Source: Bears sign assistant GM Ian Cunningham to a contract extension

(670 The Score) The Bears have signed assistant general manager Ian Cunningham to a contract extension, a source said Wednesday morning. ESPN first reported the agreement.

Terms of Cunningham’s new deal weren't made clear. He has served as the top lieutenant alongside general manager Ryan Poles since January 2022.

Cunningham was hired by Poles as the Bears’ first assistant general manager in franchise history. He has been a coveted candidate for general manager positions over the last two offseasons, turning down an opportunity from the Cardinals in 2023 and becoming a finalist for the Chargers’ and Commanders’ vacancies earlier this year.

“Not many people in any walk in life get to work with arguably one of their best friends,” Cunningham said of Poles on Tuesday. “So, for me to be able to work alongside him, for him to trust me — we all knew that (becoming general manager) was his goal. I have a similar goal. But it means everything for me just to be able to work with him every single day. I know my opportunity will come. It’s been fun. It’s been a fun ride.”

Cunningham is expected to again be one of the most coveted general manager candidates next offseason – especially if the Bears emerge as a contender in 2024 following two years of rebuilding.

Poles has established a firm executive branch around him with Cunningham and co-directors of player personnel Trey Koziol and Jeff King.

“I am blessed out of my socks to have him by my side through this process,” Poles said of Cunningham. “Especially when you reflect back to the first two years getting this thing off the ground, to have a guy like him.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for Ian as well being there and being an unbelievable partner.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .