Matt Ryan provides insight on the Falcons new power structure

The Falcons power structure has been highly criticized in recent years for good reason, as almost everyone in the building hid behind the word “collaboration.” So much so that it was almost impossible to determine who was actually making many of these horrendous decisions, and therefore just as difficult to cast blame.

With a new role being introduced this year in the President of Football — a title that has officially been given to Matt Ryan — it opens the door to even more skepticism about who will be making the final calls when it comes to football decisions moving forward. In his introductory press conference, Ryan tried to add clarity to that topic.

“The final decision that I’m going to have to make is who we hire for those two positions, but we are going to empower them to go out there and do their job,” Ryan said, via Miles Garrett of Fox 5 Atlanta. 

It’s very evident Ryan is clearly in total control of the hiring process. While he’ll need Arthur Blank’s final seal of approval for all major decisions, Blank didn’t hire Ryan to get in his way. There’s implicit trust between the two.

After that, however, is where things have the potential to get murky. The Falcons have a major decision to make when it comes to the quarterback position this offseason. Do they still believe in Michael Penix Jr.? Is it too soon to potentially draft his replacement? What trade options are available?

I would imagine Matt Ryan — who is the most successful quarterback in this franchise’s history — might have a strong opinion about the future under center in Atlanta. But that’s typically the role of the general manager. Will Ryan allow him to make the final call on that?

As far as the head coach is concerned, there shouldn’t be nearly as much of a gray area. Whoever is hired should have full autonomy when it comes to building out his staff and the roles of each player, which Ryan made very clear.

“I’m not trying to call plays. I’m not trying to run your offense,” Ryan continued. “I’m not trying to pull a Philip Rivers and come back and play.”

However, what could make this situation even more interesting is if the Falcons find a way to land John Harbaugh, who is believed to be their top target to take over as head coach. Given the success he had in Baltimore, he would almost certainly want a voice in roster decisions, and there will be teams willing to give him that power.

Most believe Matt Ryan has everything necessary to flourish in his new role — not just Arthur Blank and the people of Atlanta, but the entire NFL world. Harbaugh, meanwhile, is one of the most decorated coaches in the league and has the ability to thrive wherever he lands. But there is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to running an NFL franchise. Clear roles must be defined, or the Falcons will continue to muck up major decisions, no matter how many bright minds they bring into the building.

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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire

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