong bonds both on and off the field is a testament to the role his family has played in shaping him.
Raheem Morris: Children
Fatherhood: A Role Morris Takes Seriously
Beyond his impressive coaching career, Raheem Morris is also a dedicated father. He has three children—two daughters and one son—whom he cherishes deeply.
His eldest daughter, Amaya, is from a previous relationship, while he shares his younger children, Maliya and Jalen, with his wife, Nicole.
Morris has always emphasized the importance of family, and he takes pride in being actively involved in his children’s lives.
Despite the demands of his career, he makes time for his kids, ensuring that he is present for their milestones, whether it’s a school event, a sports game, or a simple family dinner. His commitment to his children reflects his deep-rooted belief in the significance of family bonds.
The Bond with His Eldest Daughter, Amaya
Amaya, Raheem Morris’s eldest daughter, holds a special place in his heart. While she comes from a previous relationship, Morris has always made an effort to maintain a close and loving relationship with her.
As a father, he understands the importance of being present, regardless of the circumstances.
Morris has spoken about how he strives to be a role model for Amaya, teaching her values such as hard work, resilience, and integrity.
Whether it’s through father-daughter outings or long conversations about life, he ensures that she always feels valued and loved. His bond with Amaya showcases his dedication to all of his children, regardless of their family dynamics.
Maliya and Jalen: The Joys of Parenthood
Raheem Morris and his wife, Nicole, share two children—Maliya and Jalen. As the younger members of the family, they bring immense joy to their parents’ lives. Morris takes pride in watching them grow and ensuring they have a solid foundation for the future.
As a father, he is hands-on, often participating in their daily activities and encouraging them to pursue their passions.
Whether it’s helping with schoolwork, coaching them in sports, or simply spending quality time together, he makes it a priority to be an active presence in their lives.
His ability to balance his career with his responsibilities as a father speaks volumes about his dedication to his family.
Navigating Fatherhood and a Demanding Career
Being an NFL coach comes with significant time commitments and challenges. The long hours, frequent travel, and high-pressure environment can make it difficult to balance work and family life.
However, Raheem Morris has found a way to manage both.
He has often credited his wife, Nicole, for being a steady force in their household, allowing him to focus on his career while ensuring that their children receive the love and attention they need.
By setting aside time for his family, whether it’s during the offseason or on rare days off, Morris ensures that he is present in their lives despite his demanding schedule.
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