For the third time in as many years in charge of the team, the Atlanta Falcons will finish with a losing record under Raheem Morris. Morris has gone 16-25 so far with the Falcons, and given the plethora of offensive talent they’ve had, the fans may have already lost their patience with him.
That’s why, after another tough loss and falling to 4-9, his seat may have gotten irreparably hot. With that in mind, we take a look at five potential candidates to replace him.
Potential Head Coaching Replacements For Raheem Morris
5. Zac Robinson
While the fans might not necessarily be fond of Zac Robinson, the Falcons’ current offensive coordinator, given the way things have unfolded this season, in-house promotions are always a possibility. And, just like we mentioned in our previous column about future head coaching candidates, Robinson might make sense here.
He’s another member of Sean McVay’s coaching tree, having served as the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator for two years. He’d give the team some continuity while also shifting to a more offense-oriented approach.
4. Steve Spagnuolo
Steve Spagnuolo is perhaps the greatest defensive coordinator in NFL history, or at least the most decorated one. His blitz-heavy defenses have given opposing quarterbacks nightmares for years.
While his first head-coaching stint didn’t go well, he’s paid his dues and earned his stripes as the unsung hero of the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty. And with big changes potentially coming in Missouri, Spagnuolo will be a hot commodity in the next hiring cycle.
3. Chris Shula
Sean McVay recently claimed that Chris Shula would be a great head coach. He should know, as he’s his defensive coordinator, and clearly has the pedigree to get his own team at one point.
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Shula is reportedly on the short list to coach the New York Giants, so the Falcons may face some competition for his services. Still, given the way he has turned the Los Angeles Rams’ defense and their personnel, he will be well worth the money.
2. Mike LaFleur
If this sounds repetitive, it’s because it is. But, once again, another member of the McVay tree will be one of the most sought-after guys in the hiring cycle. Mike LaFleur has helped Matthew Stafford put up MVP-caliber numbers, and he’s been a rising star in coaching circles for years now.
While not as popular as his brother, Matt, it should be just a matter of time before Mike also gets a shot. The Falcons have way too much talent on offense, and he’s the type of young, up-and-coming, and creative coach that could get the best out of it.
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Jeff Hafley
Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley might be the leading head coaching candidate this season. He turned the Packers’ ever-struggling defense around last year, and he’s taken things up a notch this season.
Granted, adding Micah Parsons to the mix has worked wonders, but Hafley’s scheming and play-calling have also been superb. He has prior head coaching experience in college, and he may not last much longer in Lambeau.
