In a bold move that has captured attention, the Atlanta Falcons have officially appointed Ian Cunningham as their new general manager. This decision comes after an in-depth meeting with key figures from the organization, including the owner and chairman, Arthur M. Blank, which took place on Thursday in Atlanta.
Cunningham joins the Falcons after serving for four seasons (2022-2025) as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to an NFC North championship title in 2025. He will now report to the team's president of football operations, Matt Ryan.
Ryan expressed confidence in Cunningham's appointment, stating, "Through our comprehensive interview process, it became clear that Ian was the ideal candidate for the general manager role. His vision for both our team and organization aligns perfectly with what we need to elevate the Falcons to new heights. Ian's track record, which includes two Super Bowl victories with Baltimore and Philadelphia, showcases his determination and commitment to building championship-caliber teams capable of winning games. We appreciate his extensive experience in talent evaluation and are excited about pairing him with Coach Stefanski. We eagerly anticipate the implementation of our shared vision in all aspects of our operations starting immediately."
While at Chicago, Cunningham oversaw the acquisition of players who achieved considerable accolades, including three All-Pro honors and four Pro Bowl selections, with notable names such as Kevin Byard, Drew Dalman, Montez Sweat, and Joe Thuney. Furthermore, during the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears' offense ranked sixth in total offensive yards in the NFL, with 13 out of 15 players who logged at least 400 snaps acquired while Cunningham was part of the team.
"It is an immense honor to take on the role of general manager for the Atlanta Falcons, and I am profoundly grateful to Arthur Blank, Matt Ryan, Greg Beadles, Josh Blank, and the entire search committee for their faith in my abilities," Cunningham shared. "Growing up in Roswell, I experienced the fervor of Atlanta sports fans during the Falcons' glory days, the Braves' successes, and the excitement of the Summer Olympics. I am eager to help rekindle that passion and energy for our city. Establishing a relationship with Matt over recent weeks has been fantastic, and I feel an immediate rapport with Kevin as well. I look forward to collaborating with these exceptional football minds to build a team that will excite our fans. We share a unified vision for the future of the Atlanta Falcons, and it's time to get to work."
Before his tenure with the Bears, Cunningham spent five years with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he contributed to the organization’s first Super Bowl victory in 2017. He started as the director of college scouting (2017-2018) and quickly climbed the ranks to become the assistant director of player personnel (2019-2020) and then the director of player personnel (2021). During his five years in Philadelphia, the Eagles made four playoff appearances, secured two NFC East titles, and celebrated their historic Super Bowl win.
Reflecting on his time with the Bears, Cunningham noted, "My experiences in Chicago have been invaluable, and I owe this opportunity in Atlanta to George McCaskey, Kevin Warren, and especially Ryan Poles. I am sincerely thankful for the trust they placed in me and everything I've learned throughout my years with the Bears. It has been a first-class experience, and I will always cherish what they, our coaching staff, players, and the passionate fans of Chicago have done for me."
Additionally, during his time in Philadelphia, six players acquired under Cunningham's tenure achieved a total of 11 Pro Bowl selections.
Cunningham's journey in the NFL began with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant. Over five seasons (2008-2012), he contributed to the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory in 2012, later taking on the role of southeast area scout for two years (2013-2014) and then expanding his responsibilities as a southeast/southwest area scout from 2015-2016. Throughout his nine seasons with the Ravens, the team advanced to the playoffs six times and clinched two AFC North championships along with their 2012 Super Bowl win.
Before stepping into front office roles, Cunningham briefly signed as an undrafted free agent offensive lineman with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008. Growing up in Carrollton, Texas, he spent part of his childhood in Roswell, Georgia, where his father, Louis Cunningham, served as the VP of Marketing for the Atlanta Olympic Committee during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Cunningham earned his bachelor's degree in psychology in 2007 and later obtained a master's in education in 2008 from Virginia.
Ian Cunningham is married to Justine, and together they have three children: Elliot, Rooney, and Niall.
Arthur M. Blank commented on Cunningham's hiring: "From our very first meeting, Ian's bright and innovative mindset made an immediate impression on us. Our research indicates that he is a selfless individual committed to excellence, keeping his word, and continuously seeking knowledge while challenging the existing norms. As we've previously stated, our goal is to win games and compete for championships year after year—a mission that Ian shares and has exemplified throughout his career. We are excited about the leadership team we have formed with Matt Ryan, Kevin Stefanski, and Ian Cunningham, and we look forward to the progress of our organization as it builds upon its already strong foundation."
