It was recently learned the Falcons have been in talks with Matt Ryan about a prominent front office role. A hire is not yet official, but further details have emerged regarding the expected reunion between the two. 
Atlanta is in the process of a notable restructuring. That will include a new head coach and general manager after last night’s firing of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot. Other moves have been made as well, though. Longtime CEO Rich McKay has continued expanding his role into other areas of the Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment organization, and today marks a key point in a five-year succession plan for his replacement.
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Greg Beadles has been promoted from president to president and CEO of the Falcons, Blank notes in an open letter to fans. This position primarily affects the business side of the operation, but Beadles will also play a role in implementing the wider restructuring process in the organization. That includes the pending hire of a president of football operations.
The Falcons will soon begin the interview process on that front. Before it begins, though, it is widely expected Ryan will be hired. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, the former MVP quarterback has already done “homework” on a number of head coach and general manager candidates. The process of finding replacements for Morris and Fontenot, to no surprise, will not begin until the president of football ops is officially in place.
Atlanta must comply with the Rooney Rule before making a hire on that front. Once that takes place, Pelissero cautions teams may be leery about allowing their executives to interview for the GM gig knowing that position will not be the highest ranking one in the front office. The list of targets from the Falcons’ perspective will thus be interesting to see over the coming weeks.
Ryan, 40, spent all but the final year of his playing career with Atlanta. Not long after a single campaign with the Colts, he retired and transitioned to broadcasting. Another notable career move now appears to be imminent, and it will send him to a familiar organization.