The Atlanta Falcons have finally landed their general manager - and Ian Cunningham has finally landed his GM job.
After years of coming close, Cunningham is heading to Atlanta to take over the front office reins. The Falcons offered him the job after an extensive interview process, and now he joins newly hired president of football operations Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski to form the team’s new leadership core.
It’s a big moment for both sides. For the Falcons, this is about charting a new direction after years of underachievement. For Cunningham, it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for - and, frankly, earned.
A Long Road to the Top
Cunningham’s path to this role has been anything but linear. He first interviewed with the Falcons on January 9 - not for the GM role, but for the president of football operations job that ultimately went to Ryan.
Once Ryan was in place, Cunningham circled back for a virtual GM interview on January 23, followed by an in-person meeting just days later. That final conversation sealed the deal.
He wasn’t the only strong candidate. Texans assistant GM James Liipfert made it to the final round and left a strong impression in his first GM interview. But Cunningham’s experience, vision, and track record ultimately won out.
This wasn’t his first brush with a GM title either. He was a finalist for the Jaguars job last year and the Commanders the year before that. He even turned down the Cardinals’ GM offer in 2023 - a bold move that now looks like the right call.
Building Blocks of a Front Office Leader
Cunningham brings a deep football résumé to Atlanta. The son of a longtime sports agent and cousin of tennis legend Arthur Ashe, he played college ball at Virginia before stepping into the NFL world with the Baltimore Ravens. There, he cut his teeth under Hall of Fame executive Ozzie Newsome - not a bad place to start.
He later joined the Eagles in 2017 as director of scouting, then moved to Chicago in 2022 to work alongside Ryan Poles as assistant GM. Along the way, he’s collected two Super Bowl rings and built a reputation as a sharp evaluator and steady hand in the front office.
In Chicago, Cunningham had a hand in some pivotal moves. He helped lead the coaching search that landed Ben Johnson, played a key role in drafting Caleb Williams, and helped orchestrate the trade of the No. 1 overall pick - a move that set the Bears up for a division title and their first playoff win in 15 years.
A Unique Power Structure in Atlanta
Now, Cunningham steps into a GM role that’s slightly different from most across the league. While he’ll be managing the roster and overseeing personnel decisions, he won’t be the team’s primary football executive - that title belongs to Matt Ryan, as designated by the Falcons and the league office.
Because of that distinction, the Bears won’t receive compensatory draft picks for his departure. Since 2021, the NFL has awarded teams two third-round picks for developing minority candidates who are hired as head coaches or general managers elsewhere. But because Cunningham will technically report to Ryan, the league doesn’t classify this move as a true GM promotion - even if, in practice, it absolutely is.
The Bears could have blocked the move under league rules, since it’s considered a lateral shift. But they didn’t - a sign of the respect Cunningham earned in Chicago and the goodwill he leaves behind.
What’s Next in Atlanta?
Cunningham replaces Terry Fontenot, who was let go after five seasons. While Fontenot helped assemble a talented roster - particularly on the defensive side - the Falcons never quite put it all together. They didn’t win the NFC South during his tenure, and the quarterback position remained a riddle despite major investments.
That’s where Cunningham’s attention will likely turn first. Kirk Cousins, signed to a $180 million deal, now has a restructured contract that gives the team flexibility to move on if needed. Meanwhile, rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., a top-10 pick, is working his way back from an ACL injury but remains hopeful to be ready for Week 1.
Beyond the quarterback room, there’s a long to-do list. Star wideout Drake London is extension-eligible.
Tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off a breakout season and could test free agency. Decisions loom on key contributors like linebacker Kaden Elliss, edge rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive lineman David Onyemata, running back Tyler Allgeier, and cornerback Dee Alford.
Cunningham’s job now is to set the tone - not just for free agency, but for the long-term identity of this team. Atlanta has pieces. They’ve got young talent, a winnable division, and now, a front office structure that’s finally aligned.
The Falcons have made their hire. Ian Cunningham has made his move. Now it’s time to see what they build together.