The Atlanta Falcons’ search for their next general manager just got a lot more interesting.
What looked like a two-man race between Ian Cunningham and Josh Williams has taken a sharp turn, with a new contender stepping into the spotlight: Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl. And make no mistake-this isn’t just a courtesy interview. Weidl brings a résumé that demands attention, and his candidacy could seriously shake up the Falcons' front office plans.
Let’s break it down.
Weidl has been serving as the right-hand man to Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan since 2022, and while the Steelers haven’t exactly been lighting up the league with a top-tier roster, they’ve stayed competitive. A huge part of that has been their improved draft classes-something that’s happened under Weidl’s watch. He’s not just in the room when decisions are made; he’s the guy building the draft board.
Take a look at the names he’s had a hand in bringing to Pittsburgh:
- **Joey Porter Jr. **
- Keeanu Benton
- Derrick Harmon
- Nick Herbig
- Darnell Washington
- Zach Frazier
- Troy Fautanu
- Payton Wilson
- Mason McCormick
- Jack Sawyer
With the exception of Harmon and Fautanu, all of those players were Day 2 or Day 3 picks. That’s the kind of late-round value that separates good teams from great ones. And for a Falcons team that’s had some hits-especially in 2025-but still needs more roster depth, that’s exactly the type of eye for talent they’ve been missing.
Weidl’s path to this moment is just as impressive as the talent he’s helped uncover. He spent nearly a decade in Baltimore’s scouting department under Ozzie Newsome, one of the most respected executives in NFL history.
From there, he moved to Philadelphia and climbed the ranks to become VP of player personnel in 2019, working closely with Howie Roseman during a particularly successful stretch for the Eagles. Then it was back to Pittsburgh, where he’s continued to build his reputation as a sharp evaluator and team builder.
He’s been around winning organizations. He’s helped shape rosters that compete.
And while he may not be a household name just yet, he’s widely respected in league circles-and Steelers fans aren’t thrilled about the possibility of losing him. That alone should tell you something.
The Falcons, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski and newly minted team president Matt Ryan, are finally expanding their search beyond the initial pool of candidates tied to the president of football operations role. Weidl’s interview is the first sign that they’re casting a wider net, and it comes alongside interview requests for Cunningham, Williams, and Texans assistant GM James Liipfert.
So while Cunningham and Williams may still be considered the frontrunners, Weidl’s entrance into the process makes it clear: this race is far from over.
And even if he doesn’t land the job in Atlanta, it feels like only a matter of time before Weidl gets the call to lead a front office somewhere in the league. The track record is there.
The pedigree is there. The reputation is growing.
Now it’s up to the Falcons to decide if he’s the right fit to help shape the next chapter in Atlanta.