With Matt Ryan in place as president of football, the Falcons are searching for their new general manager.
Terrin Waack
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. The Atlanta Falcons are in search of a new general manager after parting ways with Terry Fontenot following the 2025 season. A new-look leadership groupincluding Falcons President of Football Matt Ryanis leading the hunt to find his successor with the assistance of ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group.
"We're looking for people that work well together," Ryan said of the searchat his introductory press conference. "And that doesn't mean best friends. You've got to have a professional and really strong working relationship. And sometimes that comes with seeing things a little bit differently. But the best of the best find ways to get to common ground.
"As we go through both of these searches, both the head coach and the GM, as we're going along that lane at the same time, that's what we're looking for. We're looking to find two people that we feel like are excellent in their role and what they're asked to do but also can provide a really strong working relationship together."
On Jan. 17, the Falconshired Kevin Stefanskias their new head coach. With the two-time coach of the year in the building, Atlanta turns its attention fully to the search for a general manager.
The Falcons will announce these interviews after they are completed with each candidate. We'll provide those updates here, along with relevant information and background about each candidate.
The NFL has specific rules for how and when teams can conduct these interviews.They are outlined here.
The Falcons have officially completed an interview with Josh Williams for general manager.
Interview date: Friday, Jan. 23
Current role: Williams has been the San Francisco 49ers'director of scouting and footballsince 2024. 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's2024 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 includes 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.
Williams was also one of the five candidates the Falcons interviewed for the new president of football position that ultimately went to Matt Ryan.
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.
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