(670 The Score) Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham has emerged as a candidate for a potential promotion.
Cunningham had an in-person interview with the Titans on Wednesday for their general manager position. It marked his second interview since Sunday, when he met virtually with Tennessee's brass.
Cunningham has been with the Bears since early 2022, when he was hired by general manager Ryan Poles as the franchise's first ever assistant general manager.
Cunningham previously worked for the Ravens (2008-'16) and Eagles (2017-'21) before landing with the Bears. He has interviewed for several other general manager positions in recent years prior to this potential opportunity with the Titans.
“He can be an NFL GM, and he can be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told 670 The Score of Cunningham in August. “That’s the way his mind processes information.
“The ultimate compliment I can give Ian is that I'm a better GM because I worked with Ian Cunningham.”
The Bears have been preparing for the prospect of Cunningham's departure this offseason. As the team conducts its coaching search, Poles has excused Cunningham from the process in order to focus on his own candidacy as a general manager.
Poles' executive brass leading the Bears' football operations also includes senior director of player personnel Jeff King, who has also interviewed for previous general manager roles, as well as director of player personnel Trey Koziol.
Cunningham is one of six apparent finalists for the Titans' general manager position. The other candidates are Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray, Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek, Chiefs assistant general manager Mike Borgonzi, Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds and Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan.
The Titans fired general manager Ran Carthon after two seasons in that position.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.