NFL Rumors on Matt Ryan's Influence in Falcons' HC Search After Raheem Morris Fired

Legendary Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan reportedly is expected to play a sizable role in the organization's search for a new head coach and general manager according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Falcons announced on Friday that they had completed an interview with Ryan.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Ryan has been "doing homework on candidates for weeks." That comes amid Rapoport reporting that Ryan is "likely" to be hired as the Falcons' new president of football:

If hired, Ryan reportedly would no longer continue to do his CBS role:

On Sunday, after finishing the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.

The Falcons' search to replace Morris has already begun in earnest, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Monday that they requested an interview with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and Pelissero reported that Atlanta requested to speak with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver about the head coaching vacancy.

The Falcons ended the season on a four-game winning streak, including a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but it wasn't enough to save Morris and Fontenot.

▶️ Full Saints-Falcons Recap

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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the feeling within the Falcons organization was that the last four wins were "largely hollow," and the team "needed that intensity when they were going 3-7 through the first 10 games."

Atlanta went 8-9 and missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons under Morris, and the Falcons have not been a playoff team since 2017 when Ryan was still the quarterback.

Originally selected by the Falcons with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft out of Boston College, Ryan firmly established himself as the best quarterback in Falcons history.

Nicknamed "Matty Ice," Ryan spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons in Atlanta before finishing his career with one campaign as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

During his time with the Falcons, Ryan was a four-time Pro Bowler, one-time First Team All-Pro and the 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance and was named NFL MVP in 2016.

Ryan is the Falcons' all-time leader in most major quarterback categories, including wins (120), passing yardage (59,735) and passing touchdowns (367).

While Ryan is a highly respected figure in the football world, he has never held a front office job before.

He has served as an NFL analyst for CBS since retiring as a player after the 2022 season, and it is fair to wonder if his lack of front office experience could make the transition to Falcons president of football a difficult one.

Regardless, the Falcons are in desperate need of a shakeup, as they have now gone eight straight seasons without a playoff appearance.

Ryan at least figures to have some quality coaching candidates at his disposal since Atlanta presents a fairly desirable situation.

The Falcons have young stars on offense in running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, a young quarterback with at least some promise in Michael Penix Jr. and a defense that was second in the NFL this season with 57 sacks.

Of the head coaching jobs currently available, an argument could be made for Atlanta being the best one, which may work in Ryan's favor.