Now that the Atlanta Falcons have their head coach in place with Kevin Stefanski, the focus shifts to the front office - and specifically, who’s going to be calling the shots as general manager. Former quarterback and current team executive Matt Ryan hasn’t sat down with any candidates just yet, but that’s about to change. The GM search is heating up, and it’s expanding beyond what was originally expected.
What was shaping up to be a two-man race has now opened up into a broader field. The Falcons have officially requested interviews with five candidates: Ian Cunningham (Bears), Josh Williams (49ers), Andy Weidl (Steelers), James Liipfert (Texans), and most recently, Mike Bradway (Chiefs).
All five bring something in common to the table - a deep background in scouting and player evaluation. That’s not just a coincidence.
It’s a clear signal that Atlanta is prioritizing a front office leader who knows how to build through the draft, especially after the team’s recent struggles under Terry Fontenot to consistently hit on early-round picks.
Let’s break it down.
Ian Cunningham is no stranger to top-tier front office environments. He cut his teeth as a scout in Baltimore, then moved on to become the director of college scouting - and later, player personnel - in Philadelphia.
Those are two of the most respected front offices in the NFL, and Cunningham worked under legends like Ozzie Newsome and Howie Roseman before becoming Ryan Poles’ right-hand man in Chicago. His resume screams “ready for the big chair.”
Josh Williams has been a steady presence in San Francisco’s scouting department for over a decade, and he’s currently the 49ers’ director of scouting and football operations. While the Niners have had their ups and downs in the draft, Williams has been a key figure in building one of the most physical, deep rosters in the league. His long tenure in talent evaluation makes him a logical candidate for a GM role - and he’s been on shortlists before.
Cunningham and Williams were believed to be the early favorites, especially when Atlanta was simultaneously searching for a head coach. But with Stefanski now in the fold, the Falcons are widening the lens and bringing in more names - some of whom may align closely with Stefanski’s vision for the team.
Andy Weidl is a name that stands out. He’s currently the assistant GM in Pittsburgh, working under Omar Khan, but he’s the one who builds the Steelers’ draft board.
That’s no small task in a franchise known for homegrown talent and physical, tough football. Like Cunningham, Weidl also spent time in Philadelphia and Baltimore, giving him a strong pedigree in two of the league’s best scouting departments.
James Liipfert, meanwhile, has been instrumental in helping build the Texans’ young, fast defense. As Houston’s assistant GM and director of college scouting, he’s played a big role in identifying and developing talent - much of which has come through the draft. Liipfert also has roots in New England’s scouting department, adding another layer of experience from a championship-caliber front office.
Mike Bradway is the latest name added to the mix. He’s in his first season as assistant GM in Kansas City after Mike Borgonzi left for Tennessee, but he’s been around the Chiefs’ front office for years.
Before that, he worked in Philadelphia as the assistant director of college scouting. Like the others, Bradway’s background is firmly rooted in talent evaluation - and he’s coming from a winning culture in Kansas City, which certainly doesn’t hurt.
So what does this all mean?
The Falcons aren’t just looking for a general manager - they’re looking for a builder. Someone who can evaluate talent, construct a roster from the ground up, and align with Stefanski’s long-term vision. The emphasis on scouting backgrounds says a lot about how the organization views its recent draft history and where it wants to go next.
Yes, Cunningham might still be the frontrunner. But with this expanded list of candidates, the race is far from over.
Each of these five names brings a unique blend of experience, pedigree, and proven ability to identify NFL talent. And with Atlanta currently holding the league’s only open GM job, they can afford to take their time and get this right.
Expect interviews to start this week. And don’t be surprised if this search takes a few twists before the Falcons settle on their next front office leader.