SI's Banks: Pioli excited about KC...

[Box_O_Rocks]

wild card weekend - Don Banks - SI.com

Reading the latest tea leaves, that puts Pioli in the Chiefs' wheelhouse. League sources tell me Pioli seems excited about the opportunity in Kansas City, which he's believed to be interviewing for Monday. Pioli still has to do his due diligence and thoroughly research the Cheifs' roster, but he's said to be high on some of the building blocks that Kansas City has in place (like offensive left tackle Branden Albert, and cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr).

The Chiefs are also in an enviable salary-cap situation, with at least $30 million of room to maneuver, and I don't think it hurts one bit that Pioli's wife was born and still has family in the Wichita, Kan., area. From a lifestyle perspective, Kansas City might be a better fit for Pioli than even Cleveland.

Scott Pioli "Excited" about Kansas City Chiefs GMOpportunity - Arrowhead Pride

Here's a Sunday night treat for you. Don Banks of Sports Illustrated is reporting that Patriots VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli is "excited" by the opportunity the Kansas City Chiefs GM opening presents.

Reading the latest tea leaves, that puts Pioli in the Chiefs' wheelhouse. League sources tell me Pioli seems excited about the opportunity in Kansas City, which he's believed to be interviewing for Monday.

With the latest news that the Browns appear willing to hire George Kokinis and Eric Mangini to fill the GM/Coach openings, this should bring some excitement to Kansas City as it appears the Chiefs are in the lead for Pioli's services.

Clark Hunt's hush-hush nature regarding the Chiefs GM search caused many (of us) to speculate that he's getting behind the eight ball in the hiring process. However, it appears the Chiefs are still very much in play for Pioli's first GM gig.

Why Kansas City?

Banks reports that Pioli is intrigued by the plethora of young talent on the Chiefs roster including players like Branden Albert, Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr.

We've all heard that Pioli and his family have connections in Cleveland. However, his wife was born in Wichita, KS and still has family there. Banks speculates that Kansas City may be a better fit for Pioli's family.

From a lifestyle perspective, Kansas City might be a better fit for Pioli than even Cleveland.

On top of all that, if Pioli were to choose Kansas City, he'd have over $30 million in cap space to play with.

Put all of that together and Kansas City is the best GM job in the NFL right now. And Pioli is still perceived as the best GM candidate in the NFL. A match made in heaven if you ask me.

 

[tuckeverlasting]

just from what i've read, kc seems like a much better spot than cleveland for pioli. lerner seems like a bit of a dbag.

 

[reflexblue]

Ya think they'll draft another Branden to go along with the other three?

 

[hwc]

Gee, I wonder if the "league source" for Banks' story was the KC Chiefs' PR department.

Sheesh. Could it be any more transparent?

 

[Pats726]

I think a few have speculated that KC was a better place for him than Cleveland...I remember talk on the radio a week ago that menrioned KC as a much better place..the whole style of ownership is better..as there's a more hands off approach...while Lerner seems like one who would meddle and be more an obstacle...I didn't know about his wife's connection and that is an interesting angle.
It makes more sense there than the Brownies..It also is a much more stable franchise..But whether he's REALLY excited or just feels it could be better..THAT is the larger question. If it's the former, than I think obvious the chances of his leaving are high..but..who really knows if that is the case.
If he does or does not go, I am sure the Pats have a plan in place, readu to go.

 

[DarrylS]

Thought Browns were a sure thing, but Lerner has his sights set on Mangini, no idea why... so this will be a better fit, seems as though Scott has remained somewhat loyal to BB.. KC will fit the bill.

 

[ex's and oh's]

Speaking of Banks,

Remember this article about Backup QB's in August

Backup quarterbacks (cont.) - Don Banks - SI.com

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Speaking of Banks,

Remember this article about Backup QB's in August

Backup quarterbacks (cont.) - Don Banks - SI.com

I can't fault Banks. Had he read this forum where 75% of the posters polled thought Cassel would be working as a Walmart greeter he'd have reached the identical conclusion. At least he wasn't lobbying for Culpepper like several here.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

just from what i've read, kc seems like a much better spot than cleveland for pioli. lerner seems like a bit of a dbag.

I wouldn't know lerner if i saw him in the street, but any guy who would seriously consider hiring the ratgenius as a coach has got to be a loser.

That said, I think that KC might be a very attractive place for Scott. The Hunts are one of the storied families of the NFL/AFL. They were distracted for several years by the illness and ultimate death of Lamar Hunt. Now, they seem ready to restore Kansas City to its place among major NFL Franchises. That could appeal to a guy who has already helped build one team into a powerhouse.

 

[woolster22]

Cleveland didn't pass the sniff-test from the get-go. I just couldn't see the Fat Rat working for Pioli after the recent years. KC seems to know how to stay out of the way, which would probably be a good fit for Pioli based on his track record here. Maybe this is why Capers was brought in, I remember a lot of pundits suggesting it was a rouse of some sort...Did BB see this coming during training camp? Granted, that extreme theory would work a bit better if it was Peas(sp?) taking off.

 

[RayClay]

Gee, I wonder if the "league source" for Banks' story was the KC Chiefs' PR department.

Sheesh. Could it be any more transparent?

Can't you read? The league source is tea leaves. Apparently the league provides writers with psychics and leaves so they can gauge excitement.

All very scientific.

Seriously, you're probably right. PR departments are robably the "league source" most of these guys cite.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Gee, I wonder if the "league source" for Banks' story was the KC Chiefs' PR department.

Sheesh. Could it be any more transparent?

that's probably true. and, it's also how the game is played in a 24/7 "news" environment.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I wouldn't know lerner if i saw him in the street, but any guy who would seriously consider hiring the ratgenius as a coach has got to be a loser.

That said, I think that KC might be a very attractive place for Scott. The Hunts are one of the storied families of the NFL/AFL. They were distracted for several years by the illness and ultimate death of Lamar Hunt. Now, they seem ready to restore Kansas City to its place among major NFL Franchises. That could appeal to a guy who has already helped build one team into a powerhouse.

Why? I can think of one guy who hired him that I trully respect. Fellow by the moniker Bill Bellsksi, or Belinski, or something...

If Banks' did his rating now, Who do you think would have the best QB depth, just like they do in most other places on the roster?

Bill builds the Best 53, Best 61 (w PS), Best 70 (w SR)...

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Why? I can think of one guy who hired him that I trully respect. Fellow by the moniker Bill Bellsksi, or Belinski, or something...

If Banks' did his rating now, Who do you think would have the best QB depth, just like they do in most other places on the roster?

Bill builds the Best 53, Best 61 (w PS), Best 70 (w SR)...

I think I agree with everything you say. BB has the best team. Check. BB has the greatest depth at QB. Check.

So, what are you saying in your first sentence? Not being critical, just don't understand the reference to "one guy who hired him." Pioli was hired by Kraft.

 

[Scouse Patriot]

Herm Edwards was saying a few weeks back how good the foundations were to build on at KC. It could well be the most interesting option for a new challenge should he want one.

 

[DaBruinz]

Isn't this the same Don Banks who said that Pioli would be the Browns GM by this past Saturday and he'd be surprised if he wasn't?

Why Pioli-to-Browns will happen - Don Banks - SI.com

In fact, if Pioli is not the Browns new decision-maker by the end of the week, I'd be shocked.

I wonder how "shocked" Don Banks is right now?

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Herm Edwards was saying a few weeks back how good the foundations were to build on at KC. It could well be the most interesting option for a new challenge should he want one.

without a doubt; but i also suspect that Herm will not be part of a Pioli foundation for the future.

 

[BPF]

Isn't this the same Don Banks who said that Pioli would be the Browns GM by this past Saturday and he'd be surprised if he wasn't?

Why Pioli-to-Browns will happen - Don Banks - SI.com



I wonder how "shocked" Don Banks is right now?

Exactly, great point. This is what I've been saying since the Pioli news that he's interviewing in Cleveland and KC broke. Everyone has their opinion and it probably will change daily and they write different stories to cover all angles. The #1 option in my mind for Pioli is staying here but it doesn't hurt to listen to what other offers are out there. Also, the speculation is that the list of candidates for the KC job is long:
ProFootballTalk.com - DOMINIK REMAINS ON CHIEFS’ RADAR? and includes: Pats V.P. of player personnel Scott Pioli, Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokinis, Ravens director of college scouting Eric DeCosta, Colts assistant G.M. Chris Polian and possibly former Browns G.M. Phil Savage per Mortensen. Pioli, Polian, Chargers director of player personnel Jimmy Raye, and Bucs director of pro personnel Mark Dominik according to Schefter.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Isn't this the same Don Banks who said that Pioli would be the Browns GM by this past Saturday and he'd be surprised if he wasn't?

Why Pioli-to-Browns will happen - Don Banks - SI.com



I wonder how "shocked" Don Banks is right now?

Obviously these 'experts' have long played the game of throw out myriad predictions based on rumor and later tout your horn as being 'connected' and 'in the know' where you were blind squirrel correct. Even with fast Internet fact checking, these folks know no shame.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I think I agree with everything you say. BB has the best team. Check. BB has the greatest depth at QB. Check.

So, what are you saying in your first sentence? Not being critical, just don't understand the reference to "one guy who hired him." Pioli was hired by Kraft.

I was referring to the fellow that said anyone who hired Ratgini was a loser. Bill wahizaname Belichick isn't loser, and he did.