Raheem Morris, Smith to join Falcons

FormerWashington Redskinssecondary coach Raheem Morris has agreed to a position with the Atlanta Falcons as assistant head coach in charge of defensive backs, a source confirmed Monday.

The Falcons also will hire Denver Broncos linebackers coach Richard Smith as defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold.

Smith had been linebackers coach for the Broncos since 2011 and a former Gary Kubiak assistant in Houston with the Texans. Had been expected to be retained as Denver's linebackers coach under Kubiak until the opportunity in Atlanta came up.

Morris spent the past three years as the secondary coach in Washington but was passed over for the defensive coordinator position. Washington hired Joe Barry last weekbut did interview Morris for the job. The Redskins and former coordinator Jim Haslett agreed to part ways after this past season.

Morris' deal with the Falcons was first reported by NFL Network.

Morris' role in Atlanta represents a promotion because of the title. The Falcons reportedly will hire Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as coach after the Super Bowl. Atlanta fired Mike Smith as its head coach after this season.

Morris served as Tampa Bay's head coach from 2009 to 2011, compiling a 17-31 record before being fired. With Washington, the Redskins' secondary was a constant issue. They struggled to stop big plays: In the past four years, the Redskins ranked 29th in allowing completions for 20 yards or more (172), according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The Redskins' secondary intercepted just five passes this past season but 24 in the first two years under Morris combined.

The Redskins will retain one holdover from last year's defensive staff -- inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti. They need to hire coaches for the secondary, defensive line and outside linebackers.