The Chicago Bears finally broke through this year, winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018, going 11-6 and claiming the #2 seed in the playoffs. When that happens, other teams take notice. Typically, you can expect them to start scouting your organization, seeking qualified individuals to poach. That was always the fear when Chicago hired Ian Cunningham as their assistant GM. He was already considered a prominent GM-in-waiting before joining the Bears. They've come close multiple times to losing him in the past three years. Insiders believe 2026 might finally be the time.
That might be closer than we think. Recently, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that the Atlanta Falcons are a team to watch for Cunningham. They're expected to hire Matt Ryan as their new president of football operations. Ryan is close friends with GM Ryan Poles, who almost certainly put in a good word for Cunningham.
People close to the organization have informed SM that the assistant GM is confident the Atlanta job is his if he wants it and is already doing preliminary work on potential head coaches to hire.
Ian Cunningham likely has only one path this year.
Only two teams have fired their general managers to date: Atlanta and Miami. The Dolphins revealed their current list of candidates. Cunningham isn't on it. Unless that changes, it means the Falcons are the only way he claims the GM chair this year. It might be his best. The ties between the two teams run deep. It starts with Ryan, but don't forget the organization has also employed former Bears GM Ryan Pace. Cunningham replaced him in Chicago, and the results have borne fruit. Why not repeat the process down there?
Much of this depends on owner Arthur Blank. He is the one who must be sold on the hire. Obviously, his trust in Ryan will play a big part, but it's likely Ian Cunningham will still have to do an interview and make a good impression. If he does, it sounds like the job will be his. In that event, the Bears will receive two compensatory 3rd round picks. Poles will be able to use those to further the mission both men started four years ago to get the Bears to the mountaintop.
