This will be the 3rd different time Ian Cunningham interviews with the Titans after being a finalist in 2022.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, interview requests are flying left and right for job vacancies opened after “Black Monday.” One such interview request has been submitted for the Chicago Bears.
The Tennessee Titans have formally requested to interview with Chicago Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham for their vacant GM position. The news was first reported by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports.
On Monday, it was mentioned by GM Ryan Poles that Ian Cunningham has already been given clearance to focus on upcoming opportunities to interview for a promotion elsewhere in the league. We’ve seen several teams submit requests to interview Ian dating back to 2023, including the Tennessee Titans. He was a finalist for the job before it ultimately went to Ron Carthon.
There is a twist with this request… the NFL is reviewing the overall job description to determine eligibility for Ian Cunningham. Chad Brinker, who has just been named as president of football operations, now holds final authority over the roster. Chad also knows Ian through the years as scouts traveling across the country. If the NFL determines Cunningham’s possible role with the Titans would not considered a promotion, the request could be denied. However, the Bears still could elect to give permission if Cunningham was interested.
UPDATE: The NFL has determined Tennessee’s GM role is considered a promotion for assistant GMs around the league.
Sources: The NFL has reviewed the description of Titans GM position and the two sides have agreed that the vacant position will be the primary football executive post. Non-GMs cannot be blocked by their current teams from accepting interview requests.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 10, 2025
This also means if Cunningham is hired away, the Bears would be awarded two compensatory selections under the Rooney Rule.
Fortunately for Ian, another true opportunity at GM has just opened up.
The Las Vegas Raiders have just fired Tom Telesco after initially surviving “Black Monday” earlier this week. It is unknown if Ian Cunningham will interview for the job with the New York Jets as well.