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 Josh Williams for the position.
Current role: Williams is the San Francisco 49ers' director of scouting and football. According to the team site, "Williams directs pro and college scouting efforts, supports player development, and assists in contract negotiations."
Resume highlights:
- Williams has been with the 49ers for 15 seasons, starting as an assistant within the scouting department in 2011. He then served as a pro personnel scout (2013-15), the National Football Scouting representative (2016), an area scout (2017-21) and a national scout (2022-23) until obtaining his most recent role. The 49ers drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 overall in 2024 and edge rusher Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall in 2025.
- Williams participated in the NFL's 2024 Front Office and General Manager Accelerator Program.
- Williams was a four-year wide receiver at Columbia University and worked in New York City as a business analyst of investment products at TD Ameritrade.
Local connection: When Williams was a 49ers area scout in 2020, he helped with the southeast region, which would include the University of Georgia. The 49ers drafted Falcons tight end Charlie Woerner out of UGA that year in the sixth round. It's unclear whether Williams specifically helped with Woerner's selection, but the two could have overlapped.
Why he's a candidate: Williams has spent his entire career with the 49ers. It has featured eight playoff appearances, including this year, and three Super Bowl runs.
The fact Williams was chosen to participate in the 2024 Front Office and General Manager Accelerator Program proves not only did his employer believe he has the potential for a bigger and brighter future but those from the league offices, too. There, he went through leadership development workshops and networking sessions led by academic leaders and industry experts. On paper, Williams has the knowledge. He just needs an opportunity.
