LATEST NEWS: Raheem Morris of the Falcons says he was “jealous” of Les Snead and Sean McVay of the Rams’ relationship.

One of the most sought-after organizations from which to hire coaches has historically been the Los Angeles Rams, and this hiring cycle was no exception.

Although numerous important members of Sean McVay’s staff left, the loss of Raheem Morris, the former defensive coordinator, will be felt most keenly. Morris accepted an offer from his old team, the Atlanta Falcons, giving him the opportunity to become a head coach once more.

Morris will take on the responsibility of guiding the Falcons back to the postseason, but the team still has a ways to go before playing like the Rams. Morris expressed his jealousy of Les Snead and McVay’s intimate and transparent collaboration during his tenure in Los Angeles, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team:

“One of the first things I said to Sean when I arrived there was, ‘Man, I am jealous of you and Les Snead’s friendship,’ Morris remarked, taking in his movements and our daily rhythm and routine. “To see you guys work together and move in silence, to be able to discuss anything, to have continuous, honest, and open conversation that is open and honest. That is the next stage, whatever you do with each other.

“I thought it was a really cool process to start with a really young team and start with your fundamentals, start with your physicality, start with controlling the ball, and start with some of those pillars. The maturity level that you get from that and being able to watch that and also talk to one of your really good friends while you’re winning a championship. For me, it was a really interesting learning opportunity. Helping one of your closest friends and loved ones and taking home the title with a company that truly believes in it was the most enjoyable thing you could have done.

Morris will probably make every effort to emulate that kind of rapport with Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, but it will require years of collaboration.

Chris Shula is hired by the Rams to take Raheem Morris’ role as defensive coordinator.
After interviewing a number of applicants, the Rams and McVay ultimately decided to promote pass-rush coordinator and linebackers coach Chris Shula to the vacant defensive coordinator post.