Rumors have been circulating for several weeks that former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan could take on a leadership role in Atlanta to help steer the team back in the right direction. Now it’s official: The Atlanta Falcons have named their former franchise quarterback President of Football.
The former playmaker was selected third by the Falcons in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The 2008 NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year ushered in a new era in Atlanta. Until 2021, Ryan was on the field as a signal caller for the Dirty Birds, was elected to the Pro Bowl four times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016) and led the team to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season. Even though Ryan wasn’t able to bring the Lombardi Trophy to the Georgia capital in the end, he was always a big factor for the Falcons and the fans in Atlanta, both personally and athletically.
Ryan announced his retirement as an active athlete in April 2024 and signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Falcon after one season with the Indianapolis Colts. On October 3, 2024, the Falcons inducted him as the 14th member of their official Ring of Honor.
“During his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership skills, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and tireless desire to win made him the winningest player in our franchise’s history,” Blank said. “I am confident that these same qualities will serve our organization well in his new role. From his time as a player to his stint as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been immersed in the game and has a deep understanding of today’s NFL and unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence in Matt as we strive to build a championship-caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.”
Ryan accepted the position early Saturday morning and will immediately be fully involved in the search for the organization’s next head coach and general manager. As President of Football, Ryan will also lead the Falcons’ administrative and logistical processes in the future to enable sporting success. His responsibilities will include, among other things, monitoring budget, personnel, team travel, compliance and game operations organization. Ryan will therefore act as an interface between the coaching staff, management and administration.
“Arthur gave me the opportunity of a lifetime almost twenty years ago and today he has done it again,” said Matt Ryan upon his appointment. “I know firsthand how great the foundations of this organization are and I am confident we can build on them and cement a culture of accountability, tenacity, resilience and winning,” Ryan said. “Setting clear expectations for every single person who enters Flowery Branch or wears a Falcons jersey, reinvigorating our approach with strategic thinking, and being disciplined in seeking short-term wins to position ourselves for long-term success are all priorities and principles I will bring to this role. (…) My history with this team speaks for itself, and I am truly grateful for that and for the great relationship I am fortunate to have with Arthur and his family. I also recognize that side of football is not what I grew up with. I have played, I have commented, but I have not participated directly. I am humble enough to recognize that there will be a baptism of fire, but I am ready for it. I know that I have great resources and partners throughout the league. However, I understand the importance of such a role – I have experienced it myself “It’s not a new table, it’s just a new place.”
In addition, Greg Beadles was promoted from president to president and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons a few days ago, “effective today as successor to Rich McKay.” With the promotion of Greg Beadles, Rich McKay can now fully focus on key AMBSE initiatives, including: major events in Atlanta in the near future, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the renovation of MBS and the construction of a world-class training facility for AMBSE’s new NWSL franchise and the launch of that team in 2028, as well as other business development and organizational projects in various stages of planning.
In a letter to fans, owner Arthur Blank explained the decisions made just one day after the end of the 2025 regular season as follows:
“I know that trust is built through actions, not words. Honesty, commitment and responsibility must be reflected in the way this organization operates and performs. Going forward, every decision will be made with a clear goal: to build a team that has sustained success and can compete for championships. I am confident that with our new football structure and leadership, we will soon be back in contention for the title. We are fully focused on filling these and other key positions with outstanding talent and getting them right before this crucial offseason to promote.”
