Falcons Name Ryan New President of Football

Read Time:2 Minute, 0 Second

The Atlanta Falcons named Matt Ryan as their new President of Football and will now start looking to hire its new GM and Head Coach as soon as possible. Author Blank had the following to say in his press conference:

Leading Atlanta pic.twitter.com/EECcmfVhK1
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 10, 2026

“Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role. From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and he brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship-caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.”

A renewed commitment to success 🫡 pic.twitter.com/MGglaNqkmR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 10, 2026

Given the number of rumors suggesting Ryan was likely to get the job, the Falcons could face scrutiny from the NFL over the team’s adherence to the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates before making a hire. The Falcons ultimately did interview minority candidates, one of whom — Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham — could become Atlanta’s GM under Ryan.

Matt Ryan discusses his new role as President of Football for the @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/4NqptA2tDx
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 11, 2026

After being selected by the Falcons with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan spent his first 14 seasons with the team. He threw for 367 touchdowns with the team, making four Pro Bowl appearances and winning the NFL MVP award in 2016. Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs six times during his tenure as the team’s starter, reaching the Super Bowl in the 2016 season.

Matt Ryan speaks from the heart about his time at CBS Sports ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6RNyZhjR9m
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 11, 2026

Ryan was expected to keep his job at CBS Sports but had this to say at his press conference about that very question:
“I want to thank the incredible team at CBS Sports,” Ryan said in a statement. “I loved my three years there and I am truly grateful for their support in pursuing this opportunity. The CBS Sports Culture is amazing, and I have made teammates and friends for life.”

Courtesy: Yahoo Sports