The Ice Age Has Begun

January 13, 2026

Allison Smith

Former Quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan was named the President of Football on Saturday morning, January 10, 2026. With that role, Ryan will manage football only, not the stadium and other operational type duties. Ryan hit the ground running with Head Coaching interviews with 3 interviews Saturday, 1 on Sunday and 2 more on Monday. Seems that the Falcons are definitely spreading a wide net and not focusing on one particular candidate as in the past. 

All interviews have been virtual at this point, noting that several were with coordinators involved in the playoffs on their off week. There will likely be more coordinators with playoff teams interviewed this week, if provided approval  by their current team. The first focus is on hiring the Head Coach vs. the open General Manager role, as there are 8 HC openings around the league, while the Falcons are the only team currently looking for a GM. While everyone is waiting to see what happens between Green Bay and Matt LeFleur.

There have not been any GM interviews yet…unless you count some of the candidates that interviewed for the President role.

 Coaches that have been interviewed:

  • Anthony Weaver – DC for Miami since 2024, coaching in the NFL since 2012
    • 45 years old, Defensive end from Notre Dame
  • Klint Kubiak – OC for Seattle since 2025, coaching in the NFL since 2016
    • 38 years old, Safety at Colorado State
  • Aden Durde – DC for Seattle since 2024, coaching in the NFL since 2014, with Atlanta from 2016 to 2020 in several roles
    • 46 years old, Linebacker, UK – London Olympians, an American football team based in London
    • Kevin Stefanski – HC for Cleveland since 2020, coaching in the NFL since 2006
    • 43 years old, Defensive back at Penn
  • John Harbaugh – HC for Baltimore since 2008, coaching in the NFL since 1998
    • 63 years old, Defensive back from Miami Ohio
  • Mike McDaniel – HC for Miami since 2022, coaching in the NFL since 2015, was an offense assistant for Atlanta (2015-2017)
    • 42 years old, Wide receiver from Yale

Ryan had an introductory press conference Tuesday at 11 am at Flowery Branch, hosted by Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank and CEO Greg Beadles.

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