Falcons complete 2nd GM interviews with Ian Cunningham, James Liipfert

Field Level Media|published: Thu 29th January, 18:28 2026

Nov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons completed second interviews with Ian Cunningham and James Liipfert for their general manager position, the team announced on Thursday.

Cunningham, 40, has spent the past four seasons (2022-25) with the Chicago Bears as assistant general manager. Before that, he spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, holding various roles such as director of college scouting, assistant director of player personnel and director of player personnel.

He began his NFL front office career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 as a player personnel assistant. After five seasons in that role, he worked in the Ravens' scouting department from 2013-16.

Liipfert is the Houston Texans' assistant general manager. The Georgia native also served in the Texans organization from 2018-24 in various roles including director of college scouting and executive director of player personnel. He spent nine seasons in the New England Patriots' scouting department (2009-17).

Born in Macon and raised in Marshallville, Liipfert was a linebacker and special teams player at Georgia Tech, appearing in the 2005, 2007 and 2008 seasons.

The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 season in 2025. Kevin Stefanski was named the new head coach on Jan. 17.

Cunningham and then Liipfert are the first two GM candidate to receive a second interview in Atlanta.

The Falcons also have interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl, San Francisco 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams, Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Bradway and Eagles senior personnel director Joe Douglas.

--Field Level Media