Matt Ryan is moving closer to a potential return to Atlanta, this time in a front-office role.
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The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback has emerged as the leading candidate to become the team's president of football operations and is scheduled to formally interview for the position later this week, as relayed by Pro Football Talk.
One possible hurdle appears to have been cleared. There had been some belief that Ryan hoped to continue working as an analyst on CBS' pregame show while also taking the Falcons job. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Ryan would step away from his television role if he is hired by Atlanta.
Given the scope of the president position as outlined by the Falcons, juggling both roles was always going to be difficult. The job carries broad oversight and significant day-to-day responsibilities, leaving little room for outside commitments without creating conflicts.
Other high-profile figures around the league have taken different approaches. Tom Brady has continued calling games while serving as a minority owner of the Raiders, and Troy Aikman has balanced broadcasting with consulting work for the Dolphins. Ryan, however, appears prepared to make a clean break if the Falcons offer him the position.
Atlanta must still complete its Rooney Rule requirements before making anything official. Even so, the momentum continues to point toward Ryan eventually landing the job and beginning the next phase of his career with the franchise he once led on the field.
