The Atlanta Falcons have filled their general manager vacancy, hiring Ian Cunningham, sources told CBS Sports. Cunningham joins Atlanta after four years as Chicago’s assistant GM and will collaborate with new president of football operations Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski to build the team’s executive decision-making group.
Cunningham interviewed several times with the Falcons after a series of screenings. He first spoke with Atlanta on Jan. 9 for the president of football operations role (a position ultimately given to Ryan), then interviewed virtually for the GM post on Jan. 23 and met in person with the team on Thursday. He was one of six candidates interviewed remotely, and Texans assistant GM James Lipfert was among the other finalists after making a strong impression in his initial GM interview.
Previously, Cunningham was a finalist for the Jacksonville general manager opening and had been in the mix for a Washington role. He also turned down an offer to become the Arizona Cardinals’ GM in 2023, opting to wait for a situation he felt was a better fit. A Virginia native who played college football at the University of Virginia, Cunningham is the son of a longtime sports agent and is related to tennis great Arthur Ashe. He began his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens as a personnel assistant under Ozzie Newsome, later served as the Philadelphia Eagles’ director of scouting in 2017, and by the time he joined Chicago in 2022 had been part of two Super Bowl-winning organizations.
With the Bears, Cunningham helped lead a coaching search that led to hiring Ben Johnson, was involved in drafting quarterback Caleb Williams, and played a role in maneuvering for the No. 1 overall pick. Chicago returned to the playoffs this past season, winning its division for the first time since 2018 and securing its first postseason victory in 15 years.
Although the Falcons’ GM duties are largely standard, the role is not designated by the league as a “key football executive.” Cunningham will be classified as an associate football executive who reports to Ryan, who is the team’s PFE as recognized by the league. Because of that designation, the Bears are not eligible for the league’s compensatory draft picks that are awarded to teams that develop underrepresented personnel who move up to head coach or GM — a benefit that began in 2021 and would have granted two third-round selections. Sources told CBS Sports the Bears were aware they would not receive those picks, and the team technically could have blocked Cunningham’s interview since the move is considered lateral under league rules; allowing him to pursue the job, however, underscored his value within Chicago’s front office.
Cunningham replaces Terry Fontenot, who was fired by Falcons owner Arthur Blank after five seasons. Atlanta boasts some of the NFC South’s top talent but failed to capture a division title under Fontenot, and questions remain about the quarterback position despite a major investment in Kirk Cousins and the selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10. Early priorities for Cunningham will include free-agency planning and contract decisions: reports indicate wide receiver Drake Rondon is set for an extension, tight end Kyle Pitts—coming off a career year—faces free agency, and the team must weigh whether to re-sign players such as linebacker Kayden Ellis, edge rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive lineman David Onyemata, running back Tyler Allgaier and cornerback Dee Alford. The Falcons also adjusted Kirk Cousins’ deal before free agency to make it easier to move on if necessary, and Penix said he hopes to return from his ACL injury by Week 1 next season.
Fan take: This hire matters because Cunningham brings recent front-office experience from a Bears organization that rebuilt quickly, which could accelerate Atlanta’s turnaround. If he and Matt Ryan can get the roster and quarterback situation right, the Falcons could become serious NFC contenders—and how they handle big-name free agents and draft capital will be closely watched across the league.
