On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons expanded their restructured executive team by appointing Ian Cunningham, formerly an assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, as their new general manager. The franchise confirmed Cunningham’s recruitment that same Thursday night.
Cunningham, aged 40, had previously sought the Falcons’ top football executive role and subsequently underwent two interviews for the general manager vacancy following Matt Ryan’s appointment. Considering his background in collegiate scouting and managing player resources, his duties alongside Ryan and newly appointed head coach Kevin Stefanski appear clear.
Reports suggest that Ryan will possess final say regarding executive decisions within Atlanta’s organizational structure, thereby precluding the Bears from obtaining two compensatory third-round draft selections due to Cunningham’s departure. This provision stemmed from the “Rooney Rule,” designed to foster the advancement of minority candidates.
Nevertheless, the NFL reportedly designates Ryan as the Falcons’ principal football operations executive. Consequently, Cunningham’s transition is, in essence, a horizontal career step, despite holding the general manager designation. (This factor meant the Bears possessed the option to prevent Cunningham’s transfer to the Falcons, as reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.)
Cunningham’s expertise in player management probably provided him an advantage over James Liipfert, assistant general manager for the Houston Texans, who also received a second interview with the Falcons.
Over the last three years, Cunningham served as the Bears’ assistant general manager, reporting to Ryan Poles. His professional journey in NFL executive roles commenced in 2008 with the Baltimore Ravens, initially as a personnel aide, progressing to an area scout during his eight-year tenure there.
In 2017, Cunningham transitioned to the Philadelphia Eagles, dedicating two years as the director of collegiate scouting prior to assuming the role of assistant director of player personnel. He was subsequently elevated to director of player personnel, a position he maintained for twelve months before his relocation to Chicago.
Before engaging in his executive career, Cunningham participated for a single season with the Kansas City Chiefs as a member of their practice squad. A former offensive lineman, he competed in collegiate football at Virginia, tallying 31 starts throughout his career with the Cavaliers.
During the preceding two years, Cunningham pursued general manager positions with both the Washington Commanders and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He currently assumes the responsibilities previously held by Terry Fontenot, who was terminated alongside head coach Raheem Morris following Atlanta’s conclusion to the Week 18 regular season.
