Ian Cunningham Update Signals Bears Are Nearing A Shakeup

Ryan Poles kept Ian Cunningham away from the head coach interview process because he wanted to give his right-hand man a chance to focus on upcoming GM interviews. It looked like the Chicago Bears assistant GM was on the cusp of landing the Tennessee Titans job before it went to Mike Borgonzi from Kansas City. With no sense that the Jets job was in play, it looked like Cunningham would be returning for another. Then everything changed after the Jacksonville Jaguars fired Trent Baalke. Suddenly buzz began to pick up that there was mutual interest between Cunningham and the organization, who'd just hired head coach Liam Coen.

None of it had come from more official sources, though. Not until now. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports spoke before the Kansas City Chiefs-Buffalo Bills AFC championship game. He confirmed that Cunningham to Jacksonville indeed has serious legs. Nothing is official yet, but it sure sounds like the Bears executive is the leader in the clubhouse for that job.

An Ian Cunningham exit will lead to some interesting consequences.

First and foremost, his leaving for Jacksonville would secure them two compensatory 3rd round picks—one in 2025 and the other in 2026. That would push Chicago's inventory for this upcoming draft to nine picks, including five in the first three rounds. No doubt Poles could infuse his roster with another surge of young talent. The other piece of business would be finding Cunningham's replacement as assistant GM. The smart money will be on co-director of player personnel Jeff King getting promoted. He's been rising in the front office since Poles' arrival and clearly has the trust of the Bears GM.

Could the Bears bring in an outside face who may have connections to new head coach Ben Johnson? Perhaps, but it feels like this would be an internal promotion. Poles came from an organization that liked to develop its scouting department internally. He's no doubt hoping to do the same in Chicago. It would be unfortunate to lose Ian Cunningham. He's been a great sounding board and calming presence for Poles. Still, this is an opportunity he has awaited for years. It feels like his time.