On Wednesday the Falcons named Scott Pioli assistant general manager. Pioli worked with current Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff in New England from 2002-07 and has been a member of three Super Bowl teams during his career. Pioli’s last GM job was in Kansas City, where he spent four seasons. Despite the league’s worst record in 2012, the Chiefs sent eight players to the Pro Bowl that season and the inconsistency at quarterback (Brady Quinn, Matt Cassell) was could be to blame for the offensive inefficiencies and poor record.
The Falcons own the No. 6 pick in the upcoming draft and having Pioli and his 22 years of experience in the NFL evaluating the talent should help the organization.
“Adding a seasoned personnel execu-tive with the track record like Scott’s is in line with our organizational philosophy of making investments in hiring the best people,” said Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank. “This move was made as a result of Thomas’ competitive drive to build the best personnel team in the NFL.”
BROWN RECLUSE …
Cleveland’s firing of Rob Chudzinski this season freed up its head coaching position and Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koet-ter is a candidate for the job. Koetter was last a head coach at the collegiate level, where he led Boise State and Arizona State. Last offseason Koetter was heavily pursued for multiple coaching positions, including in Denver, but decided to stay in Atlanta. If Koetter remains with the Falcons next season, he has made it clear that the offense will have a different ap-proach in 2014.
“We’ve got to commit to the run game a little bit more,” said Koetter. “…I don’t feel like we ever really gave Steven Jackson a great chance to get going last year. He got hurt in that second game, missed three or four games until he came back. We’ve just got to commit to running the ball more, give it to Steven and that’ll help us get better fast.”
PRO BOWL …
Atlanta had been one of four teams with-out a representative in this year’s Pro Bowl, but Tony Gonzalez will now substitute for 49ers tight end Vernon Davis. Gonzalez has made 14 Pro Bowls and holds Pro Bowl all-time records for receptions (42) and touchdowns (six). He caught 83 passes for 859 yards this season and led the Falcons with eight receiving touch-downs.
Loading ...
