The Atlanta Falcons have officially appointed franchise icon Matt Ryan as their president of football operations. This newly created role comes as part of the organization’s efforts to restructure its front office following a disappointing 2025 season, where the team finished with an 8-9 record. Ryan, who spent 14 years as the Falcons’ quarterback, will now oversee the search for a new head coach and general manager.
Matt Ryan: A New Chapter in Leadership
At 40 years old, Ryan transitions from his role as an NFL analyst at CBS Sports to lead the Falcons’ front office. He replaces coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, both of whom were dismissed after the recent season. Ryan has no prior front office experience; however, owner Arthur Blank expressed strong confidence in his emotional and intellectual capabilities, attributes that contributed to his success as a player.
Quotes from Matt Ryan and Arthur Blank
Ryan shared his enthusiasm about rejoining the franchise, stating, “Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost 20 years ago, and he’s done it again today. While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home.”
In a statement, Blank praised Ryan’s leadership and dedication: “Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history.”
Restructuring the Front Office
Following the coaching and management changes, the Falcons have also elevated Greg Beadles to the position of president and CEO. Beadles will work closely with Ryan to align the team’s football and business objectives. This restructuring aims to revitalize a franchise that has struggled to make the playoffs since 2017.
Candidates for General Manager
The Falcons conducted interviews for the president of football operations role, considering several candidates for the general manager position as well. The list includes:
- Ian Cunningham – Chicago Bears Assistant General Manager
- Mike Disner – Detroit Lions COO
- Josh Williams – San Francisco 49ers Director of Scouting and Football Operations
- Brandt Tillis – Carolina Panthers Executive Vice President
Sources indicate that Cunningham is a leading candidate. He has a prior connection to Ryan, having been a teammate at Boston College.
Ryan’s Legacy with the Falcons
Matt Ryan is regarded as one of the greatest players in Falcons history. He has set numerous franchise records, including:
- Career Passing Yards: 59,745
- Career Touchdowns: 367
As Ryan steps into his new role, expectations are high for his leadership to guide the Falcons toward a more successful future.
