The decision came not long after the team announced it had completed second interviews with Cunningham and Houston Texans assistant GM James Liipfert for the position.
Cunningham, 40, spent four seasons (2022-25) in his role in Chicago. Before 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.
The University of Virginia alumnus began his NFL front office career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant. After five seasons in that role, he worked in the Ravens’ scouting department from 2013-16.
Cunningham will report to Matt Ryan, the former MVP quarterback serving in Atlanta’s newly created president of football role.
The hiring completes the Falcons’ revamp of their leadership roles. They fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 season in 2025. Kevin Stefanski was named the new head coach on Jan. 17.
“It was evident through our rigorous interview process Ian was the right choice for our general manager position,” Ryan said in a statement. “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.
“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.
“We love his broad and deep experience across every aspect of talent evaluation and know he’s learned from some of the best in the league. Pairing him with Coach Stefanski is exciting for us, and we can’t wait to see them bring our shared vision to life in everything we do starting right now.”
Cunningham and Liipfert were the only GM candidates to receive a second interview in Atlanta.
Liipfert, a Georgia native, also served in the Texans organization from 2018-24 in various roles, including director of college scouting and executive director of player personnel. He spent nine seasons in the New England Patriots’ scouting department (2009-17).
The Falcons also interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl, San Francisco 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams, Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Bradway and Eagles senior personnel director Joe Douglas.
