Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has returned to the franchise as president of football operations, driven by a desire to deliver the team's first championship. Named to the role on Saturday, Ryan's immediate focus is leading the search for a new head coach and general manager following recent firings. He emphasized his lifelong connection to the organization during his first news conference on Tuesday.
In Flowery Branch, Georgia, Matt Ryan addressed reporters for the first time since his appointment, expressing a clear motivation rooted in his 14-year tenure as the Falcons' starting quarterback. Ryan, who earned the 2016 NFL MVP award and guided the team to the Super Bowl that year, noted the absence of a championship as a lingering drive. "To the Falcons fans, my mission since I was drafted has never changed," Ryan said. "It is to help this organization do everything it can to be champions and to win championships. And there is a sense of unfinished business."
The Falcons parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 regular season finish. Owner Arthur Blank created the president of football position as part of broader front office restructuring, with Ryan assuming leadership of football operations from Greg Beadles, who remains president and CEO. The new coach and general manager will report directly to Ryan, whom Blank described as overseeing "everything between football and grass."
Blank praised Ryan's selection, recounting a conversation with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We feel he's a perfect choice," Blank said, adding that Goodell responded, "you're not going to find anybody better, smarter, more committed, a better human being, a better leader for the NFL and for your franchise."
Ryan clarified he would not meddle in day-to-day decisions traditionally handled by the coach and general manager. Having spent three years as an NFL analyst for CBS, he stated this role was only appealing with the Falcons, where he feels deeply connected. He highlighted the team's young talent, including solid offensive linemen, running back Bijan Robinson, and defensive pieces. Ryan also expressed admiration for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from season-ending knee surgery.
In his first three days, the Falcons interviewed six head coaching candidates, including former Baltimore coach John Harbaugh and former Miami coach Mike McDaniel. Blank stressed the importance of hiring both roles simultaneously to foster collaboration. Ryan's family, including his wife Sarah and three sons, attended the news conference, with the boys donning his old Falcons jerseys.
