Falcons Announce Front-Office Changes Involving Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff

The Atlanta Falcons are changing up their front-office strategy in hiring Scott Pioli to assume authority on scouting. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the news Wednesday:

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora provides more details on the front office structure:

Pioli last worked in an NFL front office for the Kansas City Chiefs as general manager from 2009 through 2012. That was preceded by a far more notable stint with the New England Patriots, where Pioli helped build a nucleus that won three Super Bowls in the early 2000s.

Current Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff and Pioli worked together in New England. Dimitroff has been bold at the top of past drafts, swinging first-round trades to hit big on wide receiver Julio Jones and promising young cornerback Desmond Trufant.

Injuries and overall team performance over the last two seasons, which played a part in the firing of coach Mike Smith, exposed how Atlanta lacked roster depth. That was especially evident on defense.

The Falcons ranked last in the NFL in 2014 in yards allowed, so the defensive side of the ball should be a priority with the No. 8 overall pick in the upcoming draft.