The Pioli Watch Thread

[cardken]

I'm hijacking the thread starter to use for an "updates" area. Sorry cardken. Here are a few recent updates:

Last updated 1/13/09 2:30pm CDT (final update)

Originally Posted by Basileus777

New England Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli has agreed to become head of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, two NFL sources confirmed to ESPN's Michael Smith.
The vice president for player personnel at New England, Pioli, 43, is close to Patriots coach Bill Belichick and has been with the Patriots for nine years. Pioli would find a warm welcome in Kansas City. At the last Chiefs' home game, shortly after the embattled Carl Peterson resigned after 20 years as president, general manager and CEO, several signs were spotted in the crowd proclaiming, "We want Pioli." Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3830515

[CaliforniaChief]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Agreed.

Just just get it right. I'm in no big hurry.

Yes, yes, yes....I thank God some of you don't own the team. People like Clark Hunt are successful because they are prudent decision-makers. This is the most important hire because of the power and lack of meddling that the Hunt's give the team. I mean if this was the Raiders/Redskins, you could hire anybody in the world and it would never matter with Al Davis/Dan Snyder around. But this guy is going to set the direction of the franchise for years to come. Get it right.

[ArrowheadHawk]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I'm not in a hurry for the search overall. I'm in a hurry to get the "Pioli" portion of the search done with, one way or another.

This.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cormac]

Originally Posted by ArrowheadHawk

This.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Relax.

You'll look back on this as the "gool ol' days" when Marty Schottenheimer is announced as GM next week.

[FloridaMan88]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Yes, yes, yes....I thank God some of you don't own the team. People like Clark Hunt are successful because they are prudent decision-makers.

Actually people like Clark Hunt owe most of their success and status in life to the fact they were born into a wealthy family.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by Cormac

Relax.

You'll look back on this as the "gool ol' days" when Marty Schottenheimer is announced as GM next week.

You die and go to hell!


Marty is shit!

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by KCChiefsfan88

Actually people like Clark Hunt owe most of their success and status in life to the fact they were born into a wealthy family.

Although i have the utmost respect for Clark Hunt at this point in time, you are correct.

[CaliforniaChief]

Wealth wasn't the only thing passed on to Clark. He observed Lamar's leadership for years and is a respected scholar of his own right.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Yes, yes, yes....I thank God some of you don't own the team. People like Clark Hunt are successful because they are prudent decision-makers. This is the most important hire because of the power and lack of meddling that the Hunt's give the team. I mean if this was the Raiders/Redskins, you could hire anybody in the world and it would never matter with Al Davis/Dan Snyder around. But this guy is going to set the direction of the franchise for years to come. Get it right.

While I agree with your point, Clark didn't get where he is at because of his business mind. He's where he is at because of his father.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by Hoover

While I agree with your point, Clark didn't get where he is at because of his business mind. He's where he is at because of his father.

I think it's (obviously) too early to judge him.

The fact that he let Carl go, is a good sign, IMO.

The fact that he hasn't made a GM hire yet, doesn't lessen my opinion of him at all.

[ArrowheadHawk]

Originally Posted by Cormac

Relax.

You'll look back on this as the "gool ol' days" when Marty Schottenheimer is announced as GM next week.

I was listening to his show today on Sirius and when a Denver fan called in and told him that he respected him and wanted to see him on the sidelines again, just not on an AFC West team. Marty just scoffed and quickly moved on. I guess this could be a sign.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/f...ome&position=1

Defections might take a toll

By John Tomase / Patriots Beat | Tuesday, January 13, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com |

Photo by Herald file



The question on the minds of Patriotsfans everywhere this morning is two-fold:

Now what? And when will this end?

Watching former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels step off a private jet outside of Denver yesterday wearing an orange tie was jarring enough. But when coupled with the thought of Scott Pioli following him out the door, it feels more like a car wreck.

The brain drain is on in Foxboro, where the pillaged Patriots must once again prove they can overcome the loss of some of Bill Belichick’s most valued lieutenants and remain competitive.

But how much is too much? We might be in the process of finding out.

Since the end of the 2004 season, the Patriots have lost Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini and now McDaniels, to name a few.


Pioli, the team’s vice president of player personnel, remains in talks with the Kansas City Chiefs and could soon be eating at Arthur Bryant’s nightly.

His presumed replacement, director of player personnel Nick Caserio, already is generating buzz as a future GM in his own right, particularly following the success of his predecessor Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta.

Caserio recently was mentioned by Browns owner Randy Lerner as a candidate for Cleveland’s GM opening.

The Patriots worked a minor miracle this season when Matt Cassel replaced Tom Brady [stats] and led the team to 11 victories. They had no business expecting that type of production out of the career backup.

At some point, it’s going to be too much to ask of the coaching staff, too.

When Weis left, McDaniels stepped in and helped pilot a record-setting offense. When Crennel left, Mangini stepped up before becoming a coach of the year candidate with the Jets. He was replaced by Dean Pees, who led the defense of an 18-0 team in ’07.

At some point, the replacements simply aren’t there. The top two candidates on the staff to become offensive coordinator appear to be tight ends coach Pete Mangurian and wide receivers coach Bill O’Brien.

Even if one steps right in without missing a beat, there’s no guarantee their replacement will get the job done lower on the rung. At some point, the foundation cracks.

Belichick obviously is the key figure in all of this, and some believe he’ll simply take control of the offense himself while breaking in a coordinator, much like he did with McDaniels in 2005. But it’s asking a lot of him to run the offense and assume a greater portion of Pioli’s responsibilities on the personnel side.

You can’t wear that many hats without eventually tipping over.

So what now? The first question is offensive coordinator. Former Cowboys, Broncos, Giants and Falcons coach Dan Reeves advocated on behalf of Mangurian. The Sirius Radio host employed Mangurian at his final three coaching stops, most recently as offensive coordinator with the 2003 Falcons.

“Pete understands defenses and how to attack them,” Reeves said. “He knows what they’re trying to do. He’s really bright. He knows all phases of the game.”

The 39-year-old O’Brien is considered an up-and-comer with a long history in the college game, but just two years of NFL experience. The Brown grad served as offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and Duke before joining the Pats and won’t necessarily be held back by his lack of experience. Pees, after all, only had two years in the NFL as Pats linebackers coach before replacing Mangini.

The bigger question is Pioli. While there have been whispers that things are heating up with the Chiefs, he’s still a member of the Patriots front office. If the Pats lose him, the very way they acquire players will be torn in two.

Add it all together, and it’s tough to be a Patriots fan right now. On the field, the 2008 season was a success, but off it, the losses are mounting.

It’s only fair to wonder how many more the Pats can withstand.

[Craqhead]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

This idea that Pioli only has 1 or 2 people as viable coaches all goes back to the preconceived (and now disproved) rumors that Pioli will only leave if he gets a package deal with coach. There's no verification of that at all. What's to say he wouldn't pursue Shanahan, or Spagnuolo, or Frazier, or someone you don't even know about? He has been in the league for a long time and has lots of connections in the league. Let's just get Pioli in town first and then worry about the next step. I'd rather have both parties convinced that this is right than to rush because some "hot coordinator" is going to go off the market soon.

Such logic produces the same behavior that causes us to buy cars and other things without research for fear that they'll be gone soon.

This, and I hate too say it... but what if Clarks talking him into letting Herm have the last year on his contract.

GAWD DAMNIT... I kno I kno... im sorry

[ArrowheadHawk]

Originally Posted by KChiefs1

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/f...ome&position=1

Defections might take a toll

By John Tomase / Patriots Beat | Tuesday, January 13, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com |

Photo by Herald file



The question on the minds of Patriotsfans everywhere this morning is two-fold:

Now what? And when will this end?

Watching former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels step off a private jet outside of Denver yesterday wearing an orange tie was jarring enough. But when coupled with the thought of Scott Pioli following him out the door, it feels more like a car wreck.

The brain drain is on in Foxboro, where the pillaged Patriots must once again prove they can overcome the loss of some of Bill Belichick’s most valued lieutenants and remain competitive.

But how much is too much? We might be in the process of finding out.

Since the end of the 2004 season, the Patriots have lost Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini and now McDaniels, to name a few.


Pioli, the team’s vice president of player personnel, remains in talks with the Kansas City Chiefs and could soon be eating at Arthur Bryant’s nightly.

His presumed replacement, director of player personnel Nick Caserio, already is generating buzz as a future GM in his own right, particularly following the success of his predecessor Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta.

Caserio recently was mentioned by Browns owner Randy Lerner as a candidate for Cleveland’s GM opening.

The Patriots worked a minor miracle this season when Matt Cassel replaced Tom Brady [stats] and led the team to 11 victories. They had no business expecting that type of production out of the career backup.

At some point, it’s going to be too much to ask of the coaching staff, too.

When Weis left, McDaniels stepped in and helped pilot a record-setting offense. When Crennel left, Mangini stepped up before becoming a coach of the year candidate with the Jets. He was replaced by Dean Pees, who led the defense of an 18-0 team in ’07.

At some point, the replacements simply aren’t there. The top two candidates on the staff to become offensive coordinator appear to be tight ends coach Pete Mangurian and wide receivers coach Bill O’Brien.

Even if one steps right in without missing a beat, there’s no guarantee their replacement will get the job done lower on the rung. At some point, the foundation cracks.

Belichick obviously is the key figure in all of this, and some believe he’ll simply take control of the offense himself while breaking in a coordinator, much like he did with McDaniels in 2005. But it’s asking a lot of him to run the offense and assume a greater portion of Pioli’s responsibilities on the personnel side.

You can’t wear that many hats without eventually tipping over.

So what now? The first question is offensive coordinator. Former Cowboys, Broncos, Giants and Falcons coach Dan Reeves advocated on behalf of Mangurian. The Sirius Radio host employed Mangurian at his final three coaching stops, most recently as offensive coordinator with the 2003 Falcons.

“Pete understands defenses and how to attack them,” Reeves said. “He knows what they’re trying to do. He’s really bright. He knows all phases of the game.”

The 39-year-old O’Brien is considered an up-and-comer with a long history in the college game, but just two years of NFL experience. The Brown grad served as offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and Duke before joining the Pats and won’t necessarily be held back by his lack of experience. Pees, after all, only had two years in the NFL as Pats linebackers coach before replacing Mangini.

The bigger question is Pioli. While there have been whispers that things are heating up with the Chiefs, he’s still a member of the Patriots front office. If the Pats lose him, the very way they acquire players will be torn in two.

Add it all together, and it’s tough to be a Patriots fan right now. On the field, the 2008 season was a success, but off it, the losses are mounting.

It’s only fair to wonder how many more the Pats can withstand.

I really feel sorry for the Pats. Please come to us Pioli.

[Craqhead]

Originally Posted by KCChiefsfan88

I love how the Boston media is completely outscooping the KC Star on this Pioli story.

Maybe they KC media cant get a scoop... cuz Clark said he would fire peeps for leaking info. Or sumthing like that.

[DaWolf]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/977828-p2.html

Chiefs go about their business as GM hunt goes on
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Whether it’s Scott Pioli or someone else, the next Chiefs general manager might have to wait a while before he’s in his new job.

Interim president/general manager Denny Thum, who is assisting chairman Clark Hunt in the selection process, said Hunt hopes to hire a general manager before the Super Bowl, which is Feb. 1.

Hunt has interviewed Pioli, New England’s vice president for player personnel, and others. Hunt could interview as many as 10 candidates before he’s finished.

In the meantime, the Chiefs are going about business as usual. They recently signed several players, including quarterback Ingle Martin on Monday, to fill out the bottom of their roster.

The Chiefs have started preparing for free-agency, which begins in late February, and the April draft. They will have the third pick, their highest selection since choosing Nebraska defensive end Neil Smith with the second choice in 1988.

The uncertainty, which includes a most tenuous future for Herm Edwards and his coaching staff, makes these processes difficult.

“That’s for sure,” Thum said. “As far as specific direction with free-agency and the draft, until we hire a general manager, what we’re trying to do is cover all the bases.

“But our preparation hasn’t stopped. (Vice president) Bill Kuharich and his staff are getting ready for the draft. All of our scouts have left for the East-West practices and will go straight on to the Senior Bowl practices next week. (Pro personnel director) Ray Farmer is continuing to evaluate the waiver wire. Things are still going on. We’re moving forward.”

Thum joined the Chiefs 25 years ago as an accountant. He eventually worked his way to executive vice president with responsibilities for most of the business functions, including management of the salary cap and negotiation of player contracts.

He is the leading candidate to become Chiefs president, who will handle the business affairs. The general manager will oversee the football operation.

No matter the general manager, Thum indicated the Chiefs will be more active this year in free-agency. They gutted their roster after last season, and the few free agents signed by the Chiefs were low-impact starters or backups.

“We hope to continue to draft well,” Thum said. “But then you also hope to have some (veteran) players you can bring in that can fill specific roles and add a little more leadership on the football field. When you have a team as young as ours and you start looking around for answers on the field and everybody is about the same age as you, that makes it difficult.”

Thum met recently with Kuharich, Farmer, Edwards and coordinators Chan Gailey and Gunther Cunningham to evaluate the roster. He said he was affected by the strong improvement of many of the rookies as the season progressed.

He mentioned by name offensive lineman Branden Albert and cornerbacks Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr and Maurice Leggett — but not the Chiefs’ top draft pick, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

“A lot of young players made a lot of growth throughout the season,” he said. “If you look at the first part of the season to the second half of the season, offensively we did some things better. Defensively, we still had some issues, but there were certain players that stepped up and played better.”

“It was very insightful. We still know there are areas we need to fill, but the coaching staff gave a good evaluation. It gives me a good feel as we start to look toward free-agency as far as areas of need. This is something that when the new GM is hired, I’ll be able to share with him.”

Edwards and the assistant coaches have been in limbo since the season ended on Dec. 28 with a 16-6 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnati. Hunt said the Chiefs would decide whether to retain Edwards and the staff once the general manager is hired.

Edwards is not free to make any staff changes, and the assistants were, at least until recently, not free to look for other jobs. But the Chiefs granted Houston’s request to interview secondary coach David Gibbs.

It’s unclear whether the Gibbs interview represents a policy change that allows Chiefs coaches to look for other jobs or whether it’s a one-shot deal. Gibbs has ties to the Texans. He once worked in Denver with head coach Gary Kubiak. His father, Alex, is a Houston assistant coach.

Either way, Edwards and the assistant coaches are still employed by the Chiefs.

Asked whether being placed in such a situation for a prolonged period was fair to Edwards and the other coaches, Thum said, “I would hope when we hire the new general manager, we can go through the evaluation process as quickly as possible.”