Atlanta Falcons Appoint Ian Cunningham as New General Manager

The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Ian Cunningham as their new General Manager, following the Chicago Bears’ elimination from the playoffs. Cunningham will report directly to Matt Ryan and collaborate with newly appointed head coach Kevin Stefanski to enhance the team’s performance. Prior to this appointment, Cunningham was a strong contender for the GM role even before the hiring of Ryan or Stefanski.

Background of Ian Cunningham

Cunningham, raised as a Falcons fan in Roswell, has a robust resume in NFL scouting. His career began in 2008 as an undrafted free agent for the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he did not make the roster, he quickly transitioned to the Baltimore Ravens as a personnel assistant.

• Baltimore Ravens: Served for eight years, eventually becoming an area scout in 2013.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Hired in 2017 as the director of college scouting, climbed to director of player personnel by 2021.
• Chicago Bears: Joined in 2022 as assistant GM under Ryan Poles.

Success and Impact

Cunningham’s tenure in Philadelphia was especially notable. He played a significant role in the acquisition of key players such as Derek Barnett, Dallas Goedert, and Jordan Mailata. These players have since started nearly 500 games in the NFL.

Quotes and Expectations

In welcoming Cunningham, Matt Ryan emphasized the significance of his vision aligning with the team’s goals. Ryan noted, “It was evident through our rigorous interview process Ian was the right choice for our general manager position.”

The Falcons are looking for a General Manager who can effectively lead without interference, and Ryan expressed confidence in Cunningham’s abilities in scouting and talent evaluation.

Looking Ahead

The hiring of Ian Cunningham marks a critical step for the Falcons as they aim to rebuild their roster for future success. His extensive experience across various franchises is expected to positively influence the team’s drafting strategy, which is essential considering their limited resources heading into 2026. With events like the Senior Bowl on the horizon, Cunningham’s immediate impact on the team will be closely observed.