Ian Cunningham Interviewed for Falcons’ General Manager Position
Ian Cunningham has emerged as a strong candidate for the General Manager position with the Atlanta Falcons. Currently serving as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, Cunningham brings valuable NFL experience to the table.
Cunningham’s Career Overview
Since his appointment in 2022, Cunningham has established himself as a pivotal figure in the Bears’ organization. He is notable for being the first assistant general manager in the team’s history, working alongside general manager Ryan Poles.
- Experience: 18 years in the NFL, with notable roles in the Bears, Eagles, and Ravens.
- Education: Former offensive lineman at the University of Virginia.
Achievements with the Chicago Bears
Cunningham has played a key role in the Bears’ recent success. The team secured the NFC North title in 2025, their first division championship since 2018. Under his guidance, the Bears have shown promising progress, especially with a new head coach and a young quarterback.
Previous Roles and Success
Before joining the Bears, Cunningham worked for five years with the Philadelphia Eagles. His positions included:
- Director of College Scouting (2017-2018)
- Assistant Director of Player Personnel (2019-2020)
- Director of Player Personnel (2021)
During his tenure, the Eagles made the playoffs four times and won a Super Bowl in his first season. His NFL journey began with the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent nine seasons as a player personnel assistant and area scout, contributing to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.
Connections to Atlanta Falcons
Cunningham’s ties to the Falcons go deeper than just his candidacy for the GM position. He has a close connection to Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ new president of football operations, serving as teammates at Boston College. This relationship could be advantageous in his potential role with Atlanta.
Why Cunningham is a Strong Candidate
Cunningham has consistently climbed the ranks in NFL front offices, gaining comprehensive experience at various levels. His successful background equips him with insights into building a cohesive and competitive team, crucial for the Falcons, who have not reached the playoffs since 2017.
His recent experience in developing a dynamic roster at the Bears positions him favorably to enhance the Falcons’ future performance. Following a rebuilding year, Cunningham’s expertise could lead the Falcons to greater success, much like the Bears demonstrated after a tough rookie season.
As the Falcons deliberate on their general manager search, Ian Cunningham stands out as a candidate poised to make an impactful contribution to the team’s rebuilding efforts.
