FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons officially introduced Matt Ryan as the new president of football at a press conference held at the team’s practice facility. Owner Arthur Blank and President and CEO Greg Beadles joined Ryan for the announcement.
“Matt Ryan has been an incredibly special player, leader,” Blank said. “We couldn’t represent our team better. We couldn’t represent the National Football League better.”
Ryan’s appointment marks a new role within the organization. Blank outlined that Ryan will lead the ongoing search for both a head coach and general manager.
Ryan described his approach to his responsibilities: “What does my job look like after? That’s a great question. As we’ve done these interviews, I’ve been thinking about that myself because we’re diving into these things, and I’m like, ‘OK, we’ve got work to do, and this is busy and it’s intense.’ But I do think it comes down to where can I support? Depending on who it is at the head coach position or who it is at the general manager position, in what ways can I help? And that’s really how I view it.”
The Falcons ended their 2025 season with an 8-9 record, marking their eighth straight year without reaching the playoffs. In response, Blank made several organizational changes aimed at improving future performance.
Blank emphasized Ryan’s main objective: “This role and this responsibility is primarily involved with one thing: winning football games,” he said. “We have to win football games. That’s our goal. That’s Matt’s major job.”
Ryan added: “My mission since I was drafted has never changed. It’s to help this organization do everything it can to be champions and to win championships.” The Falcons have appeared in two Super Bowls—in 1998 and 2016—but have not won an NFL championship according to their official website.
“There is a sense of unfinished business,” Ryan said.
Currently, Ryan leads the committee interviewing candidates for head coach and general manager positions. He explained that while he will provide guidance, final decisions on coaching staff or roster management remain with those hired for those roles.
“We’re going to come together; we’re going to work collaboratively, and we’ll make a recommendation to Mr. Blank of what we think,” Ryan said regarding the hiring process.
Blank clarified: “Matt’s made it clear to me: He has no desire to do their job,” noting that coaches will select their own staff while general managers handle roster construction through drafts and free agency.
Ryan stated: “The general manager role is going to be exactly the same as what it’s been here before… that’s something we’ve made clear… through that process.” On coaching duties he added: “I’m not trying to call plays… Not doing any of those.”
After retiring from playing in 2023—following stints with both Atlanta (2008-21) and Indianapolis (2022)—and working as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports until accepting this new position, Ryan reflected on his qualifications:
“I think when you are quarterback of an organization for a long time… it’s different from other players,” he said about his experience interacting with coaches and front office leadership over his career.
On selecting new leaders for football operations, Ryan prioritized character traits such as emotional stability and presence in potential head coaches: “I view it from the lens of what I always wanted and what I needed from coaches…”
Six candidates have interviewed for head coach so far; interviews for general manager are expected soon with both searches running concurrently per Blank’s plan.
“It’s important we land these planes about the same time,” Blank noted.
For compatibility between head coach and GM roles, Ryan said: “I think you’re looking for two people that don’t see the game polar opposite… We’re looking for people that are aligned in that vision…”
Regarding current team personnel ahead of next season’s league year starting March 11th, Ryan expressed optimism about young defensive talent along with offensive standouts like running back Bijan Robinson:
“I believe there’s a lot… We’ve got some talented pieces on the outside.”
He also commented on quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is rehabbing following knee surgery last November:
“The next thing in front of Mike is the rehab process… he’s in a good mental space right there…”
Blank shared feedback from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about hiring Ryan: “‘You’re not going to find anyone better.'”
Ryan remarked humorously on his long tenure with Atlanta: “I think I’m the first player you’ve signed to five different contracts…” referencing three player deals plus contracts upon retirement—and now—as president of football operations.
Reflecting on his connection with Atlanta since being drafted third overall in 2008 by what began as an expansion franchise in 1965 (official website), he stated:
“I didn’t know much about the city before we got here… Now here we are… it’s home. It really is…”
The Falcons’ leadership trio will continue conducting interviews as they seek new hires at key positions within football operations.
