The Atlanta Falcons are undertaking a significant restructuring of their front office and coaching staff following their failure to reach the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season. In a decisive move, the team dismissed both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after their narrow victory over the New Orleans Saints on January 1, 2026. The Falcons ended the season with an 8-9 record, matching the performance of the Carolina Panthers, but lost the tiebreaker. This disappointing outcome marked Morris‘ second year as head coach.
In a letter to fans on Monday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank announced the “significant changes” planned for the organization. Alongside the search for a new head coach and general manager, the Falcons will appoint a new president of football operations. Blank expressed the team’s intent to act swiftly in finding this executive, stating, “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.”
Matt Ryan Poised for Leadership Role
There is growing speculation about the potential return of Matt Ryan, the former quarterback who played for the Falcons from 2008 to 2021. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, many expect Ryan to be appointed as the Falcons’ new president of football operations. Following his departure from Atlanta, Ryan spent one season with the Indianapolis Colts before retiring and has since found a successful career as an analyst for CBS Sports.
During his tenure with the Falcons, Ryan earned four Pro Bowl selections and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2016 season, where they experienced a dramatic overtime loss to the New England Patriots with a score of 34-28. At 40 years old, Ryan holds nearly every significant franchise passing record for Atlanta and is well-regarded within the NFL community.
The Falcons have struggled to achieve a winning season since 2017, making the task of finding a suitable leader all the more pressing. If the organization seeks a candidate who is popular among fans, possesses extensive football knowledge, and maintains connections within the league, Ryan’s potential appointment makes strategic sense.
As the Falcons move forward with their restructuring efforts, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise. The commitment to a fresh leadership approach signals a new chapter for a team that has long been in search of greater success on the field.
