Michael Jordan said winning has a price. He had no idea how true that statement is in so many ways. One of those prices often paid is watching many qualified people in your organization being poached for higher positions elsewhere. Other teams want a piece of your success and will steal from you to get it. For years, it has felt like the Chicago Bears were on borrowed time with assistant general manager Ian Cunningham. He was already considered a GM candidate when he arrived and has come close to getting the job a few times since.
However, it feels like the Bears' down seasons over the past three years managed to keep his stock quiet. It sounds like that is about to change. The sharks are already circling. Kyle Crabbs of A-to-Z Sports indicated as much when he mentioned Cunningham as a top candidate for the Miami Dolphins' vacant GM spot.
Cunningham has interviewed for several general manager vacancies in recent years, including the Titans, Chargers, and Jaguars. He’s not been picked yet, but the glow up in Chicago this season will likely help his case. Cunningham boasts an impressive track record that includes stops in Baltimore under Ozzie Newsome and Philadelphia under Howie Roseman before landing in Chicago.
Much of this depends on how many GM positions come open. Other teams worth keeping an eye on as the final six weeks unfold are Atlanta, New York (Giants), and maybe Arizona.
The Chicago Bears owe much of their success to Cunningham.
After all, he played a big part in building what has turned out to be one of the deepest rosters in the league. Despite a ridiculous number of injuries, the Bears have still managed to win eight of their last nine games. Meanwhile, the team's 2025 draft class is blossoming in a big way. Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, Ozzy Trapilo, and Kyle Monangai all played pivotal roles in the team's win over Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Cunningham's influence on everything can't be understated. There has been substantial evidence that the assistant GM acts as an excellent sounding board and voice of reason to Ryan Poles. Every time the Chicago Bears GM has contemplated an aggressive move, Cunningham has been the one to urge caution, often with good reasons. Now the organization is poised for long-term success.
If another team does come calling, Chicago will receive two 3rd round picks over the next two offseasons.
