Total Package
October 10th, 2018
Tampa 2019?
One of the NFL’s most versatile coaches resides in Atlanta, where he holds four titles: assistant head coach, receivers coach, passing game coordinator and the one that baffles Joe, young ex-NFL head coach least likely to get a job interview to lead another team.
The man is Raheem Morris, leader of the 10-6 Buccaneers at 34 years old during the standout 2010 season. If not for a terrible offensive pass interference call by an official, that strong-finishing Bucs team would have been 11-5 and in the playoffs.
Raheem doubled as defensive coordinator and found ways to win games and stop opponents with a defense that had significantly less talent than the current Bucs.
Tim Crowder, sackless Kyle Moore and Stylez White off the edge, anyone?
After Raheem was hung out to dry by the Bucs front office and Team Glazer in 2011 free agency — only a punter was signed — Tampa Bay opened 4-2 in the 2011 lockout season before a 10-game losing streak followed. That got Raheem fired and he landed as a defensive coach in Washington, not for the money, but because he wanted to learn Jim Haslett’s 3-4 defense rather than sit and collect a check signed by Team Glazer.
Then came the stunning part of Raheem’s career. After a year on the defensive side of the ball with Dan Quinn’s new staff for the 2015 Falcons, Raheem switched to coaching offense and has been very successful.
Still, with all that experience, Raheem can’t sniff an interview for a second head coaching gig.
The keyword is interview. It’s absolutely mind-blowing.
Either Raheem has the worst agent in football, doesn’t want to be a head coach again, or NFL owners and GMs have something against him.
Keep in mind The Rooney Rule would, in theory, give Raheem more of a shot at an interview. And he’s certainly more qualified than a lot of interviewed candidates.
Today, Joe asked Quinn about 42-year-old Raheem getting that sniff of a top job again.
JoeBucsFan.com: Raheem Morris, what’s it going to take for him to get a head coaching interview?
Dan Quinn: You know, I think that’s a good question because he has totally evolved. And he did an excellent job during his time in Tampa, but then the experiences after that have made him even stronger for that. For as long as I’ve known him, which is a really long time, over 25 years, he’s been a leader. And I’ve seen him grow even stronger over the last couple of years. The hope when he moved from defense to offense, he was a big part of our defense when he first arrived, there’s very few people that could do that — that could just go in from one room and then go into another and at the same level of teaching and expertise. I think that move alone will make him an even stronger candidate than he was maybe, you know, five or six years ago because of his background on both sides of the ball. So I’m hopeful that his opportunity comes again because he is not only a better version of himself in 2018 than he has been, but he’s really equipped for the role.
Whoever thought the ol’ ball coach, Raheem, would turn into one of the best untold stories in the NFL. Good luck finding another modern coach that’s had success on both sides of the ball.
Remember that 2007 Bucs secondary, it was No. 1 ranked in the NFL with Raheem coaching it.
If grumbling Artie Blank fires Quinn this year and Raheem is left on the street, Joe would have no problem with the Bucs strongly pursuing him to replace Mike Smith.
October 10th, 2018 at 5:58 pm
I second that motion.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:03 pm
So many fans hated this guy,but looking back those almost seem like the glory years. He was never given squat for talent. His biggest problem was probably partying with the players, but I would assume he’s grown up since then. If I’m a team in need of a coach, I wouldn’t hesitate to give him a call.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Mr. Quinn failed to answer the question.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Come on home and bring LOVIE with ya!
October 10th, 2018 at 6:11 pm
He’s been our best coach since Gruden. Only coach to get to 10, only if he would’ve won the race…
October 10th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Make Buccaneers Yungry Again
October 10th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
As long as he’s evolved I wouldn’t mind if he kept a couple of our coaches instead of starting over on both sides. Can’t be hanging out with players is probably the knock on him in Tampa, as far as talent he didn’t have much to work with…..he does have to take most of the blame for josh freeman coming here since he coached the defense he played against in college before coming here
October 10th, 2018 at 6:19 pm
rah was hung out to dry by owners. never stood a chance. similar to all future regimes.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Raheem and Buckner would make a good team
October 10th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
I was always a big fan of Morris. His dimise was that the team seemed to quit on him. At least that’s what the story was. I loved his creativity on defense and his stats are for losers talk.lol. so what caused him to lose that team? Was he too young? Perhaps he’ll get another shot and if he does I’ll bet he makes the most of it.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Make Buccaneers Yungry Again!
….and take off their underwear and put their faces on people!
October 10th, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Morris is a great person and developing into a fine coach. He did have some success with the 10 win season but lets not forget.. His 10 straight losses were directly related to a lack of discipline. He wasn’t ready to be an HC in the NFL and it was starting to show all over the field and off.
That being said he has spent some time as a position coach and flopping from defense to offense is definitely irregular. I think his next progression step would be to be a full DC or OC and show success in that type of role.
October 10th, 2018 at 6:30 pm
I must be the longest banned fan ever! It’s ok!
October 10th, 2018 at 6:40 pm
No
October 10th, 2018 at 6:48 pm
He hasn’t gotten any looks because he spent more time on south Howard than he did at One Buc. Whenever he is back in Tampa he can be seen at MacDintons or Soho Saloon.
October 10th, 2018 at 7:33 pm
Come on. Are you really surprised he is not getting a second chance? In the immortal words of Bob Deniro in Cop Land, “you blew it!” He was a train wreck. He had zero leadership skills and only got interest because he was flashy and young.
October 10th, 2018 at 7:42 pm
We should of kep him . He said once in a interview right after he was fired . They ask him about the draft . I think it was the 2012 draft he said his first pick was going to be Luke Kucklie, than David . For give my spelling. Just think we would have had those two at linebacker with McCoy, Tilab, Bennett. We would have had a great defense again . But that is the problem with teams they have made everything about a quarterback. That’s one of the reasons why I want to Winston cause he is good enough to win with if we had a good defense and a running back. He can throw 25 times or 35 at most then run the ball the rest of the time. That’s it that’s how you win games and championship that’s why every body that talk quarterback is listening to the national media and they push to make this a quarterback league just don’t know football. It’s a team sport not a quarter back sport. The bucs franchise and the fan base need to believing what the national media say and look how Philly won the Superbowl with team not quarterback but complete team . Go bucs……….
October 10th, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Stop believing what the national media say. And keep Winston. My bad this phone be skipping.
October 10th, 2018 at 7:50 pm
Once a guy gets a reputation for partying hard with his players, while head coach, it’s hard to shake the image.
I guarantee that’s his rep. I know it’s true too. Maybe he “evolved” and he’s more of a disciplinarian these days, but he sure as hell wasnt when he was HC here. Why else would the Glazers go all Schiano?
October 10th, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Raheem to replace Mike Smith??? How about replace Dirk Koetter. You said it yourself Joe. Raheem has learned both sides of the ball over 25 years. Koetter has no clue about running a defense. That’s why he can’t fire Mike Smith right now.
10-6 with sh!t players and action jackson rock star Mark Dominik running the team. Raheem-HC/ Monken-OC/ Buckner-DC/ Ronde-CB 2019!
October 10th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
Wow. You know your defense is bad when Raheem is an improvement.
He was awful in Tampa and hes nothing special in Atlanta.
October 10th, 2018 at 8:25 pm
Atlanta is 1 dash 4
October 10th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
I was one of the very few fans who supported Raheem Morris. He interned under Tony Dungy/Monte Kiffin as an assistant coach. When Gruden got canned, Raheem figured he could interview for the DC position. Wrong. Glazer Boys were up to their heads in debt $$ with their soccer team. So Morris was given a choice: HC (cos he came on the cheap) or bye-bye. Glazers were in hock with Manchester United. Bucs came second sorta like Culverhouse treated them. Raheem did his best. One season he was 10-6. He was crucified on this site and others. I would love to see him be our DC. Justice. Won’t happen and it’s a shame. He is a better coach than MSmith.
October 10th, 2018 at 8:32 pm
Raheem Morris had a 10-6 year with this team. His players weren’t close to what we have now talent-wise. I would love to see him be our DC. Justice. It won’t happen tho.
October 10th, 2018 at 8:36 pm
Joes: what’s up? I cannot post comments tonight. Hurricane problems?
October 10th, 2018 at 8:52 pm
My favorite all time coach personality wise
October 10th, 2018 at 9:33 pm
He was 10-6 with grudens team
October 10th, 2018 at 9:57 pm
Not exactly accurate but Joe enjoys the jab. 🙂 Well done.
October 11th, 2018 at 1:12 am
Jmark…
Nice Sam Wyche reference.
October 11th, 2018 at 1:31 am
When Talib dissed him to his face in the hotel lobby, probably both with a buzz on…
Yuck. I don’t ever want to revisit either of those two. Both of you can show how much you’ve matured somewhere else. Nightmare memories.
Proven Defensive Coordinators pop up hire-able every year. Wade Phillips has been with several teams in the last ten years. Jim Swartz was unemployed a couple of years ago. Marvin Lewis may be this year. Jack Del Rio is unemployed now. Good coaches become available. Just like picking your girlfriend, don’t settle…
October 11th, 2018 at 3:48 am
Rah’s team completely quit on him in the 2011 season. They seemed to have left all their heart in London after that loss to the Bears and there are very few teams I’ve seen put that little amount of effort into trying to win, knowing it would likely get their coach fired even after a 10-6 season. That might be a reason why people won’t hire him. Losing is one thing but quitting is another. The only time I ever saw them actually try to win after the Bears game was late in the season against the Packers when Blount had that great run and they still lost.
He was probably too young and inexperienced for a head coaching job back then, but I think he’s an excellent coach overall and probably has gained that experience he needs to throw his hat back in the ring. Wherever he goes I wish him the best.
October 11th, 2018 at 7:41 am
#bringraheemback
October 11th, 2018 at 7:48 am
Has everyone forgotten that the dude is dumb as a box of rocks? He publicly embarrassed himself every time he opened his mouth! Does anyone remember his “Warren Sapp is well endowed at One Buc Place” comment?
October 11th, 2018 at 7:56 am
I have been a Raheem supporter ever since he trained under Coaches Dungy and Kiffin. Would love to have him back here as our DC. Won’t. happen. 🙁
October 11th, 2018 at 8:21 am
he’s not coming back…cries from the basic uneducated bucs fans would be echoing all over town…he’s chill and more qualified now, but not a fit to pack the stands
October 11th, 2018 at 8:24 am
didn’t talib slap a 40 oz. on his head or something like that…
(you just don’t yoke up your coach)
October 11th, 2018 at 8:38 am
I suggested this move a year or so ago. people thought I was joking. He’s been a great coach and a winner where ever he has been. would love to see him paired with Buckner!
October 11th, 2018 at 8:46 am
he’s more qualified then dirk…..he’s coached on both sides of the ball and won 10games with a trash roster….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
October 11th, 2018 at 8:50 am
I’m always thought it was cool
That he went drinking and partying with the players…..
October 11th, 2018 at 9:54 am
I sent Rah the link to this article, jos response- “NOT A CHANCE IN HELL I WORK FOR THAT MICKEY MOUSE ORGANIZATION “!!!
October 11th, 2018 at 10:04 am
Radio
October 11th, 2018 at 10:40 am
Schiano would have turned the time around in one more year. It’s about culture
October 12th, 2018 at 6:25 pm
You got to go for what you know
Make every one see, in order to fight the powers that be.
Lemme hear you say,
Fight the power!
Fight the power!
Fight the powers that be!