An old face is taking on a brand new position with the Atlanta Falcons.
Matt Ryan, widely recognized as the greatest quarterback in franchise history, is returning to Atlanta as president of the football team, the team announced Saturday morning.
“Throughout his incredible 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unwavering will to win made him the most successful player in our franchise history,” owner Arthur Blank said in a statement released by the team. “I am confident that these same attributes will be a tremendous asset 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 a keen understanding of today’s NFL, as well as a unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have the full confidence and trust in Matt to the team and trust the team to cover Atlanta. Falcons fans everywhere.”
Ryan, 40, has been the expected hire since Blank announced it following the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. However, the Falcons interviewed Carolina Panthers vice president Brandt Tillis, Detroit Lions COO Mike Disner, 49ers director of scouting and football Josh Williams and Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham about the position.
One of those individuals could end up as the team’s future GM, though Atlanta will keep its options open, NFL Networks insider Tom Pelissero said.
As the Falcons begin their search for a new head coach and head coach, those hired will report to Ryan, who, according to Blank’s Jan. 4 statement to fans, will have “ultimate decision-making authority.”
Ryan quarterbacked the Falcons to Super Bowl LI and won the AP NFL MVP that season in 2016. The following year, Ryan led a 10-6 Falcons team to the playoffs. It was the last time the franchise made the postseason or had a winning season. In 14 seasons with Atlanta, Ryan had 59,735 passing yards and 367 passing touchdowns, each of those stats more than double that of any other Falcons QB.
Ryan played his final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 after Atlanta’s failed attempt to trade Deshaun Watson.
Since his retirement, Ryan has served as an analyst for CBS, a role he will now move on from.
“Arthur gave me the opportunity of a lifetime almost twenty years ago and he’s done it again today,” said Ryan. “While I appreciate my time with the Colts and CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It’s great to be home. I couldn’t 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 the Atlanta fan base, and especially my commitment to Atlanta fans has not changed. I am beyond excited to help write a new chapter of excellence.”
Ryan has no previous experience of working in any kind of football management role. The obvious hope is that Ryan’s return to the Falcons franchise will lead it back to success.
As defined by Blank in his announcement of the position, the president of football will “set the vision and identity of our team.” That was Ryan’s role on the field for so many autumns. Now he will do it in the office.