When a team starts to find its footing and build a sustainable culture of success, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the league comes knocking - not just for players, but for the people behind the scenes who help make it all work. That’s exactly what’s happening in Chicago, where the Bears’ front office is drawing serious interest from across the NFL.
At the center of that attention is assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, who’s officially on the radar for one of the top open jobs in the league. The Atlanta Falcons have requested to interview Cunningham for their vacant general manager position - a move that many around the league saw coming.
Cunningham’s Path to the Top
Cunningham has been serving as the right-hand man to Bears GM Ryan Poles since 2022, helping guide a front office that’s been reshaping Chicago’s roster with a long-term vision in mind. And while Poles has been the face of that rebuild, Cunningham’s fingerprints are all over the Bears’ recent moves - from draft strategy to free agency and everything in between.
Before joining Chicago, Cunningham spent time with two of the NFL’s most respected organizations: the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles. In Baltimore, he cut his teeth in scouting - a franchise known for consistently finding value in the draft.
In Philly, he rose through the ranks to become director of college scouting, playing a key role in identifying and evaluating young talent. That kind of résumé doesn’t go unnoticed.
Why Atlanta Makes Sense
The Falcons’ interest isn’t just based on Cunningham’s track record - it’s also about relationships. Atlanta’s new president of football operations, Matt Ryan, has a personal connection with Ryan Poles.
The two were teammates at Boston College, where Ryan starred at quarterback and Poles anchored the offensive line. That bond has reportedly remained strong over the years, and Poles has even been helping Ryan transition into his new executive role.
Given that connection, it’s not hard to imagine Cunningham’s name came up early in the Falcons’ search process. He’s viewed as a rising star in the league’s executive circles, and the timing feels right for him to take the next step.
What This Could Mean for Chicago
If Cunningham does land the Falcons job - and he’s certainly considered one of the frontrunners - it would mark a significant shift for the Bears’ front office. Losing a key voice in personnel decisions would force Ryan Poles to reassess the structure of his staff heading into a pivotal offseason.
Chicago has been building something that feels sustainable, and Cunningham has been a big part of that. His departure wouldn’t derail the Bears’ progress, but it would leave a void that won’t be easy to fill.
Final Thoughts
This is the reality of success in the NFL. When you start doing things the right way, other teams take notice - and they want a piece of it.
Ian Cunningham has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and smart decision-making. Now, he’s got a shot to run his own show in Atlanta.
For the Bears, it’s a testament to the front office culture they’ve built. For the Falcons, it could be the first move in a new era. Either way, Cunningham’s next chapter is one to watch.