Fowler noted that Cunningham has also interviewed for the Falcons’ newly created president of football operations role, a position that ultimately went to Ryan, marking at least his third interview with Atlanta in the 2026 hiring cycle.
The Falcons’ GM job competition isn’t Cunningham’s only target; Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Houston Texans assistant GM James Liipfert is also a finalist and will have a second interview this week, as Atlanta aims to reach a decision ahead of the NFL Combine.
Compensation figures could influence the Bears’ stance if Cunningham departs. Under the Rooney Rule, the Bears would typically receive two third-round compensatory picks when a minority executive leaves for a promotion, but those picks hinge on the departing executive being the new team’s primary decision-maker. Because Atlanta has designated Ryan as that primary decision-maker, Chicago would not receive those compensatory picks.
Poles’ role in the process also shapes the dynamic. Dianna Russini of The Athletic and others indicated Poles has been involved in assisting Ryan throughout the Falcons’ hiring process, given their Boston College connection. That collaboration suggests it’s unlikely Poles would block Cunningham’s potential move if Atlanta chooses him.
For Bears fans, Cunningham’s candidacy has long carried promise, but Chicago may face a practical reality: if Cunningham is selected by Atlanta, the club would need to pivot to other internal or external candidates while weighing the loss of potential compensatory value.
With the Falcons’ decision window shrinking ahead of the 2026 NFL Combine and the league year’s start, the Bears could see a shift in their front office landscape before early March, requiring them to pursue alternative options should Cunningham take another opportunity in Atlanta.
