In a move that was perhaps long overdue, the Kansas City Chiefs and General Manager Scott Pioli have agreed to part ways after his brief four year tenure with the team. This move almost certainly paves the way for rumored head coaching candidate Andy Reid to take full control of the Chiefs organization. Reid, who has recently been linked to the Chiefs, is expected to be making his next coaching decision sooner rather than later.
For Kansas City fans, two year finishing in the bottom five after winning the AFC West is unacceptable. Perhaps adding injury to insult, the Chiefs were the worst team in the National Football League with a meager record of 2-14. Pioli, who has received constant criticism from journalist and fans alike, took over the Kansas City General Manager position in 2009, after his successful career with the New England Patriots. However, Pioli actually lead the team into their first division title and home Playoff appearance since 2003 in his sort time. He was also named the NFL Executive of the Year from the media in 2010 for his successes as a member of the Chiefs front office personnel.
There seemed to be no hostility between the two parties upon separation. “Scott has been an invaluable member of the Chiefs family since joining us in 2009, and we sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions over the last four years,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt stated in his Press Conference.
Pioli released the following statement to the media on his parting ways with the club:
“I would like to thank [The Hunt Family] for the opportunity that they gave me four years ago. I’d also like to thank the players, coaches, scouts, and countless other employees, throughout the organization and at Arrowhead Stadium that have worked so hard during my time here. I would also like to genuinely thank Chiefs fans. The bottom line is that I did not accomplish all of what I Set out to do. To the Hunt Family—to the great Kansas City fans—to the players, and all employees and alumni, I apologize for not getting the job done.”
Pioli leaves behind a tarnished legacy in Kansas City and perhaps an uncertainty about a future hire within the league, at least for the time being. The Chiefs are quite a few moves away from division contention, with the addition of Peyton Manning to the AFC West rival Broncos. This Kansas City ball club is almost certain to hire Andy Reid in the upcoming week, a move that has Chiefs fans buzzing. One thing is for certain, with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the hopes of a successful season for the franchise are certainly now on the clock.
