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Atlanta Falcons Hire Ian Cunningham as New General Manager
Cunningham, a former Bears assistant GM, will report to team president Matt Ryan.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm
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The Atlanta Falcons have hired Ian Cunningham as their new general manager. Cunningham, who previously served as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears, will report to team president Matt Ryan. The Falcons conducted a rigorous interview process and felt Cunningham's vision aligned with the type of leader they were seeking to help take the team to the next level.
Why it matters
The Falcons are looking to rebuild after an 8-9 season in 2025 that led to the firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Cunningham's hiring is part of a larger leadership overhaul, with Kevin Stefanski also being named the new head coach. Pairing Cunningham with Stefanski is seen as an exciting move to help the Falcons return to contention.
The details
Cunningham, 40, spent the last four seasons (2022-25) as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears. Prior to that, he worked for the Philadelphia Eagles for five seasons, holding various roles such as director of college scouting, assistant director of player personnel and director of player personnel. He began his NFL front office career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant.
- Cunningham was hired as the Falcons' new general manager on January 31, 2026.
- He previously served as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears from 2022-2025.
The players
Ian Cunningham
The new general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who previously served as the assistant general manager for the Chicago Bears.
Matt Ryan
The former MVP quarterback who is now serving in Atlanta's newly created president of football role.
Kevin Stefanski
The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, hired on January 17, 2026.
Raheem Morris
The former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who was fired after the team's 8-9 season in 2025.
Terry Fontenot
The former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who was fired after the team's 8-9 season in 2025.
What they’re saying
“It was evident through our rigorous interview process Ian was the right choice for our general manager position. His vision for our team and organization aligned exactly with the type of leader we were seeking to help take the Falcons to the next level.”
— Matt Ryan, President of Football Operations
“Throughout Ian's career, including Super Bowl championships in Baltimore and Philadelphia, Ian has demonstrated the drive and focus it takes to build championship contenders and put them in the position to win games.”
— Matt Ryan, President of Football Operations
What’s next
Cunningham and new head coach Kevin Stefanski will immediately begin working to build a roster and coaching staff that can return the Falcons to playoff contention after the team's 8-9 season in 2025.
The takeaway
The Falcons' hiring of Ian Cunningham as their new general manager is a key part of the team's larger leadership overhaul, as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season and build a roster and coaching staff capable of competing for championships.
