The Atlanta Falcons have officially entered a new chapter, and they are doing so by turning to the most decorated player in franchise history. On Saturday morning, owner Arthur Blank announced the hiring of former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan as the team’s new President of Football.
This landmark move comes just days after a sweeping organizational overhaul that saw the dismissals of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following an 8-9 finish to the 2025 season. For Ryan, who spent 14 seasons under center for the Falcons, the appointment marks a rapid transition from the CBS broadcast booth to the highest levels of NFL management.
A New Vision for Flowery Branch
In this newly created role, Ryan will oversee all aspects of the Falcons’ football operations. Unlike a traditional General Manager, Ryan will sit atop the football hierarchy, reporting directly to Arthur Blank. Notably, the team’s next head coach and general manager will both report directly to Ryan, giving the former quarterback total authority over the team’s on-field direction.
“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Why Now? The Blank Strategy
Arthur Blank, 83, has been vocal about his frustration with the team’s performance. The Falcons have now endured eight consecutive losing seasons, a drought that began shortly after the team’s Super Bowl LI appearance during Ryan’s MVP campaign.
Despite Ryan’s lack of formal front-office experience, Blank emphasized that the quarterback’s “football IQ and EQ” (emotional intelligence) made him the ideal candidate to stabilize the franchise.
“Matt has always been a student of the game,” Blank stated. “He brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship-caliber team for Atlanta.”
The Search Begins Immediately
The “Ice” isn’t waiting for a honeymoon period. Ryan’s first and most critical task is leading the search for a new head coach and GM. He has reportedly already begun “homework” on several candidates, aided by close friend and current Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles.
Candidates already linked to the search include:
- Ian Cunningham: Chicago Bears Assistant GM (considered a strong favorite for the GM role).
- Mike Disner: Detroit Lions COO.
- Josh Williams: San Francisco 49ers Director of Scouting.
Leaving the Booth
To accept the position, Ryan will depart CBS Sports, where he has served as a lead game and studio analyst since his retirement. While other NFL figures like Tom Brady have attempted to balance ownership and broadcasting, Ryan and CBS reached a mutual agreement that his new role required 100% of his focus. His final appearance for the network is scheduled for Sunday, after which he will move into the Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch full-time.
The Legacy Continues
Matt Ryan’s resume as a player is unmatched in Atlanta:
- 59,735 passing yards (Franchise Record)
- 367 touchdowns (Franchise Record)
- 2016 NFL MVP
- 4-time Pro Bowler
Now, he faces his toughest challenge yet: translating those on-field heroics into executive success. Fans in Atlanta are hopeful that the leader who saved the franchise in 2008 can do it once more—this time from the front office.