Breaking out of the Atlanta Falcons camp on Wednesday: Scott Pioli is stepping down from his position as the assistant GM – first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates. Pioli, who is in his fifth season with the Falcons, is partly responsible for the franchise’s turnaround since Mike Smith was fired. He helped bring in Dan Quinn and get the Falcons oh-so-close to their first Super Bowl.
The news did not come as a surprise to the organization. Both parties were fully aware that this was a possibility, and there was constant dialogue. According to the Falcons beat writer for ESPN, Vaughn Mcclure, Pioli was heavily involved in this year’s draft, especially first-round pick Chris Lindstrom.
In a statement from Pioli, he said, “Now, after more than five years with the Falcons, I am ready for a change.” He then thanked the organization and his co-workers. His replacement is just another thing Thomas Dimitroff will have to figure out as the Falcons approach the start of the 2019 campaign.