Atlanta Falcons to hire Raheem Morris as head coach

Why it matters: It marks the end of a widespread, but quick search for the 19th head coach in franchise history. Atlanta interviewed 14 candidates.

Zoom in: Morris spent six years in the Falcons organization from 2015-2020 serving in numerous roles including assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and defensive coordinator.

• During the 2020 season, he was named interim head coach after the Falcons fired Dan Quinn. Morris went 4-7 over the final 11 games of the season.

Between the lines: Morris brings an overall 21-38 record to Atlanta. He spent time as the head coach of the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-11, recording just one winning season and never making the playoffs.

Yes, but: In 2022, he won a Super Bowl with the Rams and now brings championship experience back to Atlanta.

What's next: With one major hire out of the way, now the Falcons need to find their future quarterback. Hiring Morris before the offseason gets underway signals he will play a role in either drafting, trading for, or signing the team's next signal caller.

What we're watching: How quickly Morris can lead this team back to the playoffs. The Falcons are coming off their third consecutive 7-10 season and will have the 8th pick in the NFL Draft once again.