Bears Promote Ex-NFL Tight End Jeff King as Assistant GM

King replaces Ian Cunningham, who left to become Falcons GM

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have promoted Jeff King, a former NFL tight end, to be their new assistant general manager. King replaces Ian Cunningham, who left the Bears to become the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons. King started as an intern in the Bears' personnel department and has now been elevated to a key lieutenant role under Bears GM Ryan Poles.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to build on their successful 2025 season that saw them reach the divisional round of the playoffs. Keeping continuity in the front office is important as they aim to further improve the roster, especially on defense, and support young quarterback Caleb Williams' development.

The details

Jeff King spent the majority of his NFL playing career with the Carolina Panthers in the mid-2000s. He joined the Bears' personnel department as an intern and has now been promoted to assistant GM, filling the void left by Ian Cunningham's departure to become the Falcons' new general manager. King will work closely with Bears GM Ryan Poles as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.

  • The Bears announced the promotion on February 19, 2026.
  • Ian Cunningham left the Bears to become the Falcons GM earlier this offseason.

The players

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears.

Jeff King

A former NFL tight end who has been promoted to assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears.

Ian Cunningham

The former assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears who left to become the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

Caleb Williams

The young quarterback of the Chicago Bears who had an impressive second season in 2025.

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“'The #Bears are promoting Jeff King to be their new assistant GM, filling the spot vacated by now-#Falcons GM Ian Cunningham. The former NFL TE, King started as an intern in Chicago's personnel department. Now, a key lieutenant for Ryan Poles.'”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Bears' next order of business is the upcoming NFL Draft, which is scheduled for late April 2026.

The takeaway

The Bears are focused on maintaining continuity in their front office as they look to build on their successful 2025 season. Promoting Jeff King, a former NFL player with experience in their personnel department, to assistant GM provides stability and familiarity as they aim to further improve the roster and support young quarterback Caleb Williams' development.