As a participant, Matt Ryan spent 14 of his 15 seasons within the NFL as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Now, he is going back to the franchise, this time as an government.
The Falcons employed Ryan as their subsequent president, the team announced on Saturday.
“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,” stated Falcons proprietor Arthur Blank. “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.”
The move was expected following the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and common supervisor Terry Fontenot in January. That identical day, Blank wrote a letter to the fan base saying the Falcons would hire a president of soccer from exterior the group. Blank stated the individual employed within the function will “set the vision and identity for our team.” Blank added that he would look to transfer rapidly to carry somebody into that place.
Advertisement
Shortly after Blank’s message was despatched out, rumors circulated suggesting Ryan was already being considered as the highest candidate for the place. The following day, it was reported Ryan would formally interview for the role.
Given the quantity of rumors suggesting Ryan was doubtless to get the job, the Falcons might face scrutiny from the NFL over the crew’s adherence to the Rooney Rule, which requires groups to interview no less than two minority candidates earlier than making a hire.
After being chosen by the Falcons with the No. 3 general decide within the 2008 NFL Draft, Ryan spent his first 14 seasons with the crew. He threw for 367 touchdowns with the crew, making 4 Pro Bowl appearances and successful the NFL MVP award in 2016. Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs six occasions throughout his tenure as the crew’s starter, reaching the Super Bowl in 2016. Despite gaining a 28-3 lead within the recreation, the Falcons blew that lead, dropping to the New England Patriots.
Following the 2021 NFL season, the Falcons traded Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts. Ryan spent one 12 months with the Colts, tossing 14 touchdowns in opposition to 13 interceptions in 12 begins. Ryan was launched by the crew in 2023, however didn’t formally retire till the next 12 months, as the Colts nonetheless owed him $12 million in 2023.
Advertisement
He signed a one-day take care of the Falcons in 2024 to announce his retirement and was inducted into the crew’s Ring of Honor later that 12 months.
While sitting out in 2023, Ryan joined CBS Sports as a broadcaster. After Ryan grew to become a candidate to be the Falcons’ president, there was confusion over whether or not Ryan would try to keep his job as a broadcaster as well as to being the Falcons’ president. There is precedent for that sort of association. Despite holding a front-office function with the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Brady continues to broadcast video games for Fox.
While it was initially reported Ryan wished to hold each jobs, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network stated that wasn’t the case, and that Ryan would leave CBS Sports if hired by the Falcons.
“I want to thank the incredible team at CBS Sports,” Ryan stated in an announcement. “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.”
With Ryan reportedly within the fold, the previous quarterback has quite a bit of work to do that offseason. The Falcons usually are not solely available in the market for a new common supervisor and head coach, however the crew can also be wanting to rebound after going 8-9 final season.
Advertisement
While the crew made small strides on protection — thanks to the additions of 2025 first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. — it regressed on offense, the place Michael Penix turned in a rocky first season as the crew’s starter earlier than an damage led to veteran Kirk Cousins getting begins down the stretch.
Solving all of the crew’s points this offseason might show troublesome. Following the crew’s trade-up to choose Pearce in 2025, the Falcons don’t own a first-round pick within the 2026 NFL Draft. The crew can also be with no fifth-round draft decide, leaving the Falcons with simply 5 picks in 2026.
While the Falcons’ lack of draft capital within the brief time period is a priority, Ryan can considerably offset that by making the correct strikes within the entrance workplace. As the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots can attest, the correct hire can propel a crew from worst-to-first in a single season.
After ending in third place within the NFC South this season, the Falcons do not even want to go that far. Whether they’ll get there relies on the soccer acumen and intelligence Ryan confirmed as a participant carrying over into his new function as an government.