Matt Ryan, president of football for the Atlanta Falcons, addressed questions about Michael Penix Jr.’s position as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season, emphasizing that the decision ultimately lies with the head coach. Ryan expressed strong confidence in Penix’s skills and rehab progress but declined to specify Penix’s future role.
“I’m high on Michael Penix. I have been for a long time,”
Ryan told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
“His ability to throw the football, his ability to layer the football, to drive it to all different parts of the field. I think Mike’s awesome. I think he’s done a great job with his rehab. What I’m making clear is I’m not the head coach of the football team. And I know what my role is and what my role is not. Kevin’s responsibility is to be the head coach of the football team and he’s going to let you know who our starters are and who our starters are not. It’s not my place to go in there.”
Ryan Emphasizes Coaching Staff’s Authority on QB Decisions
Ryan reiterated that while he offers input, the head coach will make the final call on the starting quarterback.
“Of course my input will be there, but at the end of the day it’s the head coach’s responsibility to let you know, when the time is right, who’s going to be our starting quarterback,”
he added.
This statement followed Michael Penix’s recent Instagram post indicating the pressure he feels amid the uncertainty about his role. Penix wrote,
“As a man, you carry a lot of ‘pressure’ each and every day,”
and continued,
“Pressure to provide for your family, pressure to succeed in everything you do in life, pressure of letting everybody around you down. But one thing I never did and never will do is fold in the face of it.”
Updates on Penix’s Recovery and Falcons’ Leadership Changes
At the introductory press conference for new Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham, Ryan maintained a cautious stance on Penix’s quarterback status after his torn ACL injury in November 2025.
“Neither of us are the head coach of the football team, so we can’t answer your question on that,”
Ryan said, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
“I think as we start to get into this process and dive deeper into the roster — how it currently stands, where it’s going in the future — I think those are conversations that’ll be a part of it.”
Ryan also praised Penix’s dedication during rehab:
“Quarterback’s obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab. I’ve been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael’s been in there attacking that and he’s in a good space right now, so we’re excited about where he is at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”
Penix’s 2025 Season Performance and Falcons’ Recent Staff Updates
Michael Penix started nine games for Atlanta during the 2025 season, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,982 yards, with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Drafted eighth overall in 2024 by the Falcons under former general manager Terry Fontenot, Penix’s early career has been marked by promise disrupted by injury.
Following a disappointing 8-9 finish in 2025, the Falcons parted ways with Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris on January 4. Kevin Stefanski was hired as the new head coach shortly thereafter, and Ian Cunningham stepped in as general manager. With these changes, Stefanski appears positioned to make the final determination on the team’s quarterback for the upcoming season.
Implications for Falcons’ Quarterback Situation Moving Forward
The future of the Falcons’ starting quarterback remains unsettled as Michael Penix recovers and the coaching staff evaluates the roster. Matt Ryan’s comments make clear that while Penix is highly regarded within the organization, head coach Kevin Stefanski will have the authority to name the starter. This decision will be critical for a Falcons team looking to improve on last year’s record and return to playoff contention.
As Penix continues to rehab and the Falcons prepare for the 2026 season, the quarterback competition is expected to be an intense focus in team discussions. Fans and analysts will watch closely how Stefanski navigates this pivotal choice, especially given Penix’s potential and the team’s desire for consistent offensive leadership.
Matt Ryan addressing the false narrative that he isn’t committed to Michael Penix Jr. pic.twitter.com/k1bd2ZlrsW
— ATL Birds Muse (@ATLBirdsMuse) February 5, 2026
