1. The Quinn Connection: Falcons head coach Dan Quinn brings with him a former colleague from the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff, Chris Morgan, who will serve as the Falcons offensive line coach. Quinn and Morgan worked together during the 2014 season, where Morgan was the assistant offensive line coach, helping a Seahawks rushing attack that ranked first in the league, averaging 172.6 yards per game.
2. Reuniting with Shanahan: Morgan also joins forces again with current Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as the duo worked together in Washington (2011-2013). A highlight season for both coaches came in 2012 as Washington finished ninth in the NFL in total offense (369.7) and fifth in rushing yards (135.3). Morgan's familiarity with Shanahan's offense is sure to benefit the Falcons offensive line in 2015, leading to ideally a seamless transition as it learns the new system.
3. 1,000-Yard Rushing Mindset: Morgan has played a vital role in producing 1,000-yard rushers throughout his NFL coaching career, including the last three seasons. In 2014 with Seattle, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 1,306 yards. The previous two years, Morgan helped Washington running back Alfred Morris surpass 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons, 1,613 yards in 2012 and 1,275 yards in 2013. Look for Morgan's expertise to add a significant boost to the team's rushing efforts in 2015.
4. 4.9 Yards-Per-Carry Average: Shanahan described some goals for his team's running backs in 2015, including rushing for more than four yards per attempt. Morgan set the bar high for average yards per carry during his time as an assistant offensive line coach with the Oakland Raiders. In 2010, the Raiders earned the NFL's 10th-ranked offense, averaging 354.6 total yards per game, while also recording a 4.9 yards-per-carry average. Oakland scored 19 rushing touchdowns, tied for second most in the NFL that season.
5. High School Coaching Hats: Morgan's NFL coaching career didn't start in Oakland until after spending five seasons wearing a lot of hats at the high school level, serving as an offensive line coach, special teams coordinator, offensive coordinator and an assistant head coach at Westfield High in Houston. He welcomes his latest opportunity with the Falcons, fueled with plenty of coaching and playing experience, stemming from his days as an offensive lineman for the University of Colorado (1995-'99).
