Last week, the Atlanta Falcons looked poised to make a front-office splash. Matt Ryan, the longtime face of the franchise on the field, was stepping into a new role as president of football operations.
With the general manager seat still vacant, all signs pointed toward Ian Cunningham, the Chicago Bears’ assistant GM, as a natural fit. His longstanding relationship with Bears GM Ryan Poles and his strong résumé made him a logical candidate.
The two sides met. Everything looked aligned.
Then, silence.
Now, the momentum has shifted-and not in Cunningham’s favor. According to recent reports, the Falcons are leaning toward Josh Williams, the San Francisco 49ers’ director of scouting and football operations.
And there’s more: Williams could potentially team up with Jets head coach Robert Saleh in Atlanta, forming a new leadership duo under Ryan’s vision. Notably absent from the latest buzz?
Cunningham.
That absence raises two possibilities: either Cunningham is no longer in the running or he’s taken himself out of it. And based on how things are unfolding, the latter seems more likely.
Here’s why.
The Falcons’ new front-office structure is unlike most in the league. With Ryan now installed as the top football decision-maker, the GM role doesn’t carry the typical weight or autonomy.
Whoever takes the job won’t be calling the shots-they’ll be reporting to Ryan. For someone like Cunningham, who’s turned down more powerful opportunities in the past, this setup likely doesn’t move the needle.
A GM title without true authority? That’s not exactly a compelling next step for an executive with his trajectory.
And while this might feel like a missed opportunity for Cunningham, it could actually be a quiet win for the Bears.
For starters, had Cunningham accepted the role in Atlanta, it may not have qualified as a true promotion under the NFL’s diversity hiring initiative. That means Chicago wouldn’t have received the two compensatory third-round picks typically awarded for losing a minority executive to a higher-ranking position elsewhere. So from a roster-building standpoint, the Bears avoid losing both a top personnel mind and valuable draft capital.
Beyond that, Cunningham’s continued presence in Chicago provides balance in the front office. While Poles is known for his bold, aggressive approach to team building, Cunningham brings a steadying influence-someone who can offer a different perspective in high-stakes decisions. That kind of internal dynamic is invaluable, especially as the Bears look to take the next step toward sustained contention.
So while Atlanta reshapes its leadership picture, Chicago quietly benefits. And for now, Ian Cunningham remains a key part of the Bears’ blueprint.