From the moment the Atlanta Falcons began looking for a new general manager, many Chicago Bears expected to lose one of their front-office members. That has become a reality.
Sources tell ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter that the Falcons are hiring Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham to be the general manager. Cunningham had spent the last four years with the Bears as general manager Ryan Poles' right-hand man.
Atlanta and Cunningham felt like a match made in Heaven, especially the moment that Matt Ryan was hired as the president of football. Because of Ryan and Poles' time as teammates at Boston College, that long-term connection helped Cunningham land the general manager job with the Falcons.
Bears lose out at one of their top front office members
The Chicago Bears are certainly learning the hard way that winning and success have come at a price. Chicago also lost running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to the Kansas City Chiefs to be their offensive coordinator.
Cunningham started his career with the Baltimore Ravens as a personnel assistant and area scout from 2008 through 2016. He would then join the Philadelphia Eagles, where he held various positions, including director of college scouting, assistant director of player personnel, and director of player personnel.
That's when Poles hired him to be the assistant general manager of the Bears. Cunningham was part of the same front office that made the great trade for DJ Moore, which helped them land Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears also had great work with last offseason, bringing in four new offensive line starters and several rookies from the 2025 class, making an impact.
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Bears fans should keep this in mind, as Poles and Cunningham's strong relationship could lead to some good trades that could help Chicago.