ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have hired Scott Pioli as assistant general manager, reuniting him with GM Thomas Dimitroff.

Pioli was director of player personnel for the New England Patriots from 2000-08, including six seasons with Dimitroff, who directed college scouting. He was the Kansas City Chiefs' general manager for four years before leaving by mutual agreement in January 2013.

Pioli will join the Falcons on Feb. 3, after he completes his contract with NBC Sports and SiriusXM Radio.

Pioli began his NFL career in 1992, when he was hired by Bill Belichick as a scouting assistant for the Cleveland Browns. Pioli was made the New York Jets' director of pro personnel in 1997 before joining Belichick in New England.

Dimitroff says Pioli is "one of the most respected and adept talent evaluators in the NFL."


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