As a player, Matt Ryan spent 14 of his 15 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Now, he's going back to the franchise, this time as an executive.
The Falcons hired Ryan as their next president,the team announced on Saturday.
"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," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank. "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."
Themove was expected following the firingsof head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot in January. That same day, Blank wrote a letter to the fan base announcing the Falcons would hire a president of football from outside the organization. Blank said the person hired in the role will "set the vision and identity for our team." Blank added that he would look to move quickly to bring someone into that position.
Shortly after Blank's message was sent out, rumors circulated suggesting Ryan was already being viewed as the top candidate for the position. The following day, it was reported Ryan would officiallyinterview for the role.
Given the amount of rumors suggesting Ryan was likely to get the job, the Falcons could face scrutiny from the NFL over the team's adherence to the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates before making a hire. The Falcons ultimately did interview minority candidates, one of who — Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham — could become Atlanta's GM under Ryan.
After being selected by the Falcons with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan spent his first 14 seasons with the team. He threw for 367 touchdowns with the team, making four Pro Bowl appearances and winning the NFL MVP award in 2016. Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs six times during his tenure as the team's starter, reaching the Super Bowl in 2016. Despite gaining a 28-3 advantage in the game, the Falcons blew that lead, losing to the New England Patriots.
Following the 2021 NFL season, the Falcons traded Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. Ryan spent one year with the Colts, tossing 14 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 12 starts. Ryan was released by the team in 2023, but did not officially retire until the following year, as the Colts still owed him $12 million in 2023.
He signed a one-day deal with the Falcons in 2024 to announce his retirement and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor later that year.
While sitting out in 2023,Ryan joined CBS Sports as a broadcaster. After Ryan became a candidate to be the Falcons' president, there was confusion over whetherRyan would try to keep his job as a broadcasterin addition to being the Falcons' president. There is precedent for that type of arrangement. Despite holding a front-office role with the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Brady continues to broadcast games for Fox.
While it was initially reported Ryan wanted to keep both jobs, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network said that wasn't the case, and thatRyan would leave CBS Sports if hired by the Falcons.
"I want to thank the incredible team at CBS Sports," Ryan said in a statement. "I loved my three years there and I am truly grateful for their support in pursuing this opportunity. The CBS Sports Culture is amazing, and I have made teammates and friends for life."
With Ryan reportedly in the fold, the former quarterback has a lot of work to do this offseason. The Falcons are not only in the market for a new general manager and head coach, but the team is also looking to rebound after going 8-9 last season.
While the team made small strides on defense — thanks to the additions of 2025 first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. — it regressed on offense, where Michael Penix turned in a rocky first season as the team's starter before an injury led to veteran Kirk Cousins getting starts down the stretch.
Solving all the team's issues this offseason could prove difficult. Following the team's trade-up to select Pearce in 2025, theFalcons don't own a first-round pickin the 2026 NFL Draft. The team is also without a fifth-round draft pick, leaving the Falcons with just five picks in 2026.
While the Falcons' lack of draft capital in the short term is a concern, Ryan can somewhat offset that by making the right moves in the front office. As the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots can attest, the right hire can propel a team from worst-to-first in a single season.
After finishing in third place in the NFC South this season, the Falcons don't even need to go that far. Whether they can get there depends on the football acumen and intelligence Ryan showed as a player carrying over into his new role as an executive.
