NFL News: Falcons hire Matt Ryan to become president of football

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The Atlanta Falcons have added one of the team’s greatest players to their front office.

The Falcons announced Saturday that former quarterback Matt Ryan, who spent the first 14 years of his 15-year NFL career with the team after being drafted third overall in 2008, will serve as president of football on Saturday. Ryan, 40, who holds team records for passing yards, touchdowns and wins, will assume his new role immediately.

Ryan will report directly to owner Arthur Blank and work with President and CEO Greg Beadles to ensure alignment of the business and football areas of the organization.

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Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) on the sideline before being inducted into the team’s ring of honor during halftime of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on October 3, 2024. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)

“Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and relentless drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise history,” Blank said in a statement.

“I am confident that these same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he assumes 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 a deep understanding of today’s NFL, as well as a unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship-caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans around the world.”

The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris on Sunday after 8-9 consecutive seasons. The Falcons had won their last four games, leading some to believe Morris might be given a third season, but Blank had other plans.

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CBS sports broadcaster Matt Ryan before a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on November 16, 2025. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)

The Falcons also fired general manager Terry Fontenot after five seasons on Sunday. Ryan will be fully involved in the team’s search for the Falcons’ next head coach and general manager.

“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he did it again today,” Ryan said in a statement.

“As much as I appreciate my time with the Colts and with CBS, I have always been a Falcon. It’s great to be home. I couldn’t be more excited, grateful or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the city of Atlanta and most importantly our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I am more than ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.

Ryan spent the last three seasons as a member of the CBS Sports team as an analyst.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on January 2, 2022. (Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)

“I want to thank the incredible team at CBS Sports. I loved my three years there and am truly grateful for their support in pursuing this opportunity. The culture at CBS Sports is incredible and I have made teammates and friends for life,” Ryan said in a statement.

Ryan, who was drafted out of Boston College, played with the Falcons for 14 seasons and holds numerous franchise records, including passing yards (59,735), attempts (8,003), completions (5,242), passing touchdowns (367), passer rating (94.6), completion percentage (65.5) and 300-yard games (73).

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