Matt Ryan hired by Atlanta Falcons to be president of football

One of the worst-kept secrets in the NFL became official on Saturday morning as the Atlanta Falcons named team great Matt Ryan as president of football.

"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost 20 years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said in a statement. "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."

Ryan retired after the 2022 season, having spent 14 of his 15 years with the Falcons, who drafted him No. 3 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Since hanging up the cleats, Ryan has been an NFL analyst on CBS. Now, Ryan will leave that position and return home to a new role that was basically created for him.

"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," Blank said in a statement. "I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role."

Ryan is jumping right into the fire as he will be the man to decide on who the next head coach and general manager will be after the Falcons fired former coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot on Sunday night.

The 40-year-old is the greatest player in Falcons history. He's a four-time Pro Bowler, took the team to the playoffs five times, including being in Super Bowl LI against the Patriots. Ryan has the franchise record for passing yards (59,745) and passing touchdowns (367).

Watch all of the NFL Playoffs on DAZN for only £19.99

DAZN's early playoff deal has landed, giving you every game of the NFL postseason, including Super Bowl LX, for only £19.99.

The offer drops ahead of what promises to be an action-packed Wild Card weekend, when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers.

In addition to every game, live or on demand, Game Pass also provides access to RedZone, NFL Network, and DAZN’s weekly original shows, including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and X's & O's coaching breakdown.

Click here for more information and to sign up.