Falcons Shake Up Leadership: Ian Cunningham Joins Matt Ryan and Kevin Stefanski in Bold New Era

Alright, folks, buckle up because the Atlanta Falcons are shaking things up big time in their front office. Just this Thursday, they brought in Ian Cunningham, previously the assistant GM with the Chicago Bears, to take on the role of their new general manager. Now, Cunningham isn’t some rookie; this guy, 40 years young, has a rich background in college scouting and player personnel that’s bound to play a pivotal role alongside Matt Ryan—yes, the very same Matt Ryan who’s now stepping into the president of football role—and new head coach Kevin Stefanski. It’s clear the Falcons are assembling a front office powerhouse, aiming to recalibrate and reload for what lies ahead. Cunningham’s addition might feel like a strategic chess move rather than just a title shift, especially considering how Ryan’s got the main play-calling power. The ripple effect of this hire? Well, it nudges out the Bears from netting any draft compensations, thanks to the nuances of the Rooney Rule. Ian’s tenure with the Ravens, Eagles, and Bears, coupled with his earlier days on the field as a Virginia Cavalier, reflects a journey carved through sheer determination and expertise. He’s stepping into some big shoes—replacing Terry Fontenot after a tough season finish—but if anyone can navigate the storm and steer the Falcons toward brighter days, it’s this guy. This move isn’t just a new chapter; it feels like the start of an entire saga. LEARN MORE

The Atlanta Falcons added to their revamped front office on Thursday, hiring Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham as their new GM. The team officially announced Cunningham’s addition on Thursday.

Cunningham, 40, previously interviewed for the Falcons’ president of football position. Given his experience in college scouting and player personnel, his responsibilities alongside Matt Ryan, who was hired in the president of football role, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski seem apparent.

Ryan will reportedly have authority over decisions in Atlanta’s front office, which means that the Bears will not receive compensatory draft picks for losing Cunningham. That was a condition of the “Rooney Rule,” intended to encourage promoting minority candidates.

However, the NFL considers Ryan the primary football executive with the Falcons, according to reports. Thus, Cunningham is essentially making a lateral move, even if he has the general manager title. (Because of that, the Bears could have blocked Cunningham from going to the Falcons, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.)

Cunningham’s background in player personnel likely gave him the edge over Houston Texans assistant GM James Liipfert, with whom the Falcons also conducted a second interview.

For the past three years, Cunningham has been the Bears’ assistant GM under Ryan Poles. His NFL front office career began in 2008 with the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked as a personnel assistant before advancing to area scout during his eight years.

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Cunningham moved to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, spending two years as director of college scouting before becoming assistant director of player personnel. Cunningham was eventually promoted to director of player personnel, a role he held for a year before leaving for Chicago.

Prior to his front-office work, Cunningham spent one season with the Kansas City Chiefs as a practice squad player. An offensive lineman, he played college football at Virginia, making 31 career starts for the Cavaliers.

Cunningham replaces Terry Fontenot, who was fired along with head coach Raheem Morris after Atlanta’s Week 18 regular-season finale.