ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons introduced Matt Ryan as the team’s president of football on Tuesday, a new position by team owner Arthur Blank that may have been created solely for the franchise’s greatest quarterback in history.
The team is still searching for its new general manager and head coach.
The announcement of Ryan’s hiring last week came after Blank fired both Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris from their positions of general manager and head coach, respectively, on Jan. 4.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he is looking for “compatibility” between the head coach and general manager.
Fontenot and Morris were fired only hours after the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints, finishing with a second consecutive record of 8-9.
Less than 24 hours later, Blank announced Rich McKay has been replaced as president and CEO of the team by team President Greg Beadles.
Blank said the president of football “will set the vision and identity” for the team. When hired, the team’s general manager and head coach will report to Ryan, who, in turn, will report to Blank.
“The best of the best find ways to get to common ground,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s hiring came after the Falcons completed their eighth straight losing season. The 2016 NFL MVP had been serving as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports since his retirement in 2024.
Ryan signed off on his CBS Sports assignment on Sunday, ahead of the Buffalo Bills-Jacksonville Jaguars AFC wildcard game.
Matt Ryan’s major milestones with the Atlanta Falcons
2008 — Drafted: Selected No. 3 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft.2008 — Immediate impact/award: Became the Falcons’ starting quarterback as a rookie and won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.2008–2021 — Franchise QB / records: Served as Atlanta’s full‑time starting QB for 14 seasons, becoming the Falcons’ all‑time leader in career passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions and starts. He established himself as the face of the franchise throughout this period.Multiple seasons — Pro Bowls & accolades: Earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and several single‑season team and league recognitions (including franchise records and top NFL passing seasons).2016 season (played in early 2017) — MVP & Super Bowl: Had a career year (4,944 passing yards, 38 TDs), won the AP NFL MVP award, and led the Falcons to Super Bowl LI (Feb 5, 2017). Atlanta lost to the New England Patriots in overtime after holding a 28–3 lead.March 2022 — End of Falcons tenure: Traded to the Indianapolis Colts, formally ending his time as the Falcons’ starting quarterback.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.