The Falcons’ search for their next general manager is heating up, and the latest name added to the growing list of candidates is Texans assistant GM James Liipfert. According to reports, Atlanta has officially submitted a request to interview Liipfert, signaling their interest in one of the key architects behind Houston’s recent success in the draft room.
Liipfert is no stranger to the grind of roster building. Now entering his third year with the Texans, he wears multiple hats, most notably as the team’s director of college scouting.
His responsibilities span the entire pre-draft process-from organizing fall scouting efforts to overseeing evaluations at all-star games, the NFL Combine, pro days, and ultimately, the draft itself. In short, he’s been at the heart of Houston’s talent acquisition pipeline, helping shape a roster that’s turned heads with its youth and upside.
Liipfert joins a competitive and varied field of candidates for the Falcons’ GM job, each bringing their own blend of front office experience and scouting acumen. Here's where things currently stand:
- Ian Cunningham, Bears assistant GM - Requested
- Josh Williams, 49ers director of scouting and football operations - Interviewed
- Brandt Tilis, Panthers executive vice president - Scheduled
- Mike Disner, Lions COO - Requested
- Andy Weidl, Steelers assistant GM - Requested
- James Liipfert, Texans assistant GM - Requested
What stands out about this group is the balance of backgrounds-some candidates are steeped in the personnel side, others bring more executive-level operational experience. For Atlanta, the decision could come down to what kind of identity they want to build in the post-Arthur Smith era.
Do they lean toward a scouting-first mind like Liipfert, who’s made his mark evaluating college talent? Or do they opt for someone with broader organizational oversight?
The Falcons’ front office shakeup comes at a pivotal time. With a roster that’s shown flashes but still lacks consistency, this hire will be tasked with shaping the team’s future from the top down-starting with the 2026 NFL Draft and extending into free agency and beyond.
As the interview process unfolds, expect more names to surface and the picture to become clearer. But for now, the Falcons are casting a wide net, and James Liipfert is officially in the mix.