Atlanta Falcons introduce Ian Cunningham as new general manager

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons introduced Ian Cunningham as their new general manager in a news conference on Tuesday.

Cunningham’s hiring comes after former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was named head coach by Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ new president of football, and team owner Arthur Blank.

“It’s truly an honor to be the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Arthur Blank, Matt Ryan, Greg Beadles, Josh Blank and the entire search committee for believing in me,” Cunningham said. “As a Falcons fan growing up in Roswell when the Dirty Birds were rolling, the Braves were on fire, and the city was hosting the Summer Olympics. 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.”

“It’s been incredible to build a relationship with Matt over the last several weeks and to have an immediate connection with Kevin. I can’t wait to work with both of these great football minds to put a team on the field everyone will be very excited about. We all share the same vision for what the Atlanta Falcons should and will be, and it’s time to work.”

More Falcons coverage

• Atlanta Falcons hire Kevin Stefanski as new head coach
• Falcons keeping Ulbrich as defensive coordinator under new HC Stefankski
• Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan hired as team’s president of football
• Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank addresses front office shakeup
• Who will the Falcons play next season? Full slate of 2026 opponents finalized

More Falcons coverage

• Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan hired as team’s president of football
• Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank addresses front office shakeup
• Who will the Falcons play next season? Full slate of 2026 opponents finalized

Cunningham has served as assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears since 2022. He’s served as General Manager Ryan Poles’ top lieutenant and has been a key voice in the Bears’ personnel and draft work.

Ian Cunningham at a glance

• From Carrollton, Texas. Attended Hebron High School.
• Played offensive line at the University of Virginia (31 career starts). Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, but did not make the final roster. He holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education & human development.
• Front-office career timeline:
  • Baltimore Ravens (2008–2016): started as a personnel assistant, later promoted to area scout.
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2021): director of college scouting, then assistant director of player personnel, and later director of player personnel.
  • Chicago Bears (2022–present): assistant GM.
• Achievements & recognition: Won Super Bowls with Ravens and Eagles. Named among The Athletic’s “40 under 40” rising NFL executives. Frequently interviewed/considered for GM or senior front-office roles around the league.

Ryan and Poles have a connection, having both played college football at Boston College.

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