Updated Jan. 13, 2026, 12:39 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are set to introduce Matt Ryan as their president of football on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. ET. The former league MVP is departing from his job as an NFL analyst at CBS to work full time for the franchise that drafted him with the third overall pick in 2008.
Ryan, who spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons in Atlanta, returns in a new front office role aimed at putting the best product on the field. Team owner Arthur Blank said the team president role will have final decision-making authority over the head coach and a general manager.
“Our new head coach and general manager will report to the new president of football, and they will work collaboratively as a football leadership team on all football decisions,” explained Blank. “Final decision-making authority will rest with the president of football.”
Watch Ryan’s full press conference and follow along for live updates below.
Falcons introduce Matt Ryan as President of Football (video)
“I just think you’re looking for the best football coach, whether that be offense, defense or whatever — you’re just looking for the right person in that spot,” said Ryan. “You’re looking for people that connect with players, understand how to push players, and get the best out of players. But also, you know, are there for them in other ways to support.”
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Matt Ryan on Falcons’ talent level
“I think we’ve got a special running back in Bijan and what he can do as a player,” said Ryan. “We’ve got some talented pieces on the outside. There’s a lot of good pieces that are here, but I also recognize it’s hard. It’s difficult to win in this league and it takes everyone coming together and pulling their weight.”
Matt Ryan on Falcons QB position, Michael Penix Jr.
“Yeah, I’m not hired to come in and be the quarterback coach, but, you know, I love Mike,” said Ryan. “I’ve gotten to know him through the last couple of years here in Atlanta. So anything he needs from me, I’m a part of this organization and happy to help in any way that I can. But I’m not a coach. I’m not gonna be the head coach or the quarterback coach. If asked, and if the relationship with that department is right, happy to help in any way that I can. We want what’s best for our building.”
Matt Ryan on Penix’s rehab
“He’s already at it,” Ryan said of Penix’s rehab. “I was here yesterday morning and he was in there getting after his rehab. He’s in a good mental space and he’s doing exactly what he should be doing right now.”
Matt Ryan on Falcons’ front office structure
“I think Arthur has been very clear to me with what that structure is going to look like,” said Ryan. “You know, ultimately, Arthur’s football team is his football team, but I understand the task that has been laid at my hands — that is to lead this process along with the guys and women that are along for that, but ultimately, we’re going to come together, we’re gonna work collaboratively and make a recommendation to Mr. Blank of what we think.”
Matt Ryan on what he wants from new head coach-GM combo
“I think you’re looking for two people that don’t see the game polar opposite,” said Ryan. “I think it’s difficult if you’ve got just a different view on how to best move forward so we’re looking for people who are aligned in that vision. We’re looking for people that work well together, and that doesn’t mean best friends. Sometimes that comes with seeing things a little bit differently. But the best of the best find ways to get to common ground.”
Matt Ryan on his lack of front office experience
“I think my working relationship with coaches and with general managers was different from a lot of players. When you are the quarterback of an organization for a long time, the interactions that you have with the head coach, and the meetings that you sit in their office and talk about all the different things that are going on with the football team. And the decisions that need to be made, or the alterations of a plan, or in a season of maybe changing directions — it’s different than other players,” added Ryan.
“I’ve got a lot to learn, there’s no doubt about that.”
Matt Ryan credits his wife, Sarah, for letting him take this chance
“I would not have been the player I was here if not for the support from her,” Ryan said of his wife. “She’s the reason why I can do this. It’s going to require a full commitment and all of my effort and attention. And she’s the only person I can do this with. And I love you and I appreciate that.”
Matt Ryan’s message to Falcons fans:
“To Falcons fans, my mission since I was drafted has never changed,” said Ryan. “It is to help this organization do everything it can to be champions and to win championships. And, there is a sense of unfinished business. We were close at times and we had some success here and there, but I truly believe we are gonna get there.”
Matt Ryan calls the city of Atlanta “home”
“I didn’t know much about the city before I got here,” said Ryan. “You know, and now, here we are, however many years later, it’s home. The people in this city have made it home. The fans of the Falcons have made it home. The people of this organization have made it home. To be able to come back and be a part of it is incredibly exciting for me.”
Matt Ryan officially introduced/opening statement
“Thank you to Arthur for this opportunity,” said Ryan. “I’m not sure, I should have looked this up but we’ve been busy the last couple days, but I think I’m the first player that you’ve signed to five different contracts.”
Greg Beadles discusses team’s interview process
“We’ve had six head coach interviews in the last three days.” said Beadles. “Those have just been fantastic. Matt leading those has been wonderful. Just seeing the respect back and forth from his coaches and just seeing how excited and interested they are has been super encouraging. We have a few more interviews for head coach over the next few days.”
Blank says Ryan has been involved in the interview process
“We’re thrilled to have him here,” said Blank. “All of the coaching interviews have been led by Matt.”
Arthur Blank, Matt Ryan, Greg Beadles take stage
The press conference has begun. Team owner Arthur Blank is delivering his opening remarks. (full video below).
-Follow the team’s head coach and GM search with our Falcons interview tracker!
