Falcons Seek Leadership Overhaul, Eye New President of Football

The Atlanta Falcons are moving decisively to reshape their leadership after a disappointing 2025 season. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were both dismissed, signaling a fresh start for the franchise. Alongside these changes, the team has created a new President of Football role, consolidating oversight of football operations into a single executive position.

This position will likely define the Falcons’ direction for years to come. With Atlanta seeking stability and strategic leadership, the new hire must navigate roster management, analytics, and day-to-day football operations while fostering a culture capable of returning the team to competitiveness.

The search has already produced high-profile candidates. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Falcons have requested to interview Detroit Lions executive Mike Disner and sought permission to speak with Carolina Panthers executive Brandt Tilis. Both bring extensive experience in NFL front-office operations.

Adding intrigue to the process, former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is also under consideration. With deep ties to the city and the franchise, Ryan is widely viewed as a favorite, combining football knowledge with a high-profile presence that could resonate with both the locker room and the fan base.

1. Experienced Front-Office Executives

Mike Disner brings nearly two decades of NFL front-office experience to the table. His most recent seven seasons have been with the Detroit Lions, where he played a central role in contract negotiations, salary cap management, and football administration. Before Detroit, he spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and even the NFL league office, giving him a well-rounded perspective on league operations. Disner’s extensive tenure across multiple organizations positions him as a candidate capable of providing stability and structure to the Falcons’ front office. His familiarity with modern roster construction and compliance issues could help Atlanta avoid the missteps that hampered recent seasons. Brandt Tilis, in contrast, is newer to executive roles but brings a successful track record. In his first season with the Panthers, Tilis oversees football administration and all non-coaching matters, including operations, equipment, video, and analytics. Prior to Carolina, he spent 14 years with the Kansas City Chiefs, an organization renowned for blending front-office efficiency with competitive success. Both Disner and Tilis demonstrate the Falcons’ desire for executives who combine operational knowledge with strategic oversight. While their approaches differ, each offers the kind of experience necessary to stabilize a franchise in transition.

2. Matt Ryan’s Front-Office Potential

Former quarterback Matt Ryan represents a different type of candidate, blending on-field experience with organizational insight. Having spent his entire career with Atlanta, Ryan understands the culture, challenges, and expectations of the franchise, making him a unique internal option. While he lacks traditional front-office tenure, Ryan’s presence could provide a bridge between management and players. His credibility with the locker room may accelerate buy-in from the roster, while his high-profile status could positively influence free agents and fans alike. Ryan’s consideration also underscores a broader trend in the NFL: teams increasingly value executives who combine playing experience with leadership potential. For the Falcons, this approach could yield both continuity and fresh perspective as the franchise seeks to rebound quickly. Ultimately, Ryan, Disner, and Tilis all bring distinct strengths to the table. Atlanta’s choice will likely reflect the balance between experience, strategic expertise, and cultural fit, setting the tone for the organization’s next chapter.

3. Shaping Atlanta’s Future

The creation of the President of Football role signals the Falcons’ commitment to decisive, centralized leadership. Whoever assumes the position will be tasked with guiding personnel decisions, developing a winning culture, and maximizing the team’s assets, including draft capital and player development. Atlanta’s approach to the hiring process will likely determine the franchise’s trajectory. A seasoned executive like Disner or Tilis could provide structural stability, while a figure like Ryan might offer a combination of credibility, familiarity, and long-term vision. The Falcons’ front-office overhaul reflects urgency but also strategic thinking. With multiple candidates under consideration, the team is weighing the trade-offs between experience, innovation, and cultural alignment. Ultimately, the hire will shape not only the immediate offseason but the direction of the franchise for years to come. Atlanta’s choice in this pivotal role could mark the difference between rebuilding another cycle or returning to playoff contention.