The Giants are bringing in at least one of New Jersey’s own for a head coach interview.
Raheem Morris, who was fired by the Falcons on Sunday night despite a season-ending four-game winning streak, is scheduled to interview with the Giants next week, according to an ESPN report. Morris also is expected to be brought in by the Titans and Cardinals for their vacancies.
Morris, 49, is a graduate of Irvington High School and a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator during his time with the Rams (2021-23). He is looking for his third head coaching gig.
Morris was one of the NFL’s youngest head coaches when he took over the Buccaneers in 2009 and went 17-31 over three seasons. He worked his way back into the power chair as interim head coach for the Falcons (4-7 in 2020) and made enough of an impression during that stint to land the full-time head coach instead of Bill Belichick for the last two seasons (16-18).
But the Falcons opted to clean house despite tying for first place in the NFC South with an 8-9 record this season. Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were ousted in part because they made a mess of the quarterback position by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract and then drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick only six weeks later.
Morris and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are the first two external minorities to be scheduled for interviews by the Giants. In-house interim head coach Mike Kafka (Puerto Rican descent) and former Giants great Antonio Pierce also are expected to be on the short list.
Morris won’t be the only local flavor up for the job.
Staten Island native Lou Anarumo (Colts defensive coordinator) was requested for an interview, and New Jersey’s Jeff Hafley (Packers defensive coordinator) is thought to be held in high regard inside the organization.
