Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank announced on Thursday that former quarterback Matt Ryan will be among the candidates interviewed for the newly established role of president of football operations. This initiative comes on the heels of the firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after a disappointing 8-9 season.
Ryan, who served as the Falcons’ starting quarterback from 2008 to 2021 and holds multiple franchise records, is currently an NFL analyst for CBS. Despite lacking formal front office experience, Blank expressed confidence in Ryan’s qualifications for the role, citing his leadership during his playing career. “Matt Ryan came into the league as a rookie in 2008… leading in a huddle, being a great player, leading the players, supporting coaches,” Blank noted. “So his emotional and intellectual intelligence when it comes to football is extraordinarily high.”
Blank clarified that the new position’s title would be “president of football,” not president of football operations, to emphasize a focus solely on football-related matters. This new president will oversee the hiring of a new head coach and general manager.
The search for the right candidate has become a priority for Blank, who revealed that he has a long-standing relationship with Ryan, describing him as “an outstanding individual” and “great community leader.” While Ryan is a front-runner, Blank mentioned there are other candidates to consider over the coming days.
Acknowledging the frustration arising from eight consecutive losing seasons, Blank asserted that he felt change was necessary following the recent coaching and management issues. “It was my conclusion… that we could not achieve or were not achieving at the level that I thought this roster was capable of performing at,” he stated.
Blank also mentioned John Harbaugh, recently fired from the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons, as a potential candidate for the head coach position if he expresses interest in Atlanta.
The search for the new football president will coincide with other structural changes within the organization. Greg Beadles has been named the new president and CEO, tasked with overseeing business operations, while Rich McKay continues as CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, focusing on major events such as the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl in Atlanta.
With assistance from the consulting firm Sportsology and executive search firm ZRG Partners, the Falcons aim to revitalize their management structure and, ultimately, the team’s performance in the coming seasons. This proactive approach showcases Blank’s commitment to reshaping the franchise and striving for competitive success.