January 14, 2026
Photos and Article by Allison Smith
Recapping the questions and responses from reporters and new Atlanta Falcons’ President of Football, Matt Ryan, CEO and President of Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, and owner, Arthur Blank. Recap of the Introduction piece can be found at Introduction of the Ice Age.
Through the entire press conference, you could see the affection and respect between Blank, Ryan and Beadles. Shaking hands, compliments, smiles, glances. A comfort level, respect, and love. They all said similar things on “picking the right person,” “collaboration” and “accountable.” Everyone holding everyone accountable.
It seems the Head Coach and General Manager roles are going to be thoroughly vetted by Matt and the rest of the small committee, Beadles, Josh Blank and a couple of others.
These are not exact quotes, but overall recap of the questions and response. Most everyone started with a “congratulations” or “welcome back” as many of the press has been in place long before Ryan left Atlanta. Because of audio, was unable to hear the name of some of the questioners, others, I know their voices and captured their names below.
Q: Your football resume speaks for itself, but why are you the right choice for this job?
Matt: #1 When you look at organizations and places you would like to be involved with, the first thing is the ownership. Bill Cowher, former in studio teammate at CBS always said the 3 most important people in and organization is the owner, the owner and the owner. Know what Arthur and his family stands for, what their core values are.
Loved calling games the first year at CBS, then the studio show, the guys on the desk and everyone behind the scenes. But it is hard to replicate wins and losses and what goes into that and having a result every Sunday. I have missed that, so getting back into that gets me excited. Don’t have previous experience in this particular role, but nobody does until they are. Been around a first time Head Coach, position coach that has never called plays, but they adjust. I’ve done that my whole life. Football to TV, never been scared. My working relationship with coaches and General Managers was different than other players. As the quarterback for a long time, had meetings about the team and decisions or alterations to a plan or change in the season; just a different relationship/input than other players. Am well versed in those conversations. The longer I was here, the more discussions that were had, more my opinion was asked for my opinion. Hopefully that will help what I do now. I’ve been preparing, already talked to allot of people around the league – can clearly multitask, can talk to you and ignore that noise over there – Cal is talking up a storm, loudly on Sarah’s lap. Asked contacts that made similar work transitions; What does that look like? What were some of the struggles? Things you didn’t see coming? Have many helpful relationships with folks inside and outside of this building.
Q: You signed your contract and 2 hours later were interviewing, how does your interview style compare to others?
I can’t speak for how others do it. I know there are certain things that I look for as a player – character, emotional stability, level of presence, ability to command respect without being overly vocal. They would have to connect with players that you have. Interview from a view of what I had or wanted as a player.
Q: DLed (D Orlando Ledbetter) What are you looking for as far as a good fit and clarity of vision between the Head Coach and General Manager.
Been waiting on this one D Led. We are looking for 2 people that don’t see the game polar opposite, people that work well together. They should not be best friends, but able to have a strong working relationship. They can see things differently, but see how they get to common ground. Excellent in their role and what they are asked to do, but strong working relationship.
Q: Mark Zinno – What do you have the authority to do?
Matt: Arthur and I are clear on the structure. This is Arthur Blank’s football team. The task for me is to lead this process with the others on search team, we are going to collaborate and make a recommendation.
Arthur: Matt has no desire to do their job. The Head Coach will pick his position coaches. The General Manager will style out their organization, helping with draft and Free Agency. Matt will be involved in that, but isn’t doing their job. He is offering up his wisdom and guidance.
Q: Are the president candidates that were interviewed now candidates for the GM role?
Greg: We are looking to determine that. There are several people that we are interested in, working on a list right now.
Q: Arthur Blank believes in the collective decision process, who has the final decision?
Matt: Final decision – on what? The final decision that the Head Coach has, he will have, the final decision the GM should have, will have.
The final decision I am going to have to make right now with Arthur’s approval is who we hire. We are empowering them to do their jobs. As I’ve said in the interviews, I am not trying to call plays, not trying to run the offense. Not trying to pull a “Phillip Rivers,” and get back out there and play. Trying to get the right people in here, trying to support you as best I can. I know the pressure that a Head Coach and General Manager are under, all the different directions they are pulled in, so I am trying to take things off their plate, so they can do what they are supposed to do. Coach. Scout. I am not doing the scouting or running those meetings.
Arthur: Anybody in those positions are not going to want to compromise their job and be less of who they could/should be. Matt isn’t looking to overstep. He is going to hire the best Head Coach and General Manager and give the servant leadership that is provided through all our businesses. Our businesses are run like a pyramid. The Falcons’ pyramid, the top is the fans, I am at the bottom. Matt is to provide leadership, support, wisdom, guidance, enthusiasm. They are going to do their own job. We are holding people accountable….General Manager, coaches, players.
Q: When does something like this job come onto your radar? What does your job look like after these hirings?
Matt: I didn’t ever think about this. I was very happy with CBS and excited about that opportunity. This is the only place I would do this. I feel really connected to this organization.
Job after hiring process is Where can I support everyone? Depending on who we hire, how can I help? Everyone has different personality types, different strengths and weaknesses. If they are new, help with the relationships that I already have, show them how to grow relationships. The faster that everyone is on the same page, faster to be good on the field.
Q: Know you always prepared game plans when you played and prepared for your broadcasts, how did you get questions ready for this interviewing process?
Matt: Allot of prep, but have to adjust and adapt quickly. All of the others on the committee were incredibly helpful. Beadles with a printed format for me, then we adjust as we go. Good part is we are talking football, things I’ve spent my entire life doing, so I am very comfortable. At the end of the day, trying to find out what leadership you are trying to provide.
Joe Patrick: Can you tell us who you spoke to and what advice they gave?
Matt: Not sharing any names, but overarching former players. It’s tough when you are done. Sense of missing being around the team, locker room, competitiveness, the nature of being prepared and leaving it all on the line. They said it is different than playing, but does get your juices flowing. Team work is something bigger than yourself, zero agenda. Just wanting the best for this place is very valuable.
Q: Will you have input into the Quarterback situation?
Matt: I am not hired to be the quarterback coach. I love Mike (Michael Penix, Jr.), have gotten to know him the last couple of years. I am happy to help him however I can – anything he needs from me – not a coach. If asked and relationship with that department (QB room) is right, happy to help.
Want what is best for this organization and the players on the field. Working together for Mike and his rehab, but that is up to the trainers, rehab guys, doctors. I learned as a player – look at what is next in front of you and that is where Mike is now. He’s already here working out and rehabbing. He’s in a good mental space.
Q: Seems you are focused on the Head Coach job first?
Matt: It’s all in the timing. Really want a concurrent search, but because of the NFL rules on timing with coaches, we have interviewed those first. I am glad Greg is here – he tracks all the rules.
Greg: There are specific rules and timelines and even certain days you can talk to coaches, way more restrictive, so trying to get them when we can. So had to jump on the Head Coach when we could.
Arthur: It is important to land both at the same time because they need to be collaborative, vision and compatibility wise. Need to see the vision of football the same way, not always agree, but can work together successfully.
Q: You mentioned a sense of unfinished business….
Matt: It is all about helping us win and winning the right way with the right people. My role is different than it was before. I’ve always been a part of team sports, played different positions, played basketball, baseball. Sometimes you assist, sometimes you are a back-up. Been around it my entire life and love having different responsibilities. Nothing is better than being a part of the locker room after a win. Everyone in this building’s role is huge. Everyone.
It takes everyone to win. But we are here to win.
Arthur: We do a variety of things to be successful, connect with players, community, give back. Our role is to win football games.
Q: You mentioned on the CBS set on Sunday you want the them talking about the Falcons this time next year.
Matt: Yes, specifically Coach Cowher. I believe there is allot of young talented players on the defensive side of the ball. There are some solid offensive lineman here, some that I played with, which is crazy. A special running back in Bijan (Robinson), talented pieces on the outside. It takes everyone to come together and pulling their weight to win. I think there are allot of strong pieces.
Q: Greg, can you comment on time here?
Greg: This is my 31st season here. Began as an intern in 1995. Helped with the sell of the Falcons to Arthur Blank in 2001. Arthur is a builder and hasn’t stopped since then. Every single year has been different, learned business side, building of the stadium, helping Athur and everyone else build a sustainable thriving organization. Now, excited to help Matt however I can
Matt: Shout out to Greg who I have known since 2008. I always really liked him, seemed like a good guy, but now the relationship has changed. A ton of professional respect outside looking in. “This guy is an ass kicker – very good at what he does. His wisdom, level of detail. Very lucky to be partnering with him, to be sitting next to him. He is a fantastic human being. But an excellent of this organization and I love him. And appreciate the last 3 days.”
Q: Reporter from local CBS Station, Guess CBS Atlanta can’t run those promos anymore. What would 2026 Matt say to 2008 Matt Ryan?
Matt: Yeah, those promos were great. “Man – how lucky you are about to be starting this ride.” I would sign up for it again in a heartbeat, knowing everything. I got to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL and for the best team and owner in the league – “enjoy it and hey 20 years from now might be doing something different.”
Arthur: I love Greg and the family before and after I bought the team. He will be supporting Matt and the team.
I would like to acknowledge Josh (middle son of Arthur Blank). He worked for the NFL for 5 years and comes to us with a tremendous amount of knowledge, wisdom of the league. Growth and maturity and perspective. Been great on the search committee.
Q: What are the most important qualities on head coach, considering the current trend is a young offensive mind?
Matt: We are looking for the best coach. Look down the road, Kirby Smart (head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs) is from the defensive side and he does pretty good. Who is the best person to get the most out of your football team? Seen it work lots of different ways. Coach Cowher is always telling me Defense still matters. Looking for the right person, one that connects with the players, can push, but is there for them in other ways too. Build a great staff, then you do it with the people around you. A team of coaches, team of scouts, team in the front office. Bring people together, players, building, staff.
Arthur: A common vision. Then, after it is laid out, hold people accountable – the Head Coach, General Manager and Matt. Be prepared to hold folks accountable. Train, move them around, hold fully accountable, if necessary, move on.
Q: Brandon Leak: What are your thoughts on the culture of Atlanta? And, what it was and should be with your power; Your comment about unfinished business – how gratifying to win the Superbowl?
Matt: I think it would be pretty gratifying – if you are in this business – that is the goal. The trick is how you get there. For the culture, that is what Arthur is talking about, the best is a shared vision for the group. Group when vision isn’t correct, you fix it and hold people accountable. Looking for a group of people (allot already here) just looking for a little bit more.
Culture of Energy, passion, people who love playing, who love football.
Arhtur: Head Coach to hold players and other coaches responsible. The Head Coach has to start by showing players that you are holding yourself and staff accountable.
We don’t use the word “power,” we use authority that doesn’t turn into power. It’s about how to communicate effectively and get the results we are looking for.
Q: The family is in front row, how important was it to come back here and be competitive and have them see Dad in this role?
Matt: They are all laughing at me. Little boys see better than they hear, so you have to show them an example of what you want. Want to create a great example as a leader, a dad, a husband.
Q: For Arthur, how have you seen Greg grow year over year?
Arthur: Greg is always learning, listening, responding. He is heavily involved in the stadium, community, atmosphere in the building. Part of his success is measured in those efforts, but also, are we winning and doing the right thing to win? Couldn’t be prouder of Greg.
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