Falcons Reportedly Expected to Hire Matt Ryan for New President of Football Ops Role

The Atlanta Falcons appear set to bring back a franchise icon.

Matt Ryan is expected to be hired as the Falcons' president of football operations following their decision to fire general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris, ESPN and NFL Media reported Monday. Ryan will interview for the job on Thursday or Friday, according to NFL Media. FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer first reported in December that the Falcons and Ryan were discussing a move to bring back the former franchise quarterback in a front office role. 

In announcing the firings of Fontenot and Morris, Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated that the team would create the new position of president of football operations.

"The leader in this new role will set the vision and identity for our team," Blank said. "Our new head coach and general manager will report to the new president of football, and they will work collaboratively as a football leadership team on all football decisions. Final decision-making authority will rest with the president of football. This leader will also work in collaboration with the club's president and CEO to ensure the team's football and business operations are appropriately aligned with unified organizational goals to deliver success on the field and in all areas of engaging Falcons fans. The new president of football will report directly to me. 

"We plan to move quickly on this hire so the new president of football can be fully involved in the selection of our new leaders in the head coach and general manager roles."

If Ryan is hired, he'll be expected to help the Falcons achieve the kind of success they had during his playing days. Atlanta hasn't made the playoffs since 2017, posting a losing record in all five seasons