The Atlanta Falcons are closing in on their next general manager, and the race appears to be down to two strong finalists: Texans assistant GM James Liipfert and Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham. After a first round of interviews last week, both candidates are set to return for final meetings on Thursday - a clear signal that a decision could be coming by the end of the week.
Let’s break this down.
Ian Cunningham: The Familiar Face
Cunningham’s name has been tied to the Falcons’ GM job from the jump, and not without reason. He’s currently serving under Bears GM Ryan Poles in Chicago, and here’s where the connections start to matter.
Poles and Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan go way back - all the way to their playing days at Boston College. That relationship has reportedly remained tight over the years, and Poles has even been helping Ryan navigate his transition into the front office.
That kind of trust and familiarity carries weight in NFL circles. Cunningham, already well-regarded around the league for his personnel acumen, benefits from that added layer of credibility through his association with Poles.
And it’s not just about who you know - Cunningham has earned his stripes. He’s been a key figure in the Bears’ front office during a period of roster retooling, and his reputation as a sharp evaluator continues to grow.
James Liipfert: The Proven Builder
But don’t count out James Liipfert. While Cunningham may have the inside track in terms of connections, Liipfert has built a résumé that speaks for itself.
He spent nearly a decade as a scout with the New England Patriots, playing a role in multiple Super Bowl-winning teams during one of the most dominant stretches in league history. That kind of pedigree doesn’t go unnoticed.
More recently, Liipfert has been instrumental in helping construct a Texans roster that’s gone from rebuilding to legitimate contender status over the last few seasons. His fingerprints are all over a team that’s built through smart drafting, savvy acquisitions, and a clear long-term vision.
And here’s something else that might resonate in Flowery Branch: Liipfert’s local roots. He played linebacker at Georgia Tech from 2005 to 2008, which gives him a connection to the region that can matter in a front office role. Understanding the local landscape - both on and off the field - can be a subtle but valuable asset when building an organization.
What’s Next for Atlanta
The Falcons are at a pivotal moment. With a new head coach in place and Matt Ryan stepping into a prominent executive role, the GM hire will be a foundational piece in shaping the team’s identity moving forward. This isn’t just about who can scout the best or manage the cap - it’s about finding a partner who can align with the vision, culture, and direction of the franchise.
Cunningham brings familiarity, trust, and a modern approach to team-building. Liipfert offers championship experience, a track record of success in multiple organizations, and a deep understanding of what it takes to construct a winner from the ground up.
Both are more than qualified. Now it’s up to the Falcons to choose the voice they want helping steer the ship.
One thing’s for sure - Thursday’s interviews will be more than just formalities. They’ll likely determine the next architect of the Falcons’ future.