Bears assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham misses Titans GM job
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham has been a hot commodity this offseason, and it’s seemed inevitable that he’ll find a GM gig elsewhere in the near future.
But it won’t be this offseason.
While Cunningham garnered interest from both the Cardinals and Titans — the lone GM vacancies — both teams opted to go in a different direction.
Monti Ossenfort of Arizona was interviewed by Chicago last offseason and was appointed their new GM. Meanwhile, Tennessee just hired Ran Carthon as their new GM, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Cunningham was selected as one of three finalists to the Titans General Manager job.
Cunningham was hired as Chicago’s first assistant GM, where he’s served as GM Ryan Poles’ righthand man. They have been scouting together, and even lived together for a short time. The Bears will keep their front office intact for the next year.
While Cunningham didn’t get his opportunity this time around, it’s good news for the Bears in what’s shaping up to be an important offseason. Chicago will have the first overall pick, and $118 million salary cap space.
Cunningham will likely be in demand during the next GM cycle, which would work in the Bears’ favor. If Cunningham is hired next year, Chicago would earn two third-round compensatory pick as part of the NFL’s expanded Rooney Rule, which aims to incentivize teams to develop minority coaches and executives.
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