Falcons Front Office Exec Scott Pioli Resigns
By Joey Mauceri
Some surprising news out of Atlanta today, as Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli has decided to step down from his role with the front office.
Pioli had been with the organization since 2014, working in tandem with general manager Thomas Dimitroff building the Falcons roster every year. Pioli says he is leaving to "pursue other opportunities".
NEWS: Assistant GM Scott Pioli has stepped down. https://t.co/q6ZmaXtGUe
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 16, 2019
This news comes just a day after the New York Jets fired GM Mike Maccagnan, so perhaps he is being considered as a candidate for that position? Pioli does have experience as a general manager, as he was in that position for the Kansas City Chiefs prior to being hired by the Falcons.
A key voice in the organization steps down. But I doubt we’ve seen the last of Scott Pioli. https://t.co/Kid4X2DvgH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2019
The Falcons are coming off of a disappointing season in which they managed just a 7-9 record. Blame has been thrown in virtually every direction for the team's lack of success, but it is unlikely that Pioli is being painted as a scapegoat here.
Pioli was instrumental in building several successful Falcons teams, including the NFC Champion 2016-17 group. Pioli will likely be hired quickly by another organization, perhaps in an even more important role.