NFL MVP and $300m CBS analyst follows Tom Brady path and lands new job with former team

Jan 10, 2026 - 16:15

It’s official: Matt Ryan is returning to the Atlanta Falcons as the team’s first-ever President of Football.

Ryan could well enter the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2028 after spending 14 years with Atlanta, but first he will occupy a front office role with the franchise.

Ryan lost in his one shot at a ring[/caption]

The Falcons confirmed the news Saturday in a statement.

“Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history,” said Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

“I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role. From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and he brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship-caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.”

Ryan has been working as an analyst for CBS Sports since retiring. He will now leave his role with the network to immediately start working with the Falcons in an executive role, much like former foe Tom Brady after he purchased a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Ryan assumes the role immediately and will oversee all aspects of Falcons football for the organization, reporting directly to Blank while collaborating with Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles to ensure alignment of the entire business and football areas of the organization,” the Falcons wrote.

Ryan’s appointment comes after the firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot recently.

Atlanta is currently engaged in searches for a new head coach and general manager. Both hires will report to Ryan.

“Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today,” said Ryan. “While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.”

Ryan has earned plaudits for his work on the desk[/caption]

Ryan earned around $300 million after being drafted third overall by the Falcons in 2008.

The 40-year-old put up huge numbers over his career but never won the Super Bowl, having seen Brady pull off one of the greatest comebacks of all time in 2017.

He was inducted into Atlanta’s Ring of Honor in 2024.

“Atlanta has become my home,” he said at the time. “You have become my extended family. … I will never have another job that I love as much as the one I had here.”

Ryan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, made four Pro Bowls and had 10 straight seasons with more than 4,000 passing yards from 2011 through 2020 — winning MVP in 2016.

The Falcons have only made the playoffs once since Ryan’s Super Bowl run and extended a streak of eight losing seasons in 2025.

Falcons face quarterback question

One of Ryan’s first tasks will be deciding if Michael Penix Jr. is capable of assuming his former role as franchise quarterback.

The youngster is recovering from a torn ACL and backup Kirk Cousins’ future is unclear.

Brady is spinning a lot of plates as a minority owner and $375 million broadcaster[/caption]

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Ryan appears to be an ideal candidate to help revive the franchise, having cultivated an image as a gifted leader.

Before going toe-to-toe with him on the biggest stage, Brady admitted that his rival needed “no tips from me” before talking up his leadership skills.

“I have a lot of respect for Matt,” Brady said. “I really like Matt. Seeing everything he’s accomplished is pretty amazing. He went to [Boston College], so I saw him when he was here.

“We practiced against [the Falcons]. Always watching him. He had an incredible year last year.

“I can’t say enough great things about him as a leader. He’s got great character. He’s a great player. He’s obviously great for that Falcons team.”

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