Matt Ryan Hired As Falcons' President of Football, Latest NFL Rumors on HC Search

The long-rumored addition of Matt Ryan to the Atlanta Falcons front office is now done.

Team owner Arthur Blank officially announced Ryan's hiring as Falcons president of football:

"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. 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."

It was also confirmed thatRyan will leave his role at CBS Sports after taking the position:

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, one of Ryan's first tasks in his new job will be taking part in the Falcons' interview on Saturday with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their vacant head coaching position.

Pelissero reported on Sunday that the Falcons have requested an interview with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero:

After the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following an 8-9 record this season, Blank wrote in a letter to their fans they were adding a president of football position:

"The leader in this new role will set the vision and identity for our team. 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. Final decision-making authority will rest with the president of football."

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Blank elaborated on the position by saying it will involve a constant "dialogue" between the president, head coach and general manager, with the latter two reporting directly to the president of football.

Pelissero noted the Falcons did interview outside candidates for the position, including Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, Detroit Lions chief operating officer Mike Disner, Carolina Panthers executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis and San Francisco 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams.

Ryan, who spent 14 seasons playing for the Falcons from 2008 to '21, was viewed as the frontrunner for the job as soon as it was announced. He is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Since his playing career ended after the 2022 season, Ryan spent three years as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports. He was part of the network's pregame show since 2024.

The Falcons haven't made the playoffs or finished with a winning record since the 2017 season.