Falcons hire Matt Ryan as president of football operations as franchise overhaul begins

Matt Ryan was named the Falcons’ president of football Saturday. 

The franchise legend spent nearly his entire NFL career in Atlanta and will come full circle as the leader in the front office. 

He will be leaving his job as a CBS NFL analyst.

“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,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a press release. 

“I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role. From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and 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 and Falcons fans everywhere.”

Ryan will be responsible for hiring the team’s new head coach and general manager after Atlanta fired ex-coach Raheem Morris and former GM Terry Fontenot shortly after their regular-season finale. 

The former NFL MVP’s return to the franchise has appeared likely since late December when Fox insider Jay Glazer reported that Blank has “had conversations” with Ryan about heading back to Atlanta for a “significant” front-office role.

“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said in a statement posted to the team’s website. “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. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.”

Ryan, 40, was drafted No. 3 overall by the Falcons in 2008, spending 14 years with the franchise before a final season in the league with the Colts. 

He had been an analyst for CBS since retiring in 2022. 

The Falcons are looking to get back on track after finishing 8-9 this season, missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year, the longest streak in the NFC.