Posted on Jan 08

Falcons consider Ryan for president of football, eyeing Harbaugh as coaching candidate

Posted Jan 8, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a significant organizational overhaul, aiming to redefine their leadership structure following the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.

Why it matters: The Falcons decision to create a "president of football" role reflects an urgent need for strategic clarity and direction within a franchise that has struggled with consistency and performance issues in recent years.

This new position will be pivotal in shaping the team's future, particularly in hiring a new head coach and GM who can instill a winning culture.
Team owner Arthur Blank emphasized the necessity for clear vision, stating, "In any industry, if you don't have clarity around vision... you can be very inefficient."

What’s new: Among the candidates being considered for the president of football role is Matt Ryan, the former franchise quarterback who led the team to Super Bowl LI.

While Ryan lacks front-office experience, his deep understanding of the game and leadership qualities make him a strong contender for the position.
Blank referred to Ryan's emotional intelligence and football IQ as "extraordinarily high," suggesting he could bring valuable insights into the organization's strategic planning.

What to watch: As the Falcons embark on this search, John Harbaugh, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, has been mentioned as a potential coaching candidate.

Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience and success, having been one of the most accomplished coaches over the past two decades.
His potential hiring could signal a shift towards a more disciplined and structured approach to team management.

Yes, but: The decision to hire Ryan or any new leadership figure must also consider the current state of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from multiple ACL surgeries.

Penix is viewed as a key piece for the future, but his injury history raises questions about his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.
Blank noted that the injury sustained was on the opposite knee, suggesting optimism regarding Penix's recovery, stating, "They felt his knee was going to be better than it was before."

By the numbers: Ryan’s tenure with the Falcons included 154 career starts and an MVP award in 2016, showcasing both his talent and impact on the franchise.

In comparison, Penix's inconsistent performance prior to his injury—alongside three ACL surgeries in eight seasons—adds complexity to the Falcons' plans at the quarterback position.

The bottom line: The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a critical juncture where strategic decisions made today will reverberate throughout the franchise for years to come.

As they seek to fill leadership roles, the team's ability to combine experienced voices with fresh perspectives will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead and restoring a competitive edge in the NFL.

Falcons consider Ryan for president of football, eyeing Harbaugh as coaching candidate

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 8, 2026

This new position will be pivotal in shaping the team's future, particularly in hiring a new head coach and GM who can instill a winning culture.

Team owner Arthur Blank emphasized the necessity for clear vision, stating, "In any industry, if you don't have clarity around vision... you can be very inefficient."

What’s new: Among the candidates being considered for the president of football role is Matt Ryan, the former franchise quarterback who led the team to Super Bowl LI.

While Ryan lacks front-office experience, his deep understanding of the game and leadership qualities make him a strong contender for the position.

Blank referred to Ryan's emotional intelligence and football IQ as "extraordinarily high," suggesting he could bring valuable insights into the organization's strategic planning.

What to watch: As the Falcons embark on this search, John Harbaugh, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, has been mentioned as a potential coaching candidate.

Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience and success, having been one of the most accomplished coaches over the past two decades.

His potential hiring could signal a shift towards a more disciplined and structured approach to team management.

Yes, but: The decision to hire Ryan or any new leadership figure must also consider the current state of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from multiple ACL surgeries.

Penix is viewed as a key piece for the future, but his injury history raises questions about his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.

Blank noted that the injury sustained was on the opposite knee, suggesting optimism regarding Penix's recovery, stating, "They felt his knee was going to be better than it was before."

By the numbers: Ryan’s tenure with the Falcons included 154 career starts and an MVP award in 2016, showcasing both his talent and impact on the franchise.

In comparison, Penix's inconsistent performance prior to his injury—alongside three ACL surgeries in eight seasons—adds complexity to the Falcons' plans at the quarterback position.

The bottom line: The Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a critical juncture where strategic decisions made today will reverberate throughout the franchise for years to come.

As they seek to fill leadership roles, the team's ability to combine experienced voices with fresh perspectives will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead and restoring a competitive edge in the NFL.