Falcons hire former star QB Ryan as president of football

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former star quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan as their new president of football, the team announced Saturday.

Ryan assumes the position immediately and will oversee all aspects of football for the organization. He will report to owner Arthur Blank and work with Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles.

"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," Blank said in a statement. "I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role."

Ryan interviewed with the Falcons on Friday evening. Atlanta interviewed four other executives for the job: the Chicago Bears' Ian Cunningham, Detroit Lions' Mike Disner, Carolina Panthers' Brandt Tilis, and San Francisco 49ers' Josh Williams.

Ryan, 40, will now help lead the Falcons' search for a general manager and head coach. The team will interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Saturday for its head coaching position, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Ryan played in the NFL for 15 seasons from 2008-23. He spent 14 seasons with the Falcons, leading the team to the postseason five times and making one Super Bowl appearance. Ryan spent his final season with the Indianapolis Colts and retired in April 2024.

He spent the last three seasons working for CBS as a game and studio analyst.

"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said. "While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I've always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity."