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
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.
