ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are actively searching for their president of football after Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank announced on Jan. 5 that the position would be created amid an organizational restructure.
"The leader in this new role will set the vision and identity for our team," Blank wrote in a letter shared with fans. "Our new head coach and general manager will report to the new president of football, and they will work collaboratively as a football leadership team on all football decisions. Final decision-making authority will rest with the president of football."
Updates on completed interviews for the position will be provided on AtlantaFalcons.com
Atlanta has completed interviews with the following individuals:
The Falcons have officially completed an interview with Brandt Tilis for the position.
Current role: Tilis joined the Carolina Panthers in 2024 as their executive vice president of football operations.
Resume highlights:
- Tilis spent 14 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs' front office, including as the team's vice president of football operations from 2021-23.
- Before his vice president role, Tilis served as director of football administration (2017-20) and director of salary cap and football operations analytics (2014-16). Tilis began his career as a salary cap/contract analyst with the Chiefs in 2010.
- Prior to his move to the Chiefs, Tilis spent three seasons in the labor operations department for the NFL Management Council.
Why he's a candidate: Tilis is best known for his financial savvy. As his resume highlights illustrate, Tilis' expertise is in salary cap management and evaluation — something he has done to noted success. Tilis was the lead negotiator of the Patrick Mahomes contract, helping to create a framework that allowed them to sign their MVP quarterback to a 10-year deal.
Since joining the Panthers, Tilis has played a role in creating cap stability while improving roster health and talent. The Panthers were major players in the free agency market in 2025. They made Jaycee Horn the highest-paid defensive back in history and beefed up their defense by signing defensive tackles Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton as well as safety Tre'von Moehrig. Even with big-time signings and extensions, the Panthers are still in good cap health. They are projected to have just under $30 million in cap space in 2026, according to OverTheCap.com. Tilis has been a key part of the recent success for Carolina, making him a candidate teams could eye this offseason as the Panthers make their first playoff appearance since 2017.
