The Atlanta Falcons are embarking on a significant transformation of their front office and coaching staff after missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. Following their narrow victory against the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons have terminated head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
The 2025 season proved to be particularly frustrating for Morris, who was in his second year as head coach. The Falcons finished the season with an 8-9 record, mirroring that of the Carolina Panthers, who held the tiebreaker over Atlanta and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Monday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank addressed fans in a letter detailing the “significant changes” the organization intends to implement. In addition to seeking a new head coach and general manager, Atlanta plans to appoint a new president of football operations. Blank expressed that the team would “move quickly” in hiring this new executive.
As part of the restructuring, Blank stated, “Our new head coach and general manager will report to the new president of football, and they will collaborate as a football leadership team on all football decisions.” He emphasized that the final decision-making power will reside with the president of football.
According to ESPN”s Adam Schefter, there is a strong expectation that Matt Ryan could be appointed as the Falcons” new president of football operations. Ryan, who played for the Falcons from 2008 to 2021, had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 before announcing his retirement. He has since found success as an analyst for CBS Sports.
During his time in Atlanta, Ryan was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and famously led the Falcons to the Super Bowl during the 2016 season, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat against the New England Patriots in overtime. At 40 years old, Ryan holds nearly all significant franchise passing records for the Falcons.
The Falcons have not experienced a winning season since 2017. Bringing Ryan into a leadership role could help the organization reconnect with its fanbase while leveraging his extensive knowledge of football and connections within the NFL community.
