The Chicago Bears could be facing a challenging offseason in a couple of weeks. Most of that centers around what will happen with head coach Matt Eberflus and quarterback Justin Fields. The widespread belief is at least one of them will be gone, if not both. That puts a lot of pressure on GM Ryan Poles to replace them. However, there is a strong possibility that won’t be the end of his challenges. There is also a strong possibility his right-hand man, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, will finally be lured away to run his own team.
It makes sense. Cunningham has consistently been considered among the top GMs-in-waiting for the past few years since his time in Philadelphia. Poles admitted he knew their time together would be short. There is a possibility as many as six GM jobs might open in this upcoming cycle. After watching how much the Bears roster improved this past off-season, it would be shocking if another team didn’t pry him away. In such an event, Poles would have to figure out how to replace him.
According to a source, he has a few ideas in mind.
Two outside names are in the mix to replace Ian Cunningham.
Poles could choose to promote from within, handing the job to one of his co-directors of player personnel, Jeff King or Terry Koziol. However, it appears he has some prominent names in mind if and when the time comes. One is John Dorsey. The former two-time GM is currently a senior executive with the Detroit Lions. He holds no definitive position. Becoming an assistant GM would likely be more appealing to him. Don’t forget Dorsey worked with Poles for five seasons from 2013 through 2017 when he was GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. The two have a strong relationship.
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Another name to watch is George Paton.
The embattled GM of the Denver Broncos is reportedly in hot water due to the massive failure of the Russell Wilson trade. Many believe head coach Sean Payton might push him out, preferring to bring in somebody he’s more familiar with. Paton was a pro scout for the Bears in the late 1990s and eventually became the assistant GM of the Minnesota Vikings throughout the 2010s. He has direct ties to team president Kevin Warren. If Poles aims to bring in some fresh eyes if Ian Cunningham leaves, keep those two names in mind.
