NEWSLETTER
Change is here for the Chicago Bears.
On Tuesday, they brought in a new general manager, Ryan Poles, from the Chiefs. And now that it’s officially official, we can also say (without hesitation) that the team has landed on Matt Eberflus to be its new head coach.
But more changes could be on the horizon:
NFL SOURCES tell @caplannfl and @GeoffMosherNFL: New #Bears GM Ryan Poles expected to target #Eagles dir. of player personnel Ian Cunningham for high-ranking front office job in Chicago.
Cunningham, who's been with Eagles for five years, and Poles are said to be close.
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) January 27, 2022
Philadelphia-based reporter Geoff Mosher reports there is Bears are expected to make a move to try and bring in Eagles front office executive Ian Cunningham as Poles builds out his front office.
Cunningham currently holds the title of Director of Player Personnel. And if the Bears’ organizational structure stays the same, Cunningham would be second-in-command behind Poles.
Then again, it is unclear what job Cunningham would have *IF* he ends up landing in Chicago. “High-ranking front office job” could mean any number of things. Poles could be creating a brand new position for Cunningham. Or it could be something much less exciting.
For what it’s worth, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was reporting last May that Cunningham interviewed for the Panthers’ Assistant GM position. He didn’t get it, but Cunningham has been climbing through the NFL front office ladder. Perhaps his next stop is in Chicago.
After Poles, the front office pecking order has Josh Lucas (Director of Player Personnel) and Champ Kelly (Assistant Director of Player Personnel). And while those two have put in work with the Bears, sweeping front office changes could lead them out the door. To be clear, it is uncertain at this time if they’ll be staying on board. And if they were sticking around, we are unsure how long they’ll be remaining in their posts. Remember, front office contracts tend to run through the NFL Draft. Hence, Cunningham was interviewing in May (after the 2021 NFL Draft) with Carolina. In any case, we’ll be keeping tabs on this and see what develops.
