Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham interviews again with Titans: What it means for the Bears

The Chicago Bears have a small dilemma on their hands.

Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham is reportedly one of the top candidates for the general manager position with the Tennessee Titans after the franchise fired Ran Carthon after two seasons.

Cunningham interviewed for a second time for the Titans' GM position on Wednesday, this time with an in-person interview.

Cunningham has been Bears' general manager Ryan Poles' right-hand man for the last three seasons, as well as a trusted voice for Poles.

Losing Cunningham would mean Poles would lose one of his most trusted advisors. However, if Cunningham were to leave Chicago, it would actually gain the Bears some draft capital.

What Ian Cunningham means to the Chicago Bears

The Bears really, really wanted Rome Odunze in the first round of the NFL Draft.

The Bears didn't have to go up and get him, but Poles really, really wanted to trade up and make sure the Bears got their guy to pair with Caleb Williams.

"Rome was extremely high on that list," Poles said on April 25. "I was nervous that he wasn't going to be there at No. 9. Our simulations, it was about a 50-50 shot if he was going to be there."

It was reported the Bears tried to trade up with the New York Giants at No. 6 and the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 to make sure they got Odunze. They didn't need to do either, they landed Odunze at No. 9 overall.

Cunningham was instrumental in that, especially as the Bears were offering up multiple picks to move up.

"Ian had to hold me back from not trying to trade up and do something crazy to get him," Poles said.

Cunningham is a person that Poles listens to and can sound major decisions off of. That trust isn't easy to replicate.

However, if Cunningham becomes a general manager elsewhere, there's a good chance he'll bring some personnel from the Bears with him wherever he goes. Poles might have to hire not just an assistant general manager but on his scouting staff and more.

It's the price Poles has to pay for having a well-regarded assistant in Cunningham, but he's encouraged this from the beginning of his tenure. 

Cunningham's departure would earn compensatory picks

Cunningham was a highly regarded name in front office circles even before he took the job with the Bears. Even more so now that he's been the No. 2 in Chicago, his name has been up for open GM jobs for the last two years.

Should Cunningham leave the Bears for a general manager position, it'll net the Bears two compensatory draft picks.

In fact, the Bears will receive two third-round picks, one in 2025 and one in 2026.

These compensatory picks are awarded to franchises for developing minority coaches and general managers who go on to earn higher status in other organizations.

Losing Cunningham would hurt. It would mean the Bears' front office might be a little different, too.

That sting would be lightened with some more draft capital, however.

BearsSports