Ryan Pace, former general manager of the Chicago Bears, has parted ways with the Atlanta Falcons, ending his tenure as the team’s vice president of football operations and player personnel. This departure comes shortly after Atlanta appointed new general manager Ian Cunningham and new team president of football Matt Ryan, both of whom previously worked with the Bears. The change was officially reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on February 7, 2026, as the Falcons reorganize their front office following a series of leadership shifts.
Pace’s Journey with the Falcons and Leadership Restructuring
Pace joined the Falcons in 2022 as the senior personnel executive, rising to director of player personnel in 2023 before earning a promotion to vice president in 2024. His exit follows the firing of the Falcons’ former general manager, Terry Fontenot, a close associate who initially brought Pace into the organization. The Falcons’ front office is currently led by newly hired president Matt Ryan and general manager Ian Cunningham, who is tasked with restructuring the team’s approach, particularly in free agency and the draft.
The Falcons and VP of football operations/player personnel Ryan Pace have parted ways, per sources. Pace, the former Bears GM, was highly thought of in Atlanta. But he was brought in by close friend Terry Fontenot, who was fired last month, and will have options elsewhere.
— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter
New Falcons Leadership Focuses on Rebuilding and Future Strategy
The Falcons are entering a turbulent offseason, having recently dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and named Kevin Stefanski as his replacement. While Stefanski’s hiring was not directly overseen by Cunningham, the new executive leadership is now responsible for assembling a supporting roster tailored to the new coach’s system. The team believes that allowing Cunningham and Ryan to manage personnel decisions without Pace will provide a clearer path toward improving overall performance.
Lessons from Chicago Bears Influence Falcons’ Front Office Overhaul
Ian Cunningham’s appointment as Falcons GM reflects an intent to apply the insights gained during his tenure under Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Atlanta’s leadership expects this fresh structure to create a more disciplined and coherent football operation than what was evident under Pace’s direction. The team is prioritizing strategic acquisitions and draft planning to lay a foundation for sustained success moving forward.
Implications for Ryan Pace and the NFL Landscape
Although Pace’s future with the Falcons has ended, his NFL career remains active with potential opportunities ahead. Given his experience running the Chicago Bears’ football operations and the respect earned in Atlanta, several organizations may consider him for executive roles. Meanwhile, the Falcons are banking on their revamped leadership to address recent challenges and realign their competitive trajectory.
The Falcons and VP of football operations/player personnel Ryan Pace have parted ways, per sources.
Pace, the former Bears GM, was highly thought of in Atlanta. But he was brought in by close friend Terry Fontenot, who was fired last month, and will have options elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/E6dOrpbDyW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2026
