The Atlanta Falcons have hired former quarterback Matt Ryan as their new president of football operations, marking a significant front-office change following the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Ryan, who spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons with the franchise, will oversee the team's football vision and identity. This move comes amid a broader NFL coaching carousel, including the surprise dismissal of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons.
The Atlanta Falcons announced on Saturday the hiring of franchise legend Matt Ryan as president of football operations, a role aimed at reshaping the team's direction after a disappointing 8-9 season. Ryan, who retired after the 2022 campaign following a 15-year career that included a 2016 MVP award and a Super Bowl appearance, returns to the organization that drafted him third overall in 2008. Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated in a letter to fans that the new president would 'set the vision and identity for our team,' emphasizing a swift transition to stabilize operations.
This appointment follows the dismissals of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday, after the Falcons missed the playoffs despite winning their final four games. Morris finished with a 16-18 record over two seasons, while Fontenot's tenure included trading away the team's 2026 first-round pick in an aggressive 2025 move that ultimately fell short. Ryan completed his interview for the position on Friday and was seen as the frontrunner, bringing his intimate knowledge of the franchise to the executive suite.
The hiring occurs against a backdrop of widespread NFL changes. Earlier in the week, the Miami Dolphins fired coach Mike McDaniel after a 35-35 record over four seasons, and the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh, who compiled a 193-124 mark including a Super Bowl victory. The Dolphins and Cleveland Browns have since requested interviews with Harbaugh for their vacancies, highlighting his appeal in the coaching market. Meanwhile, the Dolphins hired Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager to lead the search for McDaniel's replacement.
Ryan's role will involve guiding the search for a new head coach and general manager, potentially including candidates like former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski or Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has already interviewed with Atlanta. As the Falcons aim to rebound, Ryan's leadership is expected to leverage his on-field experience to foster a competitive culture.
