Photos: History for Falcons as Raheem Morris introduced as head coach

Sports

Photos: History for Falcons as Raheem Morris introduced as head coach

The first full-time Black head coach in franchise history met the media for the first time Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Raheem Morris era begins in Atlanta: The Falcons introduced head coach Raheem Morris to the media Monday, Feb. 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Raheem Morris becomes the first Black full-time head coach in the history of the franchise, which began play in 1966.

“I do understand the importance of being the first Black head coach in Atlanta history without the interim tag," Morris said. "I understand the importance of that for us." (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

“That’s not about me. That’s about us, all of us. That is the progress. That is the movement. That is what we look for." (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

On what he learned from being head coach in Tampa: “The overall maturity of the profession. It’s really what you have to lean on. The overall growth. Since Tampa, I’ve dedicated my professional development to helping whoever I work for at the time.” (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

On his return to Atlanta: “This is coming home. When you get a chance to go back home in this profession, it is extremely important, it is extremely critical, for everyone involved. And that is a special moment.” (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot share a laugh while responding to a question during Monday's introductory press conference.

Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris, center, speaks to members of the media at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. Also pictured is Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, left, and General Manager Terry Fontenot. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles speaks during the introductory press conference of Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris (not pictured) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris speaks to members of the media during his introductory press conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Raheem Morris poses with an Atlanta Falcons helmet next to General Manager Terry Fontenot at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Raheem Morris poses with a Atlanta Falcons helmet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Raheem Morris poses with an Atlanta Falcons jersey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. Also pictured is Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, left, and General Manager Terry Fontenot. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Nicole Morris, the wife of new Atlanta Falcons head football coach Raheem Morris (not pictured), holds her son Jalen Morris during the press conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Atlanta Falcons Chief Executive Officer Rich McKay before the introductory press conference of Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris (not pictured) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Atlanta Falcons new head football coach Raheem Morris poses with an Atlanta Falcons jersey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta. Also pictured is Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, left, and General Manager Terry Fontenot. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

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Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Raheem Morris era begins in Atlanta: The Falcons introduced head coach Raheem Morris to the media Monday, Feb. 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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