In a surprising turn of events, the 2026 NFL coaching carousel has taken an unexpected twist. Former NFL quarterback Davis Webb has reportedly bowed out of the running for the head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Atlanta Falcons have moved quickly to hire Ian Cunningham, the current assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears, as their new head coach.
Davis Webb Withdraws from Raiders' HC Search
The Raiders' search for their next head coach has hit a roadblock as Davis Webb, the team's former quarterback and a rising star in the coaching ranks, has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration. According to ESPN reports, Webb cited personal reasons for his decision to step away from the process.
Webb, who had been widely viewed as a frontrunner for the Raiders' job, had impressed the organization with his strategic acumen and player development skills during his time as an assistant coach. His decision to withdraw from the search has left the Raiders' ownership group scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
Falcons Hire Bears' Ian Cunningham as New Head Coach
While the Raiders' coaching search has hit a snag, the Atlanta Falcons have moved swiftly to fill their own head coaching vacancy. The team has announced the hiring of Ian Cunningham, the current assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears, as their new head coach.
Cunningham, a rising star in the NFL's executive ranks, has been credited with playing a key role in the Bears' recent resurgence. His ability to identify and develop talent, coupled with his strong leadership skills, made him an attractive candidate for the Falcons, who are looking to build a sustainable winner in the highly competitive NFC South division.
As reported by the NFL, Cunningham's appointment marks a significant shift in the Falcons' organizational philosophy, as they seek to leverage their front office expertise to drive on-field success.
The Bigger Picture
The twists and turns in the NFL's coaching carousel underscore the highly competitive and unpredictable nature of the league. While the Raiders' search for a new head coach has hit a snag, the Falcons' decision to hire Cunningham suggests that teams are increasingly looking beyond the traditional coaching ranks to find the right leaders to guide their franchises.
What this really means is that the NFL is evolving, with organizations placing a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, player development, and front office acumen as key attributes for successful head coaches. As the league continues to adapt to the changing landscape, fans can expect to see more unconventional hires and surprising moves in the years to come.