The Atlanta Falcons made a hard turn with their next head coach.
The Falcons, despite interviewing Bill Belichick twice, are set to hire Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to fill their head coaching vacancy, according to multiple reports.
Morris has been in Southern California since the 2021 season, winning the Super Bowl in his first season there. He returns to Atlanta after serving multiple roles from 2015 to 2020.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following mini camp on June 8, 2022 at the team’s facility at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Many thought the Falcons would bring in Belichick, as they seem to fit the mold of what Belichick reportedly wants: an up-and-coming team. They have had quarterback troubles, but it is certainly not out of the question they could trade with the Chicago Bears for either the first pick (likely Caleb Williams) or their current quarterback in Justin Fields.
Nonetheless, it is quite the pivot for Atlanta.
ESPN reported that Belichick wasn’t exactly a shoo-in for the Falcons job earlier Thursday.
View of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before game vs Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium. (Simon Bruty /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
“They interviewed him for a second time last Friday in person,” Schefter said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday. “Since then, the Falcons have paraded through a series of candidates for second interviews and other interviews and scheduled more talks with other candidates.
“That doesn’t sound like a team that’s ready to make a move on Bill Belichick.… If it’s wide open after you’ve met with Bill Belichick twice, that certainly tells you that he’s not the favorite for the job.”
Now, it’s apparent Atlanta had another guy in mind.
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, on the sidelines during a 34-14 win over the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
This is Morris’ second head coaching gig in the NFL, having served the role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
