The Atlanta Falcons are deep into their offseason reboot, and the front office reshuffle is nearing a key milestone. With Kevin Stefanski locked in as the new head coach and franchise icon Matt Ryan stepping into the role of president of football operations, the team is now zeroing in on its next general manager - and one candidate is starting to stand out.
Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham is set for a second, in-person interview with the Falcons this week, according to reports. Cunningham was also in the running for the team president role that ultimately went to Ryan, so it’s clear Atlanta’s brass sees something they like in the rising executive.
This GM search comes on the heels of a major shake-up. The Falcons parted ways with both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot immediately after their final game of the regular season.
Fontenot's tenure had its moments - he helped build a more respectable defense and finally gave Atlanta a pass rush worth mentioning. But his bold quarterback decisions turned into a high-wire act that didn’t land.
Signing Kirk Cousins to a massive deal and then using a top-10 pick on Michael Penix Jr. raised eyebrows, and when the results didn’t follow, the pressure became too much to ignore.
Cunningham’s rise in the Bears’ front office has drawn attention across the league, and for good reason. Chicago just wrapped up a strong season that saw them push all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs. That kind of success tends to put a spotlight on the architects behind the scenes, and Cunningham’s name has been circulating in GM conversations for multiple teams.
For the Falcons, the next general manager will inherit a roster with both promise and pressing needs. Wide receiver is high on the list - Drake London had flashes, but he was often a one-man show. The secondary also needs reinforcements, and while the team has invested heavily at quarterback, Penix Jr.’s health remains a lingering concern that could shape the direction of the offseason.
Owner Arthur Blank and his leadership team appear to be closing in on their choice. With Stefanski and Ryan already in place, the GM hire will complete a new power trio in Atlanta - one tasked with turning potential into production and finally getting this franchise back into playoff relevance.