The Pioli to leave rumors gaining momentum

[Rob0729]

From Profootball Weekly:

Prospect of running another club growing on Pioli

Word we’re hearing out of Foxborough is that V.P. of player personnel Scott Pioli could be nearing the end of his distinguished tenure atop the Patriots’ personnel department. In his nine seasons with the club, New England has enjoyed staggering success in an era ruled by parity, winning the AFC East six times and bagging a trio of Super Bowl titles. So why would the 43-year-old Pioli, revered as one of the top personnel chiefs in the NFL in a seemingly ideal position, want to leave? For one thing, Pioli has failed to earn the respect he deserves for helping to build the Patriots into the NFL’s most consistent winner, and those close to the team say he’s finally ripe for departure.

Factoring into his thinking is the fact that Pioli's understudy Thomas Dimitroff has had such tremendous success in his first season in Atlanta that it has made the prospects of calling his own shots more attractive than ever. Should Pioli decide to leave, there should be a host of clubs willing to obtain his services in a general managerial or presidential capacity. The Chiefs have an opening for the top position following the resignation of Carl Peterson, and Kansas City could offer the type of all-encompassing powers that he likely would require to leave Foxborough. On the other hand, Detroit may be a tougher sell given the possibility that the Lions will be reluctant to give so much power to one man.

If Pioli does scratch his itch, he won’t have to look far to find two of the men with which he’ll build his franchise around. In Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and QB Matt Cassel — set to be a free agent after the season — two of the league’s most promising young figures in their respective posts are already under Pioli’s watch. Both are said to have a strong relationship with him. What would amount to a de facto package deal for the three men easily could come to fruition if a franchise is open to staffing the trio.

Should Pioli leave, he’d leave the Pats without an obvious successor, perhaps prompting them to look outside the organization for a replacement. We hear that it’s unlikely Bill Belichick would assume a joint coach-GM role, even though he has experience in a similar role from his frequent collaborations with Pioli.

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

Granted we heard the same rumors about Belichick prior to last year. We know how much Belichick's supposive desire to leave and start from scratch again because coaching the Patriots was no longer a challege was actually true. It seems that since it is obviously clear that Belichick has no intention to leave the Pats any time soon, the media may have decided to turn their attention to Pioli and him leaving.

I do love that this article says that Pioli wants to leave because he doesn't get the credit he deserves, yet the media have been fawning all over him ever since these rumors started to pop up. So apparently the media treating him like a genius who would be a steal for any organization who would get him isn't giving him credit.

Pioli may very well have decided it is time to explore new opportunities. His previous actions say otherwise. But I think the logic behind some of the rumors is comical. Pioli gets tons of credit for what he does. How exactly does a two time Executive of the Year and one of the few Player Personnel Guys/GMs in the league with universal national recognition not get the respect he deserves?

 

[signbabybrady]

I would have liked him to elaborate further into his source on this comment.

"those close to the team say he’s finally ripe for departure."

Who are those close to the team?

Reporters close or actual inside Patriot sources?

This seems to me, without knowing who the source is, just another piece of rumor mongoring around the idea that Peoli would be the top GM candidate if he ever wanted his own ship to run. But it is nice to see him get his credit. Funny the article says he would leave because he never gets credit when that is exactly what the article does, it gives him his credit by saying he deserves his own ship.

 

[livinginthe past]

This reads like a PFT ,and not a PFW, article.

If Pioli decides to move on (and he might) I doubt very much whether he'll resort to dropping silly little 'disrespected' rumors to the gossip grape vine.

He could have pretty much whatever job he wants at the level he chooses.

'Sources close to the team' is probably another disgruntled herald reporter with an axe to grind.

Funny how this little gem appears right before our biggest weekend of the season so far.

 

[RayClay]

I would have liked him to elaborate further into his source on this comment.

Who are those close to the team?

Reporters close or actual inside Patriot sources?

This seems to me, without knowing who the source is, just another piece of rumor mongoring around the idea that Peoli would be the top GM candidate if he ever wanted his own ship to run. But it is nice to see him get his credit. Funny the article says he would leave because he never gets credit when that is exactly what the article does, it gives him his credit by saying he deserves his own ship.

Word we’re hearing out of Foxborough...

They're hearing things

Factoring into his thinking is the fact that Pioli's understudy Thomas Dimitroff has had such tremendous success in his first season in Atlanta

And they're reading his mind.

If you had those kinds of powers, would you wait for a source?

 

[SVN]

From Profootball Weekly:



The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

Granted we heard the same rumors about Belichick prior to last year. We know how much Belichick's supposive desire to leave and start from scratch again because coaching the Patriots was no longer a challege was actually true. It seems that since it is obviously clear that Belichick has no intention to leave the Pats any time soon, the media may have decided to turn their attention to Pioli and him leaving.

I do love that this article says that Pioli wants to leave because he doesn't get the credit he deserves, yet the media have been fawning all over him ever since these rumors started to pop up. So apparently the media treating him like a genius who would be a steal for any organization who would get him isn't giving him credit.

Pioli may very well have decided it is time to explore new opportunities. His previous actions say otherwise. But I think the logic behind some of the rumors is comical. Pioli gets tons of credit for what he does. How exactly does a two time Executive of the Year and one of the few Player Personnel Guys/GMs in the league with universal national recognition not get the respect he deserves?

not to mention if he does leave , everyone will start asking , can BB win without pioli.
IMO pioli could leave but i doubt he wants to go and rebuild just because he wants to satisfy his ego.Especially if doesnt know who the coach he will hire.All the news outlets can speculate who the next coach can be but GM's are hard to figure out so they come up with the same names every yr.

 

[signbabybrady]

They're hearing things



And they're reading his mind.

If you had those kinds of powers, would you wait for a source?

better yet they may just be using the old Jedi Mind trick to make Pioli do what they want.

You know waive the hand and say "move along"

 

[JoeSixPat]

From Profootball Weekly:



The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

Granted we heard the same rumors about Belichick prior to last year. We know how much Belichick's supposive desire to leave and start from scratch again because coaching the Patriots was no longer a challege was actually true. It seems that since it is obviously clear that Belichick has no intention to leave the Pats any time soon, the media may have decided to turn their attention to Pioli and him leaving.

I do love that this article says that Pioli wants to leave because he doesn't get the credit he deserves, yet the media have been fawning all over him ever since these rumors started to pop up. So apparently the media treating him like a genius who would be a steal for any organization who would get him isn't giving him credit.

Pioli may very well have decided it is time to explore new opportunities. His previous actions say otherwise. But I think the logic behind some of the rumors is comical. Pioli gets tons of credit for what he does. How exactly does a two time Executive of the Year and one of the few Player Personnel Guys/GMs in the league with universal national recognition not get the respect he deserves?

I see nothing in the article indicating that Pioli actually feels he's disresepected and needs to stretch his wings.

He's had chances to leave before and has not, indicating through his actions that he's not insecure about how he's perceived.

Those in the football world - presumably the ones that Pioli would be concerned about "impressing" understand perfectly that a GM and coach need to be on the same page and share the same football philosophy. That's what Pioli has proven here and there's no reason for him to need to look further.

If there was any truth to this sort of rumor you'd see some anonymous source cited. There is none - its just pure speculation of a potential psychology of why Pioli WOULD leave - but not a citation that he's actually thinking of leaving.

 

[j00fek]

another end of the season rumor mill, ill believe it what it happens...

 

[mgteich]

Only an idiot doesn't consider his options. To think that Pioli isn't considering leaving is riduculous. However, we don't knowm his personal priorities. Kraft can offer more than others to Pioli as an executive in corporate America. But these opportunities don't involve football full-time, or even near full-time.

Pioli can decide to stay as long as Belichick, or as long as Brady stays. Or may decide to say for as long as the Kraft's own the franchise. But make no mistake, Pioli is not growing in his job and the challenges at the patriots do not demand someone as good as Pioli. Pioli can continue to watch his assistants go off and turn around franchises, and also see his father-in-law do so. He has do decide what he wants for himself and his family.

To put in another way, Pioli is a superstar that isn't utilized anywhere near as much as he would be used elsewhere (e.g KC).

Finally, this is a special time to consider. He can leave and take Josh with him, and probably Cassel also (if Cassel want it, if not in 2009, then in in 2010).

 

[DaBruinz]

I remember people saying the exact same thing a couple years ago when the Giants job was going to be up for grabs.. Pioli just laughed and, at one point, asked one of the reporters where they get their information because it wasn't coming from the horses mouth...

 

[signbabybrady]

Only an idiot doesn't consider his options. To think that Pioli isn't considering leaving is riduculous. However, we don't knowm his personal priorities. Kraft can offer more than others to Pioli as an executive in corporate America. But these opportunities don't involve football full-time, or even near full-time.

Pioli can decide to stay as long as Belichick, or as long as Brady stays. Or may decide to say for as long as the Kraft's own the franchise. But make no mistake, Pioli is not growing in his job and the challenges at the patriots do not demand someone as good as Pioli. Pioli can continue to watch his assistants go off and turn around franchises, and also see his father-in-law do so. He has do decide what he wants for himself and his family.

To put in another way, Pioli is a superstar that isn't utilized anywhere near as much as he would be used elsewhere (e.g KC).

Finally, this is a special time to consider. He can leave and take Josh with him, and probably Cassel also (if Cassel want it, if not in 2009, then in in 2010).

Sure there are reasons to leave. But there are probably as many reasons to stay. The key to this discussion right now is there is no source to indicate what the article states (his leaving gaining steam) so I will go with my source on this and that is Pioli himself who has had options to leave and really good ones too (Seahawks) and has chose to stay before so unless there is something in the article that indicates he changed his mind since last time than I will believe he is staying.

 

[GoWhalers]

Just food for thought...

Perhaps Dimitrioff took the Falcons job -- remember this was a *bad* team when he arrived -- because he saw no room for him to advance with the Patriots? Meaning that Pioli was sticking around for the long haul, so Dimitrioff had to look elsewhere for opportunities.

I would think if Pioli was getting antsy, Dimitrioff would have easily waited another year to get a crack at managing a Patriots squad with Brady and Moss.

 

[TripleOption]

But make no mistake, Pioli is not growing in his job and the challenges at the patriots do not demand someone as good as Pioli. Pioli can continue to watch his assistants go off and turn around franchises, and also see his father-in-law do so. He has do decide what he wants for himself and his family.

To put in another way, Pioli is a superstar that isn't utilized anywhere near as much as he would be used elsewhere (e.g KC)..

Wow. I don't think a single thought you expressed there is either a) based on fact or b) correct. Nice.

 

[mgteich]

So there is one legitimate source on Pioli possibly leaving, and that is Pioli. Only the FO knows what transactions are being considered with regard to the players, the offseason and the draft. Only the coaches can properly assess the play of the players.

So, why bother posting?

The site is for speculation. Of course no one can have a legitmate source except for Pioli.

What we can speculate about is whether it makes sense for Pioli to consider options, what those option might be, and how that might affect other decisionos (Josh and Matt).

I remember people saying the exact same thing a couple years ago when the Giants job was going to be up for grabs.. Pioli just laughed and, at one point, asked one of the reporters where they get their information because it wasn't coming from the horses mouth...

 

[Rob0729]

Only an idiot doesn't consider his options. To think that Pioli isn't considering leaving is riduculous. However, we don't knowm his personal priorities. Kraft can offer more than others to Pioli as an executive in corporate America. But these opportunities don't involve football full-time, or even near full-time.

Pioli can decide to stay as long as Belichick, or as long as Brady stays. Or may decide to say for as long as the Kraft's own the franchise. But make no mistake, Pioli is not growing in his job and the challenges at the patriots do not demand someone as good as Pioli. Pioli can continue to watch his assistants go off and turn around franchises, and also see his father-in-law do so. He has do decide what he wants for himself and his family.

To put in another way, Pioli is a superstar that isn't utilized anywhere near as much as he would be used elsewhere (e.g KC).

Finally, this is a special time to consider. He can leave and take Josh with him, and probably Cassel also (if Cassel want it, if not in 2009, then in in 2010).

First, I think it is harder for a team to stay on top like the Pats have year after year rather than go from the dregs of the league to one of the top teams. Every year it seems that there are a handful of teams that go from 6 or less wins to playoff teams. The question is whether Dimitroff or Parcells can maintain the success year after year. Sometimes, it is an one year bounce (the Browns last year for example). Only the Pats, Steelers, and Colts have consistently been Super Bowl contenders over the past decade or so while others come and go. It takes a lot of talent at the top to maintain that.

Second, Pioli may or may not be considering other opportunities. He may not though. His priorities may not be total control and all the limelight. He may want to be part of history here and try to win two or three more Super Bowls before the end of Belichick's and Brady's run. His family has grown roots here and he has kids in school. Maybe he rather not uproot his family. He also pretty much has a job for life in New England. Not so in any other situation unless he recreates the magic he has had here. Some of that is out of his control.

Third, I think Pioli is utilized as much as he would anywhere. He would have the same exact responsibilities he has here. He and Belichick are co decision makers here, but he is still solely responsible for the scouting, salary cap, and other GM responsibilities. The only difference is that Pioli would have final say, but from most indications Pioli and Belichick are usually on the same page with most personnel decisions and rarely does his decisions get overturned. Belichick never overrules him and forces his will on Pioli either. If they cannot agree on a player in the draft, they move to the next guy and it is a two way street.

Fourth, Pioli does have a perfect situation here. He has a partner in his head coach who he is totally in tune with. Pioli has no guarantees with his next coach even if he hires McDaniels. Mangini has shown that just because you learn at the foot of God doesn't mean you will perform like God when given the opportunity. Kraft is one of the best owners in terms of his working relationship with Belichick and Pioli. No guarantees he won't have an owner who gets meddlesome with a bad season or two.

Pioli could very well leave, but I don't think the situation is anywhere like you portray it. Pioli isn't sitting in his office twiddling his thumbs while Belichick does all the work. Belichick doesn't have the time to do GM responsibilities and all of them fall on Pioli. The only difference between here and anywhere else is that Pioli has co-final say and he would have final say somewhere else. Considering he and Belichick are of the same mind on most things, I don't see a huge difference.

 

[Rob0729]

I see nothing in the article indicating that Pioli actually feels he's disresepected and needs to stretch his wings.

He's had chances to leave before and has not, indicating through his actions that he's not insecure about how he's perceived.

Those in the football world - presumably the ones that Pioli would be concerned about "impressing" understand perfectly that a GM and coach need to be on the same page and share the same football philosophy. That's what Pioli has proven here and there's no reason for him to need to look further.

If there was any truth to this sort of rumor you'd see some anonymous source cited. There is none - its just pure speculation of a potential psychology of why Pioli WOULD leave - but not a citation that he's actually thinking of leaving.

The article implies that Pioli feels disrespected. Whether that is what they hear or it is shoddy writing. I think it is wrong. I seriously doubt Pioli feels disrespected. Pioli is a God in this part of the world. He has more Executive of the Year honors than any active GM.

 

[billdog3484]

Hopefully he stays. But, personally, I think I would want to be in a situation where I could get the most amount of money for my family. I think there are going to be a few teams who will be willing to throw a heck of a lot of money to Pioli. Kansas City is a very revered franchise and if he could become a major executive there, I think he probably would take it if the money was right.

Im hoping he stays, but I am not so optimisitic. I have always been shocked that he has stayed so long, and maybe he stays again. There really is no way of knowing at this point

 

[fgssand]

I think the experiences of moving all around that his wife, Dallas had following Bill Parcells all around is a huge factor in Pioli staying right here.

The family loves the area, stabilty and schools, if they turned down Seattle and all the money in the world a few years ago, I doubt KC is going to work.

Also, Pioli is a huge part of the success here and if all goes well, knowing he was part of NFL history, one of the keys to the making of the greatest dynasty of all time.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The "only" aspect of this that has any logic is the timing of a potential triple departure: Pioli, McDaniels, Cassel.

It's reasonable to assume Pioli likes the challenge of maintaining a perennial championship contender. "But," should he decide to leave, he would almost certainly be going into a rebuilding situation, one that needs some new blood fast. Being able to package his move with two people at "key" positions in his new organization would be a hellah smaht way to jump start your new program. "If" Pioli were to make a move, this would be an "ideal" time.

For example: let's consider the package deal concept using the Kansas City example from the article:
- Pioli can coordinate with McDaniel and Cassel, with the three presenting a united front to KC. Hire Pioli, dump Herm and hire McDaniel, trade for Cassel. A fairly straightforward prospect.
- KC currently is looking at the #3 pick in the draft, a useful tool.
--- Pioli can arrange for NE to Franchise Cassel and trade him to KC for the #3 pick; this is the salary cap model where Pioli gets KC out from under a Top 5 rookie contract.
--- Another model would use first round equivalency: KC trades their 2nd rounder in 2009 and their 2nd rounder in 2010, the equivalent of a 2009 3rd rounder (remember Goodall's fine for NE was a 1st Rd pick "or" a 2nd and 3rd; 2 + 3 = 1 in NFL draft math); this let's Pioli grab a Top 5 prospect this season to help Cassel, or even trade down with someone and pick up extra picks like NE does most drafts. Pioli strengthens his new club, while leaving Bob Kraft and BB a little thank you present (I for one would be seriously psyched to have KC's #2 in this draft, with another #2 in 2010). It's a good value move by Pioli for his new club, and he might even get something back by trading Brody Croyle or Tyler Thigpen, either of whom would be decent trade bait for teams like Detroit, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Carolina...Pioli might even get his 2nd back.
- KC has a legit #1 WR and a TE who can fill the "Welker" chain mover role. Gaffney is UFA, sign him to give Mattyice some continuity and you have the nucleus of an excellent receiving corps. LJ should have at least one more good year to work with. KC drafted a Rd one LT last season, take Herm out of the equation and factor in McDaniels and Cassel, you immediately have a competitive offense.
- Now which former NE DC is on the hotseat as a HC this season? Okay both, but I'm thinking Romeo. Does anyone here seriously think Romeo gets another NFL HC shot? Here's a chance to rebuild his career and work with people who respect and trust him (nice change that would be for him - Phil Savage, sheesh!). KC's defense has some solid talent to work with, if Piolo could land Romeo and give him his head, KC would have a nasty D fairly quickly.
- KC has a solid ST's corps, hire a good ST's coach and your good.

"If" Pioli decides to move, this would set him up in a good situation. You also have to think that McDaniels and Cassel would both see the advantages to teaming up with Pioli for their next moves. The KC gig would be a serious win-win-win move for the threesome if they could make it together.

 

[BPF]

Just food for thought...

Perhaps Dimitrioff took the Falcons job -- remember this was a *bad* team when he arrived -- because he saw no room for him to advance with the Patriots? Meaning that Pioli was sticking around for the long haul, so Dimitrioff had to look elsewhere for opportunities.

I would think if Pioli was getting antsy, Dimitrioff would have easily waited another year to get a crack at managing a Patriots squad with Brady and Moss.

Good point. This is what I thought when Dimitroff took the Atlanta job and how I feel today.