Ian Cunningham Interviewed for Jaguars GM Job
The Jaguars interviewed Ian Cunningham, who is Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ chief deputy, for their GM opening on Friday.
The team is looking for an executive to partner with new head coach Liam Coen. The Jaguars fired GM Trent Baalke during their coaching search and hired Coen two days later.
Were the Jaguars to hire Cunningham, the Bears would receive a compensatory third-round draft pick in two consecutive years as a product of the Rooney Rule, which rewards teams who develop minority candidates and lose them to a head coaching or GM job elsewhere.
Cunningham has been with the Bears for the previous three seasons, joining with Poles when he was hired to replace Ryan Pace.
The Bears’ assistant GM is the eighth candidate to have interviewed for the Jaguars job, joining former Titans GM Jon Robinson, Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown, Bills player personnel director Terrance Gray, Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown, and 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams.
Cunningham’s Background
Cunningham has been with the Bears for three seasons, serving as the team’s assistant GM. Prior to joining the Bears, he was the director of college scouting for the Cleveland Browns.
Rooney Rule Implications
If the Jaguars hire Cunningham, the Bears would receive a compensatory third-round draft pick in two consecutive years as a product of the Rooney Rule. This rule rewards teams who develop minority candidates and lose them to a head coaching or GM job elsewhere.
Conclusion
The Jaguars’ search for a new GM continues, with Cunningham being the latest candidate to interview for the position. The team is looking for an executive to partner with new head coach Liam Coen and help lead the franchise back to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Who is Ian Cunningham?
Ian Cunningham is the assistant GM of the Chicago Bears.
* What is the Rooney Rule?
The Rooney Rule is a rule that rewards teams who develop minority candidates and lose them to a head coaching or GM job elsewhere. If the Jaguars hire Cunningham, the Bears would receive a compensatory third-round draft pick in two consecutive years.
* How many candidates have interviewed for the Jaguars’ GM job?
Eight candidates have interviewed for the Jaguars’ GM job, including Ian Cunningham, former Titans GM Jon Robinson, and others.
