They always say that in the business world, it's not about what you know, but who you know.
One Chicago Bears employee might actually get to experience both, as assistant general manager Ian Cunningham could land a GM role with a bit of help from his boss, Ryan Poles. A source told NFL insider Tom Pelissero that the Atlanta Falcons have requested an interview with Cunningham.
Cunningham has been an assistant GM for the Bears since 2022, after coming from the Philadelphia Eagles, working closely with their scouting department from 2017 through 2021. His career began with the Baltimore Ravens as a personnel assistant and area scout from 2008 through 2016.
How Ryan Poles can help Ian Cunningham land Falcons GM job
Before becoming the Bears' general manager, Poles was an offensive lineman who played five seasons at Boston College. Poles happened to be blocking for former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan when the two attended college together and played on the same team.
That note is essential because Ryan is rumored to be the next president of football operations for the Falcons. Nothing has been confirmed, but everyone seems to think it's going to happen eventually.
Poles might be able to help Cunningham out with a good word put in for him if he talks with Ryan about the general manager job. It could end up being a great success story for Poles to have one of their guys land a new GM role.
Even though Poles has taken a lot of heat over the last few years for certain decisions he has made, the Bears look great with the moves he made last offseason. Chicago is becoming a great example of how patience in a GM can really pay off in the long haul.
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The question now is whether Cunningham can fend off the other candidates for the job and land his first GM role. While Bears fans would hate to see him go, it would be a great story.