Ian Cunningham has frequently been seen as a strong general manager candidate during recent hiring cycles. 2026 appears to be no different.
Cunningham has received an interview request from the Falcons for their GM vacancy, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports. This marks the first known target for Atlanta as the team looks for a Terry Fontenot replacement. Both Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were fired immediately after the regular season ended.
That move has left the Falcons with a pair notable vacancies in the organization. The head coach and general manager positions are not the only ones in need of being filled, however. As part of the Falcons’ restructuring, a president of football operations will soon be hired. That role is widely expected to go to Matt Ryan. GM and HC hires will not be made until after the new front office position is filled.
Cunningham represents a “strong early candidate” for the Falcons’ general manager position, Jones adds. That comes as little surprise given his strong reputation around the league. After turning down Arizona during the previous cycle, Cunningham was a finalist for the Commanders’ gig in 2024. He then lined up second interviews with both the Titans and Jaguars last offseason. For now, the former offensive lineman is in place with the Bears as their assistant GM but there is once again a strong chance he could depart in the near future.
Ryan and Bears general manager Ryan Poles are former Boston College teammates. That familiarity will be a factor to watch in Cunningham’s case, although the Dolphins’ vacancy looms as an alternate opportunity. On the other hand, Miami’s initial list of interview requests does not include Cunningham.
Only two GM openings exist at this point. Cunningham – who has experience in the scouting and personnel departments dating back to his Ravens and Eagles tenures – is a name to watch closely in Atlanta as the rest of the team’s interview targets emerges over the coming days.
Get that Falcons job Ian the Bears can really use those comp picks!
The annual Ian Cunningham Rooney Rule tour kicks off in Atlanta
No. He would be a great choice. He will do a great job. It’s been said he’s been the calming factor and voice of reason with the Bears.
If Ian Cunningham is not on Miami’s list, then you know he’s the right guy……
If the Falcons are seeking “Happy Days” they would probably be better off with Ritchie Cunningham 🙂
Actually, they are trying to schedule an interview with CHUCK Cunningham, but so far have been unable to find him.
As a Bears fan I believe Cunningham would be a solid GM. He’s more than ready, capable and a solid talent evaluator. Hate to loose him. I always believed Cunningham should be the GM and Poles as his assistant. The current roles are reversed. Since they have been together in 2022. There have been numerous stories from Bears insiders of Cunningham talking Poles out of potentially bad moves. Also stories of how Cunningham wished to take different routes in the draft and free agency only for Poles to over rule. Routes like the need to build a team from the inside out. The overall importance of a strong O-Line and D-Line.
I expect Unclemike to neither confirm or deny that he is a Bears “insider” 🙂
Not sure Uncle is a true insider. He does however provide good insight and thought provoking comments most of the time.If your from Chicago, I’m referencing inside reporters with connections to include Brad Biggs (Chicago Tribune), Dan Wiederer (The Athletic), Courtney Cronin (ESPN), and media personalities from sports outlets like (Hoge, Carman, Jahns, Canellis, Kaplan). Some of these reporters I take a wait and see, whatever approach. There are a couple who are typically right on point.