JUST IN: The Atlanta Falcons are poised to appoint Raheem Morris as their new head coach, despite previous speculation connecting them to Bill Belichick.

Despite the consideration of six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick for the position, the Atlanta Falcons are poised to announce Raheem Morris as their new head coach. This decision comes after the team finished the season with a 7-10 record under former head coach Arthur Smith, who was let go after three seasons.

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Morris, who previously served as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will step into the role. Other candidates, including Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, were also interviewed. Notably, Belichick, who recently parted ways with the New England Patriots after more than two decades, was considered for the position but will not be taking on the role.

Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion with 333 wins (including playoffs), did not secure the job despite being a favorite after a second interview. At 71 years old, his next move in the NFL remains uncertain. The Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks, the only teams with remaining head coach vacancies, have not interviewed Belichick.

For Morris, returning to Atlanta marks a homecoming, as he previously worked with the Falcons from 2015 to 2020. Starting as the pass game coordinator, he later added the role of wide receivers coach in 2016. In 2020, Morris was promoted to defensive coordinator and served as the interim coach for the final 11 games of the season after taking over from Dan Quinn.