Falcons Zero In on Ian Cunningham for GM Role, While Coaching Staff Draws Outside Interest
The Falcons’ front office search appears to be narrowing in on a familiar name: Ian Cunningham. The Bears’ assistant general manager has been a consistent presence in Atlanta’s conversations for weeks now, and there’s growing belief that he’s the preferred candidate to take over as the team’s new general manager.
Cunningham brings a strong reputation for talent evaluation and roster building, and there’s an added layer of familiarity that could help seal the deal. Bears GM Ryan Poles - a close friend of new Falcons president Matt Ryan - has worked closely with Cunningham in Chicago, and that connection may carry weight as Atlanta finalizes its leadership structure.
Meanwhile, on the coaching side, defensive line coach Nate Ollie is starting to attract attention from teams around the league. While there’s still a possibility he remains on Jeff Ulbrich’s defensive staff, the interest from outside suggests Ollie is viewed as a rising name in coaching circles. His work with the Falcons’ front has not gone unnoticed.
Harbaugh Era Begins in New York with Clear Vision and Strong Collaboration
John Harbaugh is wasting no time setting the tone in New York. The new Giants head coach made it clear that he’s excited about quarterback Jaxson Dart - not just for his arm talent, but for his mindset.
“I’m excited about Jaxson Dart. I like his talent and skills, but more than that, I like what he is about.
And he is about football,” Harbaugh said. “He wants to talk football all the time.”
That kind of intensity and focus is exactly what Harbaugh is looking for as he begins building his version of the Giants. And it’s not just Dart who’s making an impression. Harbaugh spoke highly of GM Joe Schoen, emphasizing the shared football mindset and the depth of Schoen’s knowledge.
“The conversations led me to believe there would be great collaboration,” Harbaugh said. “This guy lives and breathes football.
His knowledge is deep. He was impressive to me.”
That synergy between coach and general manager could be a game-changer for a franchise looking to climb back into NFC relevance. Harbaugh also made it clear that the chain of command is straightforward - everyone reports to ownership, with John Mara at the top.
Chris Mara echoed that sentiment, noting that Schoen’s deep NFL knowledge and strong connection with Harbaugh helped solidify his place in the organization. As for Harbaugh’s influence? Mara admitted that the dynamic might not have worked with just any coach.
Schoen, for his part, downplayed the idea of final authority, saying that while the head coach may have the last word on paper, what really matters is collaboration.
On the personnel front, Schoen provided updates on two key offensive players: wide receiver Malik Nabers is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, while running back Cam Skattebo is on track to return for the offseason program.
In terms of staff building, the Giants are recommending offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and tight ends coach Tim Kelly to Harbaugh - two respected names who could help lay the foundation for a more consistent offense in 2026.
Panthers Stay Patient with Bryce Young, But Questions Linger
Panthers GM Dan Morgan isn’t rushing to make any declarations about Bryce Young’s future - at least not yet. When asked about a potential contract extension for the young quarterback, Morgan made it clear that the team is still evaluating the big picture.
“We’re still talking through the roster and kind of where things look from the big picture view,” Morgan said. “I think Bryce has shown flashes of greatness this year against high-level competition.”
That’s the key phrase: flashes. Young has had moments that remind everyone why he was taken at the top of the draft, but consistency remains a work in progress - not just for him, but for a young Panthers squad still trying to find its identity.
Inside the locker room, though, Young has no shortage of believers. Veteran defensive tackle Derrick Brown had high praise for the quarterback’s resilience and leadership.
“Bryce has had a damn good year. So many people rag on him, and if it was easy, everybody would play quarterback in the league,” Brown said.
“I’m just proud of him and his growth throughout the year. Standing tall in front of the team no matter if it was (when) we got beat by New England, he’d come into the locker room and have something to say.
It’s every single week with that guy becoming the constant leader of this locker room.”
Guard Robert Hunt echoed that sentiment, pointing to Young’s steady improvement and poise under pressure.
“I think he’s a guy that gets better. The more you put around him, the better he gets,” Hunt said.
“We all know how clutch he is. He does some really good things.
And obviously, he would tell you the same - there’s probably some things he wants to work on. … I think every year, though, with reps and reps you get better.”
Still, not everyone is sold. One veteran personnel executive raised concerns about the long-term cap implications of paying Young a big-money extension too early, drawing parallels to the Dolphins’ situation with Tua Tagovailoa. The point: when you pay a quarterback top-tier money, the margin for error shrinks - especially if that quarterback still needs help around him to win.
Kurt Warner also weighed in, pointing to some mechanical issues in Young’s game that could limit his ceiling if not corrected.
“When you watch Bryce, his feet are together. Sometimes they’re sideways.
He’s kind of bouncing up in the air and trying to feel it,” Warner said. “And when you’re already limited somewhat physically, you have some balls that hang on you, that don’t get there.
Or you’re a little bit late on the throw because you weren’t quite ready to throw it and you’re not ripping it 100 miles an hour.”
For now, the Panthers are taking a measured approach. Young has shown growth, he has the support of his teammates, and he’s earned the chance to keep developing. But as the front office evaluates its path forward, the question isn’t just whether Bryce Young can be the guy - it’s whether he can be the guy in a way that justifies the kind of contract that reshapes a franchise.