Falcons name Matt Ryan the President of Football

After Arthur Blank announced the Falcons were creating a new President of Football position in the front office, it was widely expected that Matt Ryan would get the job, and that move has now finally been made official by the organization.

“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 Blank in a statement via the team’s official website. “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.”

Matt Ryan was responsible for the most successful period in franchise history when he was under center. Over 14 seasons, he helped lead the Falcons to four NFC South titles, six playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl berth, while earning four Pro Bowl selections and the NFL MVP award in 2016. He single-handedly pulled the organization out of turmoil following the arrest of Michael Vick and the abrupt departure of head coach Bobby Petrino, providing a level of stability the franchise had never experienced before.

Now, the Falcons are asking him to do it again — this time as a primary decision-maker in the front office.

“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” Ryan said in a statement. “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.”

The Falcons will now turn their attention to their general manager and head coach searches, with Matt Ryan expected to play a major role in both. Atlanta interviewed four other candidates for the President of Football position earlier this week, all of whom are also under consideration for the vacant general manager job.

Of that group, Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham appears to be the favorite. Matt Ryan was teammates with current Bears GM Ryan Poles in college, and the two remain close friends, with Poles reportedly assisting Ryan throughout the process.