Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan is returning to the team that used a first-round pick to select him back in 2008. He is rejoining the Atlanta Falcons while taking over as President of Football.
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The Falcons accepted the news on Saturday morning shortly after Ryan accepted the job. He moves into this role, effective immediately while overseeing all aspects of football for the organization and collaborating with Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles.
Ryan will assist the Falcons as the team searches for a new head coach and general manager to replace Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, respectively. The new hires will both report directly to Ryan moving forward.
Ryan spent 14 seasons with the Falcons (2008-2021) while leading the team to the playoffs five times. He took the team to the NFC championship twice and the Super Bowl once while throwing for 59,735 yards, 376 touchdowns, and 170 interceptions.
He won Offensive Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and earned four trips to the Pro Bowl during his time in Atlanta. Ryan closed out his NFL career with one season in Indianapolis and then he joined CBS Sports as an analyst. He will now exit this role while reuniting with the Falcons.
A statement from Matt Ryan on CBS Sports: pic.twitter.com/bQbc6qtLQF
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) January 10, 2026
"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," said team owner Arthur Blank. "I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into 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 an astute understanding of today's NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere."
Reports of this reunion began in late December when Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Blank was considering Ryan for a front office role. The team then partially confirmed these reports by creating the new position of President of Football.
The Falcons interviewed multiple people in recent days. This included Ian Cunningham, Josh Williams, Mike Disner, and Brandt Tillis. Yet, Ryan remained the favorite to take over this newly-created position.
You have to earn it in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/Iox6gdXyEo
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 10, 2026
"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said in a press release. "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.
"I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I'm beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence."
