When it comes to coaches, everybody is looking for the next Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. The two have taken control of the NFC since becoming head coaches out west, appearing in four of the last six Super Bowls. Shanahan’s 49ers will be representing the conference this weekend against the Chiefs, and nobody knows these two bright offensive minds better than new Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
Morris, Shanahan, and McVay worked together in Washington. Then Morris and Shanahan both joined Dan Quinn’s staff in Atlanta when he was hired in 2015, helping the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 2016. Following that season, Shanahan was hired as the next head coach in San Francisco, while Morris stayed in Atlanta until Quinn was fired in 2020. Once the Falcons passed over Morris to be their next head coach ahead of the 2021 season, McVay hired him to be the Rams defensive coordinator, where he’s spent the last three years, helping them to a Super Bowl victory over the Bengals.
When Raheem Morris was hired to be the Falcons next head coach, he was heralded for his ability to put together an outstanding staff. That was put on full display when he hired Zac Robinson to be his offensive coordinator, one of the hottest up-and-coming names on the market. When it comes to the Shanahan coaching tree, there are few bad apples, and most believe Robinson to be the next man up. At his first press conference as Falcons head coach, Morris likened Robinson to both Shanahan and McVay.
Raheem Morris on Zac Robinson:
"I was around the young Kyle Shanahan, and I saw him develop. I saw Sean McVay when he was really young, and I saw him develop. Start naming names – Mike McDaniel, Steve Sarkisian …
"I see Zac Robinson and I see him in the same light."
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) February 5, 2024
This would be music to the ears of any fanbase, but it has to feel especially good for the people of Atlanta. They saw firsthand how a bright offensive mind in Kyle Shanahan can unlock the potential of an offense, and they’ve been searching for that cohesion ever since he departed for San Francisco.
The hope is that Zac Robinson can do the same with the Falcons talented group of skill position players, something Arthur Smith failed to do, which contributed to his termination. Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London should be an offensive coordinator’s dream. However, it’s going to be difficult for Zac Robinson to have a ton of success if the Falcons can’t figure out the quarterback position.
Nobody, not even the brightest offensive minds in the game, can overcome having a quarterback like Desmond Ridder under center. It is by far the most important decision of the Falcons offseason, and it’s imperative that they get it right if they want to become contenders again.
—
Photo: Photographer: Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.