The Atlanta Falcons have officially found their new general manager-and in doing so, the Chicago Bears are losing one of the most respected voices in their front office.
Ian Cunningham, who served as the Bears’ assistant general manager under Ryan Poles, is heading to Atlanta to take over GM duties. It’s a move that had been building momentum ever since the Falcons began their search, and now it’s official: Cunningham is getting his shot to lead a front office.
This hire isn’t just about filling a vacancy-it’s about connections, trust, and vision. The presence of Matt Ryan, recently named president of football operations in Atlanta, played a key role.
Ryan and Poles go way back to their playing days at Boston College, and that long-standing relationship helped Cunningham rise to the top of Atlanta’s list. In a league where relationships and reputations matter just as much as résumés, this one checked all the boxes.
For Chicago, though, this is a tough loss. Cunningham wasn’t just a deputy GM in title-he was instrumental in building the foundation the Bears are standing on right now. From the moment he arrived in Chicago, he helped reshape the roster alongside Poles, playing a key role in some of the most impactful moves the franchise has made in recent years.
Let’s not forget: Cunningham was part of the brain trust that pulled off the DJ Moore trade, a blockbuster that eventually helped set the Bears up to draft both Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in 2024. That’s the kind of front office foresight that changes the trajectory of a franchise.
And it didn’t stop there-last offseason, the Bears overhauled their offensive line, bringing in four new starters and several rookies who made immediate contributions. Cunningham’s fingerprints were all over those moves.
Before his time in Chicago, Cunningham built a strong résumé across the league. He broke into the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent nearly a decade in scouting and personnel roles.
From there, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles and climbed the ladder, holding key titles like director of college scouting and director of player personnel. That experience across multiple successful organizations gave him a well-rounded perspective that he brought to Chicago-and now takes to Atlanta.
The timing of this move is significant for the Bears, who are also dealing with the departure of running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who’s heading back to Kansas City as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. It’s a reminder that when a team starts to turn the corner, as Chicago appears to be doing, other franchises take notice-and start poaching talent.
Still, Bears fans have reason for optimism. The relationship between Poles and Cunningham remains strong, and that could open the door for future collaborations-possibly even trades-that benefit both sides. But make no mistake: this is a big promotion for Cunningham and a big moment for the Falcons, who are handing the keys to someone with a proven track record of roster-building and a deep understanding of how to shape a winning culture.
Now, it’s Cunningham’s turn to take the lead. And given what he’s helped build in Chicago, Atlanta fans have every reason to be excited about what’s coming next.