Chicago Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham is reportedly on high alert as the Atlanta Falcons have expressed interest in interviewing him for their vacant General Manager position.
According to sources, Cunningham's connections at the Bears may play a significant role in this potential move. A prime candidate for the job could be former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who has ties with current Chicago GM Ryan Poles from their days playing together at Boston College. This relationship would give Cunningham access to valuable insight into the team's operations.
If Cunningham were to leave the Bears, they would receive a third-round pick in each of the next two drafts as part of the NFL program that rewards teams who lose minority employees to GM or head coaching jobs on other teams.
Cunningham has had previous opportunities for top GM positions, including a stint with the Cardinals where he turned down an offer. He also interviewed for the Titans and Jaguars jobs but ultimately returned to the Bears' organization after being part of their head coaching search process.
In speaking about his experiences, Cunningham acknowledged that it can be difficult to navigate the situation, stating "it was awkward" when he re-joined the Bears' head coaching search process, having previously interviewed with the Titans. However, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity and credited Poles for creating the role of assistant GM.
Despite past disappointments, Cunningham has remained committed to his current role and stressed the importance of putting in a strong performance.
According to sources, Cunningham's connections at the Bears may play a significant role in this potential move. A prime candidate for the job could be former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who has ties with current Chicago GM Ryan Poles from their days playing together at Boston College. This relationship would give Cunningham access to valuable insight into the team's operations.
If Cunningham were to leave the Bears, they would receive a third-round pick in each of the next two drafts as part of the NFL program that rewards teams who lose minority employees to GM or head coaching jobs on other teams.
Cunningham has had previous opportunities for top GM positions, including a stint with the Cardinals where he turned down an offer. He also interviewed for the Titans and Jaguars jobs but ultimately returned to the Bears' organization after being part of their head coaching search process.
In speaking about his experiences, Cunningham acknowledged that it can be difficult to navigate the situation, stating "it was awkward" when he re-joined the Bears' head coaching search process, having previously interviewed with the Titans. However, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity and credited Poles for creating the role of assistant GM.
Despite past disappointments, Cunningham has remained committed to his current role and stressed the importance of putting in a strong performance.
The Atlanta Falcons are sniffing around Ian Cunningham like a #Bears fan at Soldier Field on game day! 
I'm all about Cunningham staying put with the Bears, tho. They've got a solid GM in Ryan Poles and I don't wanna see them lose that connection. Plus, the NFL's minority employee retention program is no joke - those third-round picks are valuable! 
Matt Ryan's ties to the Falcons would be a big factor if Cunningham does leave, but let's not count our chickens before they hatch... yet 
The #BearsNation better be ready for whatever moves Cunningham decides to make next. 
and its crazy how the falcons are throwing their hat into the ring 
gotta make a choice between fam & career, u know? seems like every door he opens leads to more drama 
but still got love for the guy, been loyal to the Bears all these years 
and now it's like, is he ready 2 take on another big role? 
. Poor Cunningham's been through this before, but he seems to have learned from his mistakes and is still putting in the work 
. What do you guys think? Should the Bears be worried about losing him? 
. On one hand, Cunningham's connections with Ryan Poles from their Boston College days could provide the Falcons with valuable insight into the Bears' operations 
. However, it also highlights the complexities of navigating professional relationships and power dynamics within a team environment 
.
... i mean, can you believe how this whole thing goes down? atlanta falcons think they're all clever by showing interest in chicago bears' assistant gm and now it's like, game on 
honestly i think its weird that the falcons are trying to poach cunnigham from the bears... i mean im all for competition but can't they just give him a good contract or something instead of threatening his job? 
meanwhile matt ryan is probably thinking of making a comeback, but wouldnt that just be crazy?
and if he leaves, the bears are gonna get some sweet picks from the nfl 
that's a nice little consolation prize i guess. but honestly, cunningham seems like a pro and he knows what he wants, so it'll be interesting to see what happens next 
. But on the other hand, it's awesome to see how his connections are gonna help him out - Matt Ryan's ties with Poles from college days could be a total game changer 
! And I love that the NFL is all about rewarding teams for keeping minority employees in key positions 
!