The Falcons are introducing Raheem Morris as their new head coach on Monday, but the offseason has already begun for the 19th head coach of the franchise in Atlanta.
Morris added five assistants to his staff on Saturday, including offensive assistants Nick Jones and K.J. Black, defensive assistants Lance Schulters and John Timu, secondary coach Justin Hood, senior offensive assistant Ken Zampese, and pass game specialist/ game management Tim Berbenich.
For all his attributes as a candidate, Morris’ ability to fill out an All-Star coaching staff was regarded as among the most desirable. That immediately came to fruition when the Falcons announced that Zac Robinson.
The former Rams quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator was the hottest offensive coordinator candidate of the hiring cycle. He turned down opportunities with the Bears, Buccaneers, Saints, and nearly every team with a vacancy at the position for a chance to follow Raheem Morris to Atlanta.
The Falcons coaching staff is rounding into form, but it may be the “under-the-radar” hirings that make the difference. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer used that phrase to describe the Kevin Koger hire, adding that the plan is to get the most out of Kyle Pitts.
“Kevin Koger was an under-the-radar hire—but a smart one by Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson in Atlanta. The new Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach is widely respected, and getting him was a priority for the head coach and offensive coordinator, as they put together a plan to try and get the most out of Kyle Pitts,” Breer stated.
He was the Chargers tight end coach and will assume the same role for the Falcons, so it’s a clear plan to maximize Kylee Pitts’ talents. Koger entered his third season with the Chargers as the tight ends coach in 2023, coaching Gerald Everett to career bests with 58 receptions and 555 yards on the season while tying a single-season career high with four touchdown catches.
Since he’s taken over in Los Angeles, tight ends have always been a reliable target for Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Even before LA, Koger’s work spoke for itself. He spent time in Green Bay contributing to the tight ends as well, helping Robert Tonyan break out in 2020 with 52 catches for 586 yards and 11 scores — leading all NFL tight ends in touchdown catches.
Kyle Pitts broke onto the scene immediately, putting up a franchise record 1,026 yards as a rookie. Unfortunately, his production fell off a cliff the following two seasons. Most of it can be attributed to poor quarterback play, an injury, and Arthur Smith’s inability to scheme easy looks for Pitts.
In 2024, he should be healthy. The Falcons should have improved quarterback play, and there should be a clear plan to get Pitts heavily involved. Zac Robinson and Kevin Koger could have a profound impact on Pitts’ career.
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