Ryan Pace Parts Ways with Atlanta Falcons Following Staff Overhaul

Jason Dayee
Former Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace before a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Soldier Field.

Ryan Pace, the Atlanta Falcons’ vice president of football operations/player personnel, has left the organization, sources confirmed on Saturday. This move marks the latest shift in Atlanta’s front office following a disappointing end to the 2025 season.

Pace, formerly the general manager of the Chicago Bears, joined the Falcons in 2022 as a senior personnel executive. He was brought in by his close friend and former colleague, Terry Fontenot, who served as the Falcons’ general manager until his dismissal last month.

A Tenure Defined by Transition

Pace’s time in Atlanta saw him steadily climb the executive ladder. After starting as a senior executive, he was promoted to director of player personnel in 2023, and subsequently to vice president of football operations/player personnel in 2024. His tenure, however, coincided with a turbulent period for the franchise. The Falcons finished the recent campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs despite a late-season four-game winning streak.

The separation comes in the wake of significant organizational changes. Falcons owner Arthur Blank recently fired both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, signaling a complete reset for the team’s leadership. With his primary ally in the building gone, Pace’s departure was widely anticipated by league insiders.

Potential Future Opportunities

Despite the separation, Pace remains a respected figure within NFL circles. His background includes a seven-year stint as the general manager of the Chicago Bears (2015-2021). During his time in Chicago, he oversaw two playoff appearances (2018, 2020) and was named Sporting News Executive of the Year in 2018.

While his tenure in Chicago ended with his firing after the 2021 season, his experience in high-level personnel evaluation keeps him as a viable candidate for other front-office roles across the league. Reports suggest that Pace is highly thought of in Atlanta despite the split, and he is expected to explore options with other franchises immediately.

Although the Falcons, did recentely bring in Matt Ryan to serve as their new president of football operations. Ryan and the rest of ownership will likely oversee this poisition until it as been filled at a later date.

Originally from Staten Island, New York, I’ve spent most of my adult life in Arizona, where my passion for sports continues to grow. A proud University of Arizona graduate, I developed my journalism skills covering mostly football, basketball, and a few other sports for the Daily Wildcat and UATV-3.

Now covering the Kansas City Chiefs for Total Apex Sports, I aim to tell authentic stories that highlight the journeys, triumphs, and challenges of athletes today. I’m passionate about connecting with readers through honest and insightful coverage that reflects my deep love for the game.