Rams vs Falcons: A Super Bowl Reunion on the Sidelines

The Los Angeles Rams host the Atlanta Falcons this Monday night. The game features a deep coaching reunion. Rams coordinators Chris Shula and Mike LaFleur share close ties with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

Morris was the Rams’ defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl LVI victory. His former colleagues now face him as opponents. This adds a compelling personal layer to the Week 3 matchup.

Chris Shula’s Deep Debt to a Mentor

Chris Shula succeeded Morris as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. He credits Morris as a foundational mentor. Shula models his own coaching approach on Morris’s methods.

“He’s one of my best friends,” Shula stated this week. “I owe him a lot.” Shula was part of Morris’s defensive staff for three seasons, including the Super Bowl win. He specifically follows Morris’s detailed routine for breaking down opposing offenses.

Their families are also close. Shula joked about inheriting furniture from the Morris household. While he looks forward to a friendly pregame moment, business comes first at kickoff.

Mike LaFleur’s Atlanta Connections

Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has a different history with Morris. Both were assistants for the Atlanta Falcons earlier in their careers. They reunited in Los Angeles under Sean McVay in 2023.

LaFleur’s connection extends to his brother, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Their families remain close with Morris and his wife. LaFleur confirmed his whole family will visit the Morris family before the game.

For LaFleur, the personal dynamic stays off the field. “When it comes to the ball aspect, it’s our offense versus their defense,” he said. The focus remains on the players executing the game plan.

More Than Just Another Game

This matchup highlights the interconnected nature of the NFL. Coaches frequently cross paths, blending friendship with professional rivalry. The respect is clear, but the competitive fire remains.

For fans, it offers a subplot of respect and shared history. It underscores how championship bonds are formed. The result will hinge on execution, not sentiment.

Monday’s game is a testament to the Rams’ successful coaching tree. The Rams vs Falcons showdown is professional respect meeting present-day competition.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is Raheem Morris’s history with the Rams?

Raheem Morris was the Rams’ defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023. He helped lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl LVI before becoming the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach.

What did Chris Shula learn from Morris?

Shula learned how to study offenses and break down game film from Morris. He specifically adopted Morris’s detailed preparation routine, which he still uses today as a play-caller.

How is Mike LaFleur connected to Raheem Morris?

Mike LaFleur and Raheem Morris worked together on the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff earlier in their careers. This shared experience created a lasting personal and professional bond.

Will the coaches’ friendships affect the game?

Both coordinators emphasize that the personal relationships end at kickoff. The game will be decided by the players on the field and the strategic plans prepared during the week.

Why is this reunion significant for the Rams?

It highlights the strength and continuity of the Rams’ coaching culture. Successful figures like Morris branch out, but the foundational philosophies they helped build remain within the organization.