Bears Promote Jeff King to Assistant General Manager

King, a 10-year veteran with the franchise, will succeed Ian Cunningham in the role.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have promoted Jeff King, their senior director of player personnel, to the position of assistant general manager. King, 46, has been with the Bears organization for over a decade, starting in the scouting department under former GM Ryan Pace. He will now work alongside GM Ryan Poles as the team looks to build on last season's division championship.

Why it matters

The promotion of King to assistant GM is the latest in a series of front office and coaching moves for the Bears as they aim to sustain their recent success. King's long tenure with the franchise and familiarity with the organization make him a natural choice to step into this key role.

The details

King joined the Bears in 2015 as a scout and has steadily risen through the ranks over the past decade. He will now serve as the top lieutenant to GM Ryan Poles, helping to oversee the team's personnel decisions and player evaluation processes. The Bears have also made several coaching staff changes, including promoting Press Taylor to offensive coordinator and hiring Eric Studesville as running backs coach.

  • Jeff King was promoted to assistant general manager on February 19, 2026.
  • Ian Cunningham, the previous assistant GM, left the Bears earlier this winter to become general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

The players

Jeff King

A 46-year-old executive who has spent over a decade with the Chicago Bears organization, most recently as the senior director of player personnel. He was promoted to assistant general manager in February 2026.

Ryan Poles

The current general manager of the Chicago Bears, who has overseen a series of front office and coaching changes as the team looks to build on last season's division championship.

Ian Cunningham

The previous assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears, who left the team earlier this winter to become the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to be able to continue representing the Chicago Bears organization. And I am thankful and appreciative to George H. McCaskey, the McCaskey Family, Kevin Warren and Ryan Poles for their trust and belief in me.”

— Jeff King, Assistant General Manager (Chicago Bears)

“Jeff King has shown his commitment to our team and his excellence within our operation, as well as the positive impact that he has created throughout our organization.”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager (Chicago Bears)

What’s next

The Bears will look to build on their division championship in the upcoming season, with King in his new role as assistant general manager working alongside Poles to shape the team's roster and personnel decisions.

The takeaway

The promotion of Jeff King to assistant general manager is a testament to his long-standing commitment and contributions to the Bears organization. His familiarity with the team and proven track record make him well-suited to help guide the franchise as it aims to sustain its recent success.