The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Ian Cunningham as their new General Manager, marking a significant step forward for a franchise looking to build something sustainable-and special.
Cunningham steps into the role after four seasons as the assistant GM with the Chicago Bears, and he’ll report directly to Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ president of football operations. Yes, that Matt Ryan-former MVP quarterback turned front-office executive. The Falcons are clearly betting on a fresh pairing of experienced minds with championship DNA to reshape the direction of the team.
“It was evident through our rigorous interview process that Ian was the right choice for our General Manager position,” Ryan said in a statement. “His vision for our team and organization aligned exactly with the type of leader we were seeking to help take the Falcons to the next level.”
That vision? It’s rooted in a résumé that includes Super Bowl championships with both the Ravens and Eagles, and a proven track record when it comes to building rosters that can compete at the highest level.
During his time in Chicago, Cunningham helped acquire four players who earned a combined three All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowl selections. That’s not just solid scouting-that’s front-office impact.
The 2025 Bears offense, in particular, was one of the league’s most productive units, finishing sixth in total offense. And here’s the kicker: 13 of the 15 players who logged at least 400 snaps on that offense were brought in during Cunningham’s tenure. That’s the kind of roster construction that turns potential into production.
Now, Cunningham brings that same eye for talent and team-building to Atlanta, where he’ll be working alongside newly hired head coach Kevin Stefanski. It’s a partnership the Falcons believe can reinvigorate a franchise that’s been searching for consistency and identity since its last playoff appearance.
“Pairing him with coach Stefanski is exciting for us,” Ryan added. “We can’t wait to see them bring our shared vision to life in everything we do starting right now.”
For Cunningham, the move to Atlanta is more than just a career milestone-it’s a homecoming. A Roswell native, he grew up a Falcons fan during the heyday of the “Dirty Birds,” when the city was buzzing with sports energy from the Braves’ dominance to the 1996 Summer Olympics.
“It’s truly an honor to be the General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons,” Cunningham said. “As a Falcons fan growing up in Roswell… I lived the passion of Atlanta sports fans and I can’t wait to be part of bringing that fire and energy back to the city.”
The early signs point to a strong alignment between Cunningham, Ryan, and Stefanski-a trio that seems to be on the same page when it comes to vision, culture, and expectations. Cunningham spoke highly of the relationships he’s already begun building with Ryan and Stefanski, calling the connection “immediate.”
And now, the real work begins. The Falcons are entering a critical offseason with questions at key positions and a fanbase hungry for a return to relevance. But with Cunningham at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of purpose in Atlanta’s front office-one built on experience, collaboration, and a clear plan to build a contender.
“We all share the same vision for what the Atlanta Falcons should and will be,” Cunningham said. “And it’s time to work.”