The Atlanta Falcons are entering a bold new chapter in their franchise history, as the organization is expected to hire Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham as their new general manager. According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons have finalized their decision to bring in Cunningham to lead the front office as the team prepares for a critical 2026 offseason. This move marks the final piece of a restructured leadership hierarchy in Atlanta designed to bring the franchise back to Super Bowl contention.
A New Era Under Matt Ryan and Kevin Stefanski
The hiring of Ian Cunningham as the next Falcons GM is the culmination of an exhaustive search led by the team’s new power structure. Cunningham will step into a front office currently overseen by Matt Ryan, the legendary former quarterback who now serves as the Falcons' President of Football Operations. Ryan, alongside head coach Kevin Stefanski, was instrumental in the recruitment and selection of Cunningham, seeking an executive who could harmonize the team’s scouting department with Stefanski’s on-field vision.
This trio of Ryan, Stefanski, and Cunningham represents a significant investment in proven NFL pedigree. While Ryan provides the organizational culture and Stefanski handles the tactical execution, Cunningham is expected to be the architect of the roster. His reputation as a collaborative leader was a primary factor for the Falcons, as the organization looks to move past years of inconsistency and establish a sustainable winning window in the NFC South.
Ian Cunningham’s Elite Scouting Pedigree
Cunningham arrives in Atlanta with one of the most respected resumes in the league. He spent the last four seasons (2022-2025) as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, serving as the right-hand man to Ryan Poles. During his tenure in Chicago, Cunningham was a vital component of a front office that successfully navigated a massive roster overhaul, including the management of multiple first-round picks and the acquisition of foundational stars. One of his most notable contributions in Chicago was his strategic counsel during the 2024 draft cycle, where his evaluation helped the Bears navigate high-stakes trades to secure long-term assets.
Before his four-year stint in Chicago, Cunningham sharpened his skills under two of the most successful executives in modern NFL history. He spent nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens learning the "Ravens Way" under Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome. He then moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, working closely with Howie Roseman for five years. During his time in Philadelphia, Cunningham rose to the rank of assistant director of player personnel and was a key contributor to the front office that built the roster for the Eagles' Super Bowl LII victory.
Impact on the Chicago Bears and the NFL Landscape
The departure of Cunningham is a significant blow to the Chicago Bears scouting department, but it comes with a silver lining for the Windy City. Under the NFL’s resolution to reward teams for developing minority executive talent, the Bears are expected to receive compensatory third-round draft picks in two consecutive years. This additional draft capital will assist Ryan Poles in continuing to supplement a Bears roster that Cunningham helped build over the last four seasons.
For the rest of the league, this hire signals that the Falcons are no longer in a "wait and see" mode. By pairing a high-level talent evaluator like Cunningham with an established coach like Stefanski and an organizational icon like Matt Ryan, Atlanta has created one of the most stable-looking leadership groups in the NFC.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency
With the Ian Cunningham hiring set to be made official, the new GM will have to hit the ground running. The 2026 offseason calendar is fast approaching, and the Falcons have several high-priority items on the agenda to ensure they are ready for the upcoming campaign. Cunningham’s immediate focus will shift to:
- The 2026 NFL Draft: Finalizing the big board and scouting reports for a draft class that Atlanta hopes will provide immediate starters.
- Free Agency Strategy: Working with Kevin Stefanski to identify veteran targets that fit the specific schematic needs of the Falcons' offense and defense.
- Roster Evaluation: Deciding which internal free agents to retain as the team manages its salary cap health for the 2026 season.
- Scouting Department Alignment: Integrating his scouting philosophies with the existing staff in Atlanta to ensure a unified approach to talent acquisition.
The Falcons have the pieces of a competitive roster, but the 2026 offseason will be the true test of this new leadership's ability to fine-tune the team into a championship contender. With Cunningham’s history of finding value in the middle rounds of the draft and his experience in championship-winning front offices, Falcons fans have plenty of reason for optimism as the new regime takes the reins.
Sources & Original Reporting