NEWSLETTER
While the Chicago Bears’ rebuilding process occupies a large chunk of our minds, we should be mindful of moves that could impact the franchise along the way.
For example, possible front office and coaching staff shakeups.
More specifically, we should keep an eye on what might happen with Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports the Tennessee Titans are already angling to interview Cunningham for their general manager vacancy:
The Titans fired their general manager during the season, then went on to fumble the bag, squander a first-place lead in the division, and miss the playoffs altogether. Big yikes energy from Nashville. And after stumbling down the stretch, it makes sense for the Titans to reach out elsewhere for answers. But also, I’d prefer they not poach Ryan Poles’ right-hand man.
Poles bringing in Cunningham was one of his first moves. It was significant because it was a first step toward modernizing a Bears front office that felt outdated and small compared to modern front offices. Cunningham is viewed as a secret weapon for the organization. And I think we saw an inkling of some of what he brings to the table when he went on a three-city scouting trip with Poles this past autumn. Cunningham’s attendance at the NFL’s Front Office Accelerator program makes me think the Titans won’t be the only team sniffing around Chicago’s assistant GM.
With that being said, it is worth noting that any team poaching Cunningham for a general manager gig would lead to the Bears getting a compensatory draft pick. That would soften the blow of his departure. And it would help in Chicago’s rebuilding efforts. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. However, just know that this could be just the beginning.
UPDATE — Add the Arizona Cardinals to the list of teams with an interest in talking shop with Cunningham:
A clean slate for the Cardinals is necessary after firing their head coach and announcing their GM Steve Keim was stepping away to focus on his own mental health.
