Key Takeaways
- The Hire: The Atlanta Falcons have named franchise legend Matt Ryan as the team’s first-ever President of Football.
- The Authority: Ryan will oversee all football operations and report directly to owner Arthur Blank, leading the search for a new head coach and general manager.
- The Search: Within 24 hours of his hire, Ryan has already completed an interview with former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski.
- The Clean Slate: The move follows the firing of head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 finish to the 2025 season.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The most decorated player in Atlanta Falcons history is coming home to save the franchise. On Saturday, owner Arthur Blank officially introduced former MVP Matt Ryan as the team’s new President of Football, a move designed to bridge the gap between the front office and the field after eight consecutive losing seasons.
The Power Pivot in Atlanta
Matt Ryan isn’t just a figurehead. Tasked with the organization’s complete restructuring, Ryan has been handed the keys to the building. His first order of business: finding a successor to Raheem Morris. On Sunday, Ryan led a high-stakes interview with Kevin Stefanski, the two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year who was recently let go by Cleveland. The connection is natural—Stefanski was Ryan’s quarterback coach in Minnesota, and their relationship is cited as a primary reason for the early interest.
https://x.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/2010758800287101241
The hire marks a radical shift in Arthur Blank’s philosophy. By installing Ryan—who spent 14 seasons as the face of the franchise—the Falcons are betting on “football IQ” and leadership over traditional front-office experience. Ryan’s immediate focus is stabilizing a roster that features elite young talent like Bijan Robinson and Drake London but has struggled to find identity at the quarterback position despite Kirk Cousins’ veteran presence.
- The Resume: Ryan holds franchise records for passing yards (59,735) and touchdowns (367).
- The Strategy: Ryan will lead the search for both a Head Coach and a General Manager, ensuring “alignment” across all levels.
- The Candidates: Beyond Stefanski, the Falcons have interviewed Seahawks coordinators Klint Kubiak and Aden Durde, as well as Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver.
“I’ve Always Been a Falcon”
Ryan’s transition was made public in dramatic fashion during his final appearance as an analyst for CBS’s The NFL Today on Sunday. In a poignant sign-off, Ryan reflected on his 20-year journey with the organization before turning his focus to the future of the red and black.
“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today. While I appreciate the time I had with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.” — Matt Ryan, Falcons President of Football
“Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our history. I have full confidence and trust in Matt to deliver a championship-caliber team.” — Arthur Blank, Falcons Owner
What’s Next: The Search Intensifies
The Falcons have scheduled a formal introductory news conference for Ryan on Tuesday. In the meantime, the interview carousel is spinning fast. Rumors suggest Ryan is looking for a coach who can maximize the window of the current offensive core while preparing for the eventual transition to a long-term solution at quarterback. With the Falcons holding a top-15 pick in the 2026 Draft, Ryan’s first major executive decision will define the next decade of football in Georgia.
