ATLANTA - Assistant general manager Scott Pioli will take on pro and college scouting and will have new NFL draft responsibilities in the restructuring of the Atlanta Falcons personnel department announced Wednesday. Nike Shox r4 Womens Running Shoes All White .The Falcons say Pioli will report to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who retains responsibility for salary cap and player affairs, among other duties.The moves came as the team continued its search to replace coach Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 season.The changes appear to weaken the authority of Dimitroff, whose future was left in doubt by owner Arthur Blank at the news conference to announce Smiths firing. Blank said Wednesday the new coach and Dimitroff will report separately to me.After reviewing all of our options — internally and externally — I have no reservations that this is the best approach to setting up our player personnel groups for future success, Blank said in a statement released by the team.It maximizes the talents of Scott, allows for more time and focus on all areas of our football operations groups managed by Thomas, and is in line with other player personnel groups in the league.Pioli, the former director of player personnel for the Patriots, joined the Falcons last year. Dimitroff worked with Pioli in New England as the Patriots director of scouting before he was hired by Atlanta in 2008. Dimitroff recommended Piolis hire last year.Dimitroff said in a statement Wednesday Pioli is a trusted partner who has proven himself, time and again, during his 23-year NFL career.His thumbprint can be found on a number of Pro Bowl players during his NFL career, and he was a key contributor to the remarkable Super Bowl success of the Patriots during his tenure there. We look forward, and I do personally, to the many contributions he will make to our pro, college scouting and NFL draft efforts going forward.Dimitroff and Smith combined to build winning seasons in each of their first five seasons together. There has been increased criticism of Dimitroffs free-agent and draft decisions as the team posted a combined 10-22 record the past two years.At Smiths news conference, Dimitroff said I know that I have made mistakes and Im going to be scrutinized for it.The Falcons interviewed former Jets coach Rex Ryan on Tuesday. Ryan had two interviews with Atlanta before Smiths hire in 2008.The Falcons also have interviewed New England offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive co-ordinator Adam Gase, Seahawks defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn and former Bills coach Doug Marrone, according to multiple reports.Arizona coach Bruce Arians said the Falcons and other teams requested permission to interview Cardinals defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles.Blank said the decision to restructure the personnel department was not tied to the head coach search currently underway.Added Blank: We also believe that independent thinking and collaboration will contribute to taking us to the next level in our league. Therefore, our new head coach and Thomas will report separately to me.Director of player personnel Lionel Vital was given additional pro scouting responsibilities and will play a role in college scouting with director of college scouting Steve Sabo.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cheap Nike Shox Oz UK .J. Burnett attempts to bounce back from his first loss of the season this afternoon when the New York Yankees continue their three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Nike Shox Nz UK . Kenneth Faried, Randy Foye and J.J. Hickson added 16 points apiece for the Nuggets, who have won all three meetings this season against Dallas. Hickson scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter to help hold off the Mavericks, who play the Nuggets a final time this season in two weeks in Dallas.GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Packers receiver Randall Cobb has been activated from injured reserve and has been listed as questionable for Sundays crucial game against the Chicago Bears. Cobb was the teams allotted player on injured reserve who was designated for return after getting hurt during a 19-17 win Oct. 13 at Baltimore. The playmaking wideout was added to the injury report Saturday with a knee injury. Quarterrback Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) is already returning Sunday and is expected to start against the Bears in the game to decide the NFC North title. Nike Shox Monster Sale. . Coach Mike McCarthy said he gave Cobb more work in practice Friday to help determine whether he should be activated. Cobb caught 29 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns playing the first five games this season for Green Bay (7-7-1). wholesale jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap soccer jerseys cheap nhl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '
