Matt Ryan Leaving The NFL Today For Front Office Role

As expected, former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has announced that he is leaving his position as a studio analyst on The NFL Today on CBS to return to Atlanta as the team’s new president of football.

Ryan’s duties with the Falcons begin immediately with the team’s search for their next general manager and head coach, after Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris were each shown the door Monday.

“We couldn’t be happier for Matt,” CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson said in a statement.  “Becoming the President of Football with the same organization he once guided as a MVP quarterback is an incredible opportunity.  Matt is an outstanding teammate, leader, and friend, and we thank him for his time at CBS Sports.  We know he’ll bring the same level of excellence to this new role that defined his playing career and his time with us.”

Ryan is expected to appear Sunday on The NFL Today to say his goodbyes and talk about his new role with the Falcons.

The 40-year-old joined CBS after his retirement in 2022, and after a year doing games in the booth, moved to his spot at The NFL Today, replacing Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms.

CBS has not announced who will replace Ryan on the desk alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson.  We have speculated names like J.J. Watt, Ross Tucker or Tiki Barber, while Ryan Glasspiegel and Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports have included recently fired Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers as well as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin if he were to lose his job and Giants quarterback Russell Wilson.  The last two would be unlikely, seeing as Tomlin led Pittsburgh to another postseason berth and Wilson said he wants to play next year.