The Chicago Bears are entering a new kind of offseason-one that signals progress rather than upheaval. For years, this time of year has often meant cleaning house, reshuffling staff after another disappointing campaign.
But not this time. Following their most successful season in over a decade, the Bears are now dealing with a different kind of turnover: other teams are poaching their talent.
The latest departure is assistant general manager Ian Cunningham, who’s headed to Atlanta to take on a prominent executive role under Falcons president Matt Ryan. Cunningham has long been viewed as a future GM, and his move is a testament to the work he’s done in Chicago. Around the league, he’s earned a reputation as a sharp evaluator and a steady presence in the front office-exactly the kind of executive teams are eager to bring in when trying to reset their direction.
His exit stings, no doubt. Cunningham was Ryan Poles’ right-hand man, and the two built a strong working relationship that helped stabilize the Bears’ front office.
But it’s also a sign that the Bears are doing something right. When your staff is getting promoted elsewhere, it means the rest of the NFL is noticing.
That wasn’t the only move. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is also on the move-he’s heading back to Kansas City to take over as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator.
And current Bears OC Declan Doyle remains in the mix for other coordinator jobs around the league. It’s a flurry of movement, but again, it’s coming from a place of success, not dysfunction.
Now, let’s talk about what this means for the Bears going forward. Cunningham’s departure could have been blocked by the Bears, since his new role isn’t technically a full general manager position and wouldn’t net Chicago any compensatory picks.
But Poles chose not to stand in the way. That matters.
It shows respect for Cunningham’s aspirations and a willingness to support the people in your building-not just when it benefits you, but when it’s the right thing to do.
So where does that leave the Bears? In a pretty solid spot, actually.
Enter Jeff King, the co-director of player personnel and a name that’s been quietly gaining traction inside league circles. If there’s a natural successor to Cunningham, it’s King.
He’s been with the organization for nearly a decade, knows the inner workings of the front office, and has played a key role in the Bears' recent talent acquisition and roster development. Promoting from within would keep continuity intact, and King has the kind of experience and familiarity with Poles that makes the transition smoother.
Poles himself has spoken highly of King in the past, calling him a valuable asset to the organization. Now’s the time to show that belief by giving him the assistant GM title.
While Poles’ tenure hasn’t been flawless-no GM’s is-he’s built a front office and coaching staff that’s clearly trending in the right direction. If he sees King as the next man up, there’s reason to trust that judgment.
This isn’t a moment for panic in Chicago. It’s a moment of evolution. Losing key staff to other teams is part of the price of success, and if the Bears continue to build their pipeline of talent-on the field and in the front office-they’ll be able to weather these departures without missing a beat.
The Bears are no longer scrambling to fix what’s broken. They’re building something sustainable. And that’s a position they haven’t been in for a long time.