Falcons Assistant GM Scott Pioli steps down from role

The Atlanta Falcons will be saying farewell to a key member of its front office.

ESPN’s Field Yates first reported Thursday that Falcons Assistant General Manager Scott Pioli would be stepping down from the role to pursue other opportunities.

The team confirmed the news, with Pioli providing the reasoning for his decision.

“After careful consideration and ongoing dialogue with Thomas over the past year I have decided to step away from my position as the assistant general manager of the Atlanta Falcons to pursue other potential opportunities,” Pioli said. “I want to thank both Arthur and Thomas for bringing my family and I here in 2014.

“When I accepted this position more than five years ago, we all believed this would likely be a two or three-year working relationship. I came in to work closely with Thomas on personnel structure, processes and decisions. I loved the concept, was confident I could provide value and have enjoyed the challenge.

“Now, after more than five years with the Falcons, I am ready for a change. I want to thank all of my co-workers at Flowery Branch as it has truly been an honor to be a part of this organization and I am thankful to have been a part of this football team and the Falcons family.”

Pioli joined the team ahead of the 2014 draft, and was apart of a number of key selection with the team, including left tackle Jake Matthews, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, linebacker Deion Jones, defensive ends Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley, safety Keanu Neal and recent offensive linemen Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary.

Pioli was with the Chiefs before rejoining his old New England Patriots cohort and Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta’s front office.

Dimitroff commented on the decision in the release, providing Pioli his support.

“We understand and respect the decision Scott, Dallas and their family have come to today and wish them nothing but the best,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Over the last five years Scott has not only provided tremendous value to me, but to the entire the Falcons organization. He is a dear friend and will be missed within our organization. We are continuing to assess the structure within our organization and move forward with our next steps.”

The team has former Titans GM Ruston Webster and Bears GM Phil Emery on staff as national scouts. Both could fill the empty role of assistant GM, as could Director of Player Personnel Shepley Heard.

The team could also choose to leave it vacant or go with an outside hire.

We wish Pioli well with his future endeavors and thank him for his time with the team. We’ll see if Atlanta chooses to fill the role or let it be.