Jaguars set to give Ian Cunningham interview for GM job

After several weeks of speculation, a report by SI's Albert Breer says Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham will be interviewed for the Jaguars GM job.

Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham (left) and GM Ryan Poles scout a Northwestern game in Evanston against Ohio State. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Jacksonville Jaguars general manager job seems like it's been sitting out there unfilled forever and Ian Cunningham's name has been linked to it virtually all of that time.

Now a report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated says Cunningham, the Bears assistant general manager, will be interviewed for the position on Friday.

Cunningham has been GM Ryan Poles' "right-hand man" since Day 1 in Chicago.

Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham will interview for the Jaguars general manager job on Friday, per sources. Cunningham is a strong candidate, and has been since Liam Coen's hiring, to land the job.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 11, 2025

According to John Shipley of Jacksonville Jaguars On SI, the first interviews began on Tuesday. After virtual interviews, they'll cut it do finalists and a new GM is expected prior to the start of the NFL scouting combine Feb. 24.

Shipley reported the Jaguars will talk to interim GM Ethan Waugh, Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown, Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown, Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, Rams director of scouting James Gladstone, 49ers director scouting and football operations Josh Williams and Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray, in addition to Cunningham.

49ers Director, Scouting and Football Operations Josh Williams will become the first candidate today to interview for the Jaguars GM job, per source. pic.twitter.com/Dv2zeAftYH

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2025

The Jaguars agreed to terms with Liam Coen as head coach Jan. 24 and fired GM Trent Baalke.

If Cunningham is hired by Jacksonville, the Bears would receive two third-round draft picks in successive years as compensation. The picks would be at the end of the third-round compensatory picks awarded each year.

My updated order of #Jaguars GM options (most to least):

1. Ian Cunningham
2. James Gladstone
3. Terrance Gray
4. Chad Alexander
5. Brandon Brown
6. Josh Williams
7. Trey Brown
8. Ethan Waugh

Ecstatic with 1-3. 4-7 truly seem to be quality candidates too. 2-5 is a real dogfight https://t.co/KmhUOOzsmY

— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 🅓. ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕞𝕖𝕤 (@TravisDHolmes) February 11, 2025

As part of the Rooney rule, any team losing a minority coach or personnel executive to another team in a coordinator or similar position then can receive two compensatory picks.

Cunningham was a finalist for the Tennessee Titans GM job. He has had interviews every year since coming to the Bears.

Jaguars should go all-in on Ian Cunningham for GM. Proven track record with winning franchises and a sharp eye for talent. Exactly the forward-thinking leader they need.

— Joshua J McDade™️ (@joshuajmcdade) February 5, 2025

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• One familiar Ryan Poles slot receiver option viewed as potential fit

DISCUSSION: If Ian Cunningham gets the Jaguars GM job, should Chicago try to make John Dorsey the next AGM?

Dorsey, who is a 2x Super Bowl champion as a part of front-offices, drafted the following players
-P. Mahomes
-B.Mayfield
-D. Ward
-N. Chubb
-D. Bakhriari
-T. Hill
-T.… pic.twitter.com/ekH88xNyFM

— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) February 11, 2025

X: BearsOnSI