What kind of role might Matt Ryan take with the Falcons?

A recent report from Dianna Russini adds even more intrigue, as she was the first to suggest the Falcons might actually be considering retaining head coach Raheem Morris after their recent surge to end the season while moving on from general manager Terry Fontenot, who has not had a winning season with the organization over his five years overseeing the front office.

“That work is expected to be weighed alongside the organization’s internal evaluations: two seasons (and a 15-18 record) under coach Raheem Morris, five seasons under Fontenot, how this year has unfolded, the perceived state of the roster and the franchise’s overall team-building approach,” Russini reports. “Many around the league expect the Falcons to move on from Fontenot and stick with Morris as coach. One potential added voice to the mix? Former quarterback Matt Ryan, who is in talks to return to the organization in a front-office role.”

Now, as I’ve already said on multiple occasions — and as many others have pointed out — that’s a backwards way of doing business. The next general manager should have total autonomy to choose the next head coach so the two are tied together moving forward. About the only way this process would make an ounce of sense is if the plan is to make Matt Ryan the GM and he prefers to continue with Raheem Morris leading the way.

Could that be the plan? I wouldn’t put anything past this organization, and the hire would certainly receive some grace from a PR perspective, but Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says Ryan is more likely to take over in a “Chris Spielman–type role,” who serves as a special assistant to the owner of the Detroit Lions.

“In recent weeks, the consulting firm Sportology, which has helped Blank with his soccer teams, has been brought in to run a top-to-bottom health check on the team’s football operation,” Breer reports. “My understanding is that it’s actually better than some on the outside might think. And the prospect of Matt Ryan coming aboard in a Chris Spielman–type role could be in play.”

The pulse around the league suggests things are still very much up in the air when it comes to Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, and Matt Ryan could be among the voices inside the building helping Arthur Blank make those decisions.