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. [url=https://www.thunderrookiesshop.com/Darius-Bazley-City-Edition-Jerse y/]Darius B

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. Darius Bazley Jersey .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 Russell Westbrook Jersey .5 million. The 25-year-old Varlamov is thriving under first-year coach and Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, posting a 26-9-5 record with a 2. Kevin Durant Thunder Jersey . - The New Orleans Saints have re-signed receiver Joseph Morgan for one year and have agreed to a four-year deal with free agent fullback Erik Lorig. https://www.thunderrookiesshop.com/Mike-Muscala-City-Edition-Jersey/ . - Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says the NFL has told the team it will not be docked a pick in this years draft for coach Mike Tomlins foray onto the field against Baltimore last November. MANCHESTER, England -- France defender Eliaquim Mangala became Manchester Citys most expensive signing of the off-season when he joined the English champions from FC Porto on Monday for a reported fee of 32 million pounds ($54 million). Strengthening Citys defence has been one of the priorities of manager Manuel Pellegrini, with the 23-year-old Mangala set to compete with Argentina international Martin Demichelis to partner Vincent Kompany at centre back. "He is already a fine player but in my opinion, he has all of the mental, physical, technical and tactical attributes to become one of Europes very best defender," said Pellegrini, who already has signed right back Bacary Sagna and goalkeeper Willy Caballero. "Eliaquim is a player I believe will make an immediate impact in the Premier League, thanks to his physicality, his reading of the game and quality on the ball." City didnt disclose the cost of the transfer, but the reported fee would put Mangala on the list of the clubs most expensive players, along with forwards Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Robinho. Mangala, who has signed a five-year deal, camee close to joining City in January but didnt complete a move that was then earmarked for the off-season. Nerlens Noel Jersey. He is the sixth recruit since City clinched its second Premier League title in May, after Sagna, Caballero and midfielders Fernando, Frank Lampard and Bruno Zuculini. Mangala was in Frances squad at the World Cup but didnt play a game in the teams run to the quarterfinals. He has made three international appearances and has experience of playing in the Champions League. "City is a top club in Europe," Mangala said. "For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress. I want to win titles and I believe I can do this." Citys defence struggled at times last season, especially early in the campaign and when Kompany was out injured. But it largely held firm in the run-in as City won its last five matches to overhaul Liverpool to the championship, and only Chelseas defence conceded fewer in the top division. It is another big return for Porto, the Portuguese club which paid Standard Liege 5.5 million pounds for Mangala in 2011. ' ' '