Ryan will report to team owner Arthur Blank, who announced his hiring.
When the club hires a new general manager and head coach, they will report to Ryan, who is tasked with overseeing football operations. He will collaborate with team president and CEO Greg Beadles, who is in charge of the business side.
The 40-year-old Ryan will make his final appearance on Sunday as a CBS Sports analyst, The Athletic reported. After that, his sole focus immediately will shift to the Falcons.
“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. “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.”
The Falcons selected Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.
Known for his remarkable durability as a player, Ryan missed just three games in his 14 seasons with Atlanta; he started all 234 games he played for the Falcons from 2008-21. He spent one final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.
With the Falcons, he compiled a 120-102 record and passed for 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Ryan was named NFL Most Valuable Player following the 2016 season. He is just one of 10 players all-time to gain more than 60,000 passing yards, including his time with the Colts.
“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost 20 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. 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.”
Ryan already has his goals in place for the Falcons.
“I know firsthand what a great foundation this organization has and I’m confident we can build on that and cement a culture of accountability, tenacity, resilience and winning,” he said. “Setting clear expectations for every single person who … puts on a Falcons uniform, reinvigorating our approach with strategic thinking, and being disciplined about finding near-term wins to set us up for long-term success — these are all priorities and principles I will bring to this role.”
And Ryan said that while the administrative side of football is new to him, the challenge is not too great.
“I’ve played, I’ve commented, but I haven’t directly operated. I think I’m humble enough to recognize there will be some baptism by fire, but I’m ready for that,” Ryan said. “I know I’ve got great resources and partners throughout this organization and I’m fortunate to have mentors across the league. That said, I do understand the weight of a role like this — I’ve lived it. I have confidence in the perspective my years as a player and a team leader give me. This is not a new table; it’s just a new seat.”
The Falcons finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 mark. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were fired at the conclusion.
