LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is expected to be a coveted candidate for general manager vacancies across the NFL this offseason, and his first interview opportunity has now emerged.
The Commanders have put in a formal request to interview Cunningham as they search for a lead football executive, according to multiple reports Monday. Cunningham met with Commanders owner Josh Harris at the NFL’s front office accelerator program in December.
Cunningham was offered the Cardinals’ general manager job last January but declined that opportunity, instead electing to stay in the Bears’ front office for a second year. He was hired alongside general manager Ryan Poles two years ago, becoming the first assistant general manager in Bears franchise history.
Prior to joining the Bears, Cunningham was the Eagles’ director of player personnel. He has worked 16 years in NFL front offices.
Under the direction of Poles and Cunningham, the Bears have overhauled their roster and have ample resources to use after going 7-10 in 2023. Chicago is in the top one-third of the NFL in salary cap space available this offseason and owns the Nos. 1 and 9 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.