Football
Jan 11, 2026
Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has been named President of Football Operations. Here’s what his new role means for Atlanta’s future. Photo by: Sportsnet
The Atlanta Falcons are bringing back a well-known face. Matt Ryan, the team's former quarterback, is now President of Football Operations. He'll be in charge of the big football decisions from now on.

This move shows that Atlanta wants to build its future with leadership, team knowledge, and a long-range plan, instead of looking for quick fixes.
For younger fans, it's not something you see often to watch a team legend take over the front office.
Being in charge of a football team's operations is a big deal – it's a key position with a lot of influence.
Manage team roster creation.
Team up with the GM and coaches.
Set the long-term plan for football strategy.
Make player growth fit the team's style.
Basically, this is where all football choices start.

Ryan's been with the Falcons for more than ten years. He really gets their culture, what they expect, and what's been a hit or miss in Atlanta.
Having been an MVP and captain before, Ryan gets respect right away from everyone in the league.
Ryan has seen many changes in offensive styles and gets how the game is changing now, from keeping the quarterback safe to using data, taking care of players, and managing team relationships.
Here’s a quick thought that sums it up:
Front office: “We need direction.”
Falcons: “Let’s trust someone who lived it.”
Before stepping into the executive suite, Ryan defined an era of Falcons football.
Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
Seasons with Falcons | 14 |
MVP Awards | 1 |
Franchise Records | Passing yards, TDs |
Leadership Role | Longtime team captain |
That history gives him rare credibility when making tough football calls.

This appointment suggests stability over experimentation.
The Falcons are prioritizing a clear game plan on both sides of the ball.
They're also focusing on developing their quarterback.
Their strategy includes long-term roster management.
You can expect to see fewer knee-jerk reactions from them moving forward.
All this indicates that the Falcons value patience and planning over making big, attention-grabbing changes.
It's not a brand new thing for former players to step into leadership, but it's still pretty unusual at this level.
Ryan's now part of a select group of ex-stars who are trusted to help run things inside the NFL.
The thing that makes it different? Ryan isn't just a face for the team. He's actually being asked to manage the football side of things, not just be a symbol.

This change is great news for our younger fans because it brings:
Someone to look up to
A team they can easily recognize
A stable plan for the future
It also proves that being smart about football doesn't end when you stop playing; it just keeps growing.
This job won't be a walk in the park for Ryan.
He's going to have to deal with:
Fans who want results right away
Pressure to win games fast
Tough choices about who makes the team
Mixing personal feelings with what's best for the team
Being a team legend has its perks, but it can also make hard choices even harder.

Players usually like leaders who get what's going on in the locker room.
Ryan's experience means he has:
Respect from senior players
Trust from the younger guys
A communication style that puts players first
That personal touch can be as important as the stats.
Having Matt Ryan in charge of football decisions for the Falcons is a big deal.
The Falcons are banking on his leadership, the knowledge he's gained over the years, and his sharp football mind. This team wants to find solid footing, and trusting their most respected player could be exactly what they need.
This is about more than just remembering the good old days. It’s a real plan.