After a series of interviews, the Falcons have named their general manager of the future.
The Atlanta Falcons have hired Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham as their new General Manager.
Cunningham, who was the favorite to get the position, met with the Falcons leadership on Thursday in Atlanta. After the meeting, Cunningham was named the new General Manager.
What We Know About Ian Cunningham
Ian Cunningham spent four years as the Chicago Bears assistant general manager. Cunningham will report to the team’s president of football, Matt Ryan.
“During his time in Chicago as assistant general manager, four players acquired earned three All-Pro honors and four Pro Bowl selections in Kevin Byard, Drew Dalman, Montez Sweat and Joe Thuney.” The Atlanta Falcons website says. “The 2025 Chicago offense finished sixth in the NFL in total offense with 13 of 15 players who played at least 400 snaps acquired during Cunningham’s tenure.”
Prior to Chicago, Cunningham spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He served as a member of the Eagles’ front office when the organization won its first Super Bowl win in 2017.
Cunningham served as a director of college scouting in Philadelphia before earning two promotions to assistant director of player personnel and director of player personnel.
“Cunningham began his NFL front office career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant.” The website says. After five seasons (2008-12) as a player personnel assistant, including the Ravens’ Super Bowl win in 2012, he served as a southeast area scout for two years (2013-14) before taking on additional responsibility as the southeast/southwest area scout from 2015-16. The Ravens advanced to the playoffs six of his nine seasons with two AFC North crowns and the 2012 Super Bowl win.
Before beginning his front office career, Cunningham signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent offensive lineman in 2008.
“A native of Carrollton, Texas, Cunningham lived in Roswell, Georgia as a youth while his father Louis Cunningham was VP of Marketing for the Atlanta Olympic Committee for the 1996 Summer games.” The website says. “Cunningham earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2007 and his master’s in education in 2008 from Virginia.”
Atlanta Falcons Leadership Thrilled to Have Cunningham on Board
The Atlanta Falcons previously interviewed Cunningham for the president of football position that went to Matt Ryan.
Ryan expressed Cunningham was the right choice the General Manager position.
“It was evident through our rigorous interview process Ian was the right choice for our general manager position,’ Ryan said. “His vision for our team and organization aligned exactly with the type of leader we were seeking to help take the Falcons to the next level. Throughout Ian’s career, he has demonstrated the drive and focus it takes to build championship contenders and put them in the position to win games.”
Cunningham will have great expectations due to his prior experience. The Falcons will look to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated what his objectives are with Cunningham as GM.
“From the first time we met with Ian, his bright and innovative mind quickly made an impact on our group.” Arthur Blank is quoted as saying on the website. “Our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year, a focus that Ian shares and has demonstrated throughout his career.”
“We look forward to the leadership we now have in place with Matt Ryan, Kevin Stefanski and Ian Cunningham and the work that is to come from our organization as it builds on what is already a strong foundation.”
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