In an exciting development for the Atlanta Falcons, it seems they are closing in on naming their new head coach. According to CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, the Falcons are nearing a deal to appoint former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new lead man.

Morris, who is also scheduled to meet with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, made a strong impression during his in-person interview with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the executive group at Blank's home. One source revealed to Jones that Morris "killed the interview" and left the group impressed with his energy.

Having spent the past three seasons with the Rams as their defensive coordinator, Morris played a pivotal role in helping the team win the 2021 Super Bowl in their home stadium. This news garnered an enthusiastic response from star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who took to social media to express his excitement, stating that the Falcons have acquired one of the best coaches in the NFL.

Interestingly, Morris is not a newcomer to the Falcons organization. He previously held various positions, including assistant head coach, pass game coordinator, and wide receivers coach from 2015-2019, as well as serving as the defensive coordinator in 2020. When former head coach Dan Quinn was fired in 2020, Morris stepped in as the interim lead man and achieved a 4-7 record.

Morris also has head coaching experience, having led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011. Although his tenure there resulted in a 17-31 record, the Falcons' brass remains impressed with his qualifications and leadership abilities.

The Falcons conducted an extensive search for their new head coach, interviewing a staggering 14 candidates, which included legendary coach Bill Belichick. However, it was Morris who left the largest impact on Atlanta's decision-makers.

Morris will be taking over from Arthur Smith, who was dismissed shortly after his third consecutive 7-10 season. The Falcons exhibited promise with a 6-6 record after 12 games this season but stumbled with a 1-4 finish. This marked the third consecutive year that the team found themselves at .500, only to falter towards the end of the season.

During his time as the Rams' defensive coordinator in 2023, Morris led a young and promising defense that ranked 20th in yards allowed per game (337.9 ypg) and 19th in points allowed per game (22.2 ppg). The Rams finished the season with a 10-7 record and secured a playoff spot as a wild card.

Jones also reports that Morris has the potential to bring along Zac Robinson, the current Rams' pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, as his offensive coordinator.

With Raheem Morris soon to be at the helm, Falcon fans eagerly anticipate a fresh start and renewed optimism for the upcoming season.