ATLANTA — In Arthur Blank's end of season press conference Thursday, he wasn't asked a question specifically about Matt Ryan, but he knew what the reporter — and probably everyone watching at home or at work — was curious about.
Since interviews were beginning very soon for the position, can he share what makes up an ideal candidate? Was he open to the possibility of hiring someone with limited-to-no front office or executive experience?
"I think," Blank said, "the second part of your question has to do with Matt Ryan."
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For weeks, Ryan's name has been linked to the Falcons. It became official Saturday morning when Ryan was announced as the newly implemented president of football, a role in which Blank added to the organizational structure with the ultimate authority of football decisions.
The new head coach and general manager will report directly to Ryan. Ryan will report directly to Blank. So, the question regarding previous experience makes sense, and is fair. It was an answer Blank offered up.
"Matt is somebody we've had a long relationship with, we've continued to talk with," Blank said. "He is one of the candidates we'll be interviewing. My response to that would be Matt Ryan came into the league as a rookie in 2008, ended up leading a locker room of 53 for 14 years, leading in a huddle, being a great player, leading players, supporting coaches, etc."
"His EQ and IQ when it comes to football is extraordinarily high. I've known Matt personally since 2008 and his family, and he's an outstanding individual, great community leader and the kind of person you certainly would want to consider in that position."
Everyone knows about Ryan, the player — one of the most decorated individuals in all of Falcons franchise history. He's in the record books. He's seen success on the field. He's led teams to playoff appearances and Super Bowl runs.
Everyone knows about Ryan, the person, too — how he calls Atlanta his home, how he has constantly and continuously given back to her communities. And, too, how he has remained close to the organization, most recently stopping by practices and lending advice to Michael Penix Jr.
Now, everyone is curious about Ryan, the executive — uncharted waters of the growing seas Ryan seeks to sail.
The last few years of Ryan's work as a member of the media should be helpful in his start to chart. As an analyst and commentator, Ryan's horizons have only expanded.
In this role as a media member, he's been able to analyze and have conversations with various individuals across the NFL landscape — players, coaches and executives alike. One could assume he's picked up a thing or two along the way to add onto his already significant repertoire as one of the top quarterbacks of the modern era.
There are also success stories across the league of former-players-turned-executives.
The easiest comparison to make just based on structure of positions is what the San Francisco 49ers have with John Lynch as their president of football operations and general manager. It's not a one-for-one comparison, but there are similarities.
Lynch spent 15 years putting together a Hall of Fame level playing career, before making the jump to analyst work for eight years thereafter. He became the 49ers general manager without ever having typical executive experience. Three seasons later, he was named the 2019 Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
"Having already helped lead a team to a Super Bowl title as a player, John is equipped with tremendous insight into what it takes to creative a culture that breeds sustained success," 49ers CEO Jed York said upon Lynch’s hire as general manager. "Having spent the last eight seasons as an analyst with FOX, he has honed his skills as a talented communicator while also developing valuable relationships around the league and a vast knowledge of the NFL that will be beneficial to our team."
This should sound familiar as the Falcons' changes are an echo of this organizational structure and decision that has led to major success for the 49ers franchise, including multiple playoff bids and a Super Bowl run since Lynch came on.
Other recent success stories of former-players-turned-executives can be seen in John Elway and Troy Vincent Sr.
Elway — Hall of Fame quarterback and the former general manager and executive vice president of football operations for the Denver Broncos. Elway helped usher in one of the most prosperous times in Broncos history, leading the charge to sign Peyton Manning. From 2012-15, the Broncos won four division titles, two AFC Championships and reached the Super Bowl.
Vincent Sr. — Pro Bowl cornerback and current executive vice president of football operations for the NFL. Of late, he has been a major mover and shaker in the world of girls flag football, helping to grow the sport to the point of being included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
What the Falcons are attempting to do with Ryan in place as the president of football doesn't come out of left field. There is precedent not only in process, but in success, too.
Blank said in his press conference Thursday that he believes the right person in this position will "make a big difference."
Ryan has made a big difference for the Atlanta Falcons franchise in the past. He — along with Blank and the Falcons community at large — will hope he can do so again as he ventures into a new chapter of his football career.
Things are just a little bit different this time around, but that doesn't mean they can't or won't be just as impactful.
