The Atlanta Falcons are moving forward in their search for a new general manager, and the process is heating up. Texans assistant GM James Liipfert is set for a second interview this week, signaling he's firmly in the mix as a serious contender for the job.
Liipfert, who’s heading into his third year with Houston, currently oversees the Texans’ college scouting department. That means he’s the guy steering the ship when it comes to evaluating college talent - from fall scouting to all-star games, the NFL Combine, pro days, and ultimately, the draft. It’s a critical role, and it’s one that’s given him a front-row seat to the kind of detail-oriented, long-term roster building that franchises crave in a GM.
The Falcons' GM search has now narrowed to a group of finalists, and Liipfert is one of two names confirmed to be in that next round. He joins Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham, who also has a second interview scheduled. Both are respected personnel minds who’ve spent years climbing the NFL front office ladder, and both bring a strong scouting background to the table - a key trait for a team looking to build through the draft and solidify its foundation.
Beyond those two finalists, the Falcons have cast a wide net in their search. Other candidates include:
- Josh Williams, the 49ers’ director of scouting and football operations, who has been requested for an interview.
- Andy Weidl, Steelers assistant GM, also requested.
- Mike Bradway, assistant GM with the Chiefs, another name the Falcons have asked to speak with.
- Joe Douglas, the Eagles’ senior personnel director, who has already completed his interview.
It’s clear Atlanta is prioritizing candidates with deep scouting experience and strong track records in talent evaluation. That makes sense for a franchise that’s looking to reset and reload after several seasons of inconsistency. Whoever lands the GM job will be tasked with shaping the roster, setting the tone for the front office, and partnering with the head coach to define the next era of Falcons football.
As for Liipfert, his rise through the Texans' front office has been steady and well-regarded. Running the college scouting department is no small task, especially in a league where draft success can make or break a team’s trajectory. If he ends up getting the nod in Atlanta, it’ll be a sign the Falcons are betting on a talent evaluator with a sharp eye for young prospects and a methodical approach to roster construction.
The second round of interviews should provide more clarity on which direction Atlanta is leaning. But for now, Liipfert’s name is one to watch as the Falcons zero in on their next general manager.