In a move that signals a significant shift in the Atlanta Falcons’ front office structure, the team is set to introduce a new president of football operations role, with former star quarterback Matt Ryan emerging as the frontrunner for the position.
Ryan is set to interview this weekend — Friday or Saturday, signaliing he and the organization’s willingness to get a deal done quickly.
This development, widely reported by football insiders including Adam Shefter, comes as longtime executive Rich McKay steps away from his CEO duties with the Falcons, transitioning to a broader role within owner Arthur Blank’s business empire.
It also occurs one day after Blank fired Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot.
Falcons Set To Hire Matt Ryan in Front Office
Sources close to the organization indicate that the new president of football operations will hold primary decision-making authority over all team-related matters, including personnel, coaching, and strategy. This restructuring aims to streamline football decisions and inject fresh leadership into a franchise looking to build on recent progress under head coach Morris.
Ryan, who spent 14 seasons as the Falcons’ quarterback from 2008 to 2021, is widely regarded as one of the most beloved figures in team history.
Although it was first reported that Ryan may wish to hold onto his NFL commentator job for TV, it looks like he is willing to let it go and give the Falcons his all.
The 2016 NFL MVP led Atlanta to a Super Bowl appearance and holds numerous franchise records, including passing yards and touchdowns.
After retiring following a stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, Ryan has stayed connected to the game through broadcasting and philanthropy, often expressing his deep ties to the Atlanta community.”Matt Ryan embodies the Falcons’ spirit—resilient, intelligent, and deeply committed to winning,” said a team insider who spoke on condition of anonymity. “His football acumen and understanding of the organization’s culture make him an ideal candidate to guide the team forward.”
McKay, who has been with the Falcons since 2003 and served as CEO since 2011, will no longer oversee day-to-day football operations. Instead, he will focus on Arthur Blank’s expansive portfolio, which includes AMB Sports and Entertainment, encompassing the Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
McKay’s tenure has been marked by key achievements, such as the construction of the state-of-the-art stadium and navigating the team through multiple rebuilds.
“Rich has been instrumental in shaping the Falcons into a first-class organization,” Blank said in a statement released earlier today. “His expertise will continue to benefit our entire family of businesses as we evolve.”
The creation of this new position reflects a growing trend in the NFL, where teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have empowered dedicated football executives to handle on-field decisions separately from business operations.
For the Falcons, who finished the 2025 season with a 8-9 record but missed the playoffs, this could provide the stability needed to contend in the competitive NFC South.
Final Word
Fans have already taken to social media to express excitement about Ryan’s potential return. “Matty Ice back in the building? That’s the spark we need!” one supporter posted on social media.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days, with the team holding a press conference at Flowery Branch.
As the Falcons prepare for the offseason, including free agency and the NFL Draft, this leadership change could be the catalyst for a new era of success in Atlanta.Stay tuned to Atlanta Pro Football Insider for updates on this story and all things Falcons.