The Atlanta Falcons have solidified their front office for the 2026 season and beyond with the hiring of Ian Cunningham as General Manager. The announcement came on January 29, 2026, following a second interview with Cunningham earlier that afternoon. He was selected over fellow finalist James Liipfert, who also completed a second interview on the same day.
Cunningham joins the Falcons after spending the previous four seasons (2022-2025) as the Assistant General Manager for the Chicago Bears, where he played a significant role in personnel evaluation and draft strategy. His hiring marks a crucial step in the organizational rebuild under President of Football Operations Matt Ryan, who was appointed earlier this offseason, and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, who was hired on January 6, 2026.
The new GM is expected to work closely with Ryan and Stefanski to shape the roster through the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency period. His background with the Bears, a team that has recently focused on building through the draft and developing young talent, aligns with the Falcons' stated direction. The Falcons are entering a pivotal offseason with approximately $30.6 million in cap space, a figure bolstered by the recent restructuring of quarterback Kirk Cousins' contract. Several core players, including tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Tyler Allgeier, and edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, are entering the final year of their contracts in 2026, making Cunningham's immediate impact on roster decisions vital for the franchise's future.