The Atlanta Falcons appear ready to reconnect with one of the most influential figures in franchise history, this time far from the huddle. CBS Sports analyst Matt Ryan is expected to be hired as the team’s first president of football operations, according to several reports.
The move follows Atlanta’s decision to dismiss general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris. The firings signal a sweeping reset of the organization’s football leadership structure. Falcons owner Arthur Blank confirmed Monday the team will add a new layer atop football operations. The president of football operations will hold final authority over on-field decisions. Both the head coach and general manager will report directly to that position.
“The leader in this new role will set the vision and identity for our team,” Blank said in a statement. He said the position is designed to align football and business operations. The role aims to deliver consistent on-field success and strengthen fan engagement. Blank also said the organization intends to move quickly. The new executive will help guide the hiring of the next head coach and general manager
Ryan’s name has been connected to the role for weeks. FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported in December that conversations were already underway between the Falcons and their former quarterback about a potential front office return.
If finalized, the hire would represent one of the most high-profile transitions from franchise quarterback to senior executive in recent NFL history.
The Falcons have not reached the postseason since 2017. The franchise has posted losing records in each of the five seasons Fontenot served as general manager. Morris led the team for the final two years of that stretch, but failed to reverse the downward trend.
Ryan, currently an NFL analyst for CBS Sports, remains the most accomplished quarterback the franchise has ever known. Drafted third overall in 2008, he led Atlanta to six playoff appearances over 14 seasons, including a run to Super Bowl LI during his 2016 MVP campaign.
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