Tyler A. Gates

Jan 30, 2026, 10:35AM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Ian Cunningham as their new general manager, aiming to usher in a fresh era of leadership and roster construction for a franchise that has not posted a winning season since 2017. (Link to story below)

Cunningham, 40, arrives in Atlanta after four seasons (2022-25) as the assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears, a tenure that culminated in the team’s first NFC North title since 2018. In his new role, he will report directly to the Falcons’ president of football, Matt Ryan, and work alongside newly hired head coach Kevin Stefanski as the organization seeks to rebuild and become a perennial contender.

Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank and Ryan said Cunningham stood out through a rigorous interview process and brings the vision and leadership necessary to move the franchise forward. “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,” Ryan said in a statement. “Throughout Ian’s career, including Super Bowl championships in Baltimore and Philadelphia, he has demonstrated the drive and focus it takes to build championship contenders.”

A former resident of Roswell, Georgia, Cunningham said it’s a “true honor” to return to the city he grew up in and lead a franchise he followed as a youth. “I lived the passion of Atlanta sports fans and I can’t wait to be part of bringing that fire and energy back to the city,” he said.

Before his time in Chicago, Cunningham spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served in multiple personnel roles and was part of the organization’s first Super Bowl title in 2017. He began his NFL front-office career with the Baltimore Ravens after playing offensive lineman for the University of Virginia, contributing to another championship in 2012 and building a resume marked by talent evaluation and roster development.

Cunningham’s hire marks the latest piece in a sweeping reorganization of the Falcons’ leadership. The moves follow the firing of former general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris after back-to-back 8-9 seasons.

With Atlanta poised to draft and develop young talent under a new structure, all eyes will be on Cunningham’s ability to complement Stefanski’s coaching vision and Ryan’s strategic direction — and whether this triumvirate can return the Falcons to playoff relevance.