5 Defensive Coordinator candidates to replace Raheem Morris for 2024

The word is out on LA Rams semi-well-kept secret, Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris. That word is that he will make a great NFL team's head coach for this hiring cycle. Perhaps that is why four NFL teams have asked for him to interview for a second time, this time as an in-person interview, for the vacant role of head coach for their team. Those teams include the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and the Washington Commanders.

We are not blind to the fact that Morris is more likely than not to be lured away from the LA Rams with a very attractive offer to become the head coach of one of those teams. We also recognize that if Raheem Morris is hired as the head coach of some NFL team, the LA Rams would be awarded two compensatory picks in Round 3, one in each of the next two successive NFL Drafts. That is a pretty sizeable compensation, and could arm the LA Rams 2024 NFL Draft with 11 picks, four of which could fall nearly among the Top 100 picks of the draft

In 2022, the LA Rams first pick did not fall until the 104th overall pick.

Still, losing a defensive coordinator, one who has unselfishly led the Rams defense to a Lombardi Trophy, has earned the respect and praise of highly respected NFL aficionados, including NFL executives, GMs, coaches, and even elite players. While a vocal minority of fans may not have a full appreciation of Raheem Morris's role as LA Rams defensive coordinator, the Rams organization and players do.

Which leads to this next problem to solve. Who can the LA Rams tap to take over as defensive coordinator for team should Raheem Morris be hired as a head coach? That is a rather tricky topic, is it not? Since Morris is in the running to be hired, the Rams must have a strategy that can be executed almost instantly. But since Morris is still the Rams DC until hired, teams that make their decision sooner rather than later in terms of hiring a new head coach get the jump on the Rams in terms of queuing up solid DC candidates.

And Morris himself becomes a competitor for the Rams other coaches, as well as their ideal prospects to fill open coaching positions. So, the next Rams defensive coordinator will not only have to be ready to go, but may need to hire multiple positional coaching vacancies as well.

Who should the LA Rams have on speed dial should Raheem Morris put in his notice? We have five solid candidates.