Falcons adjust front office

Flowery Branch, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - A week after firing coach Mike Smith, the Atlanta Falcons announced more changes.

Atlanta's general manager Thomas Dimitroff, reportedly on the hot seat after the team failed to make the postseason in consecutive years, will remain on the job, managing the salary cap, player affairs, equipment, sports medicine and performance, and video activities.

Assistant general manager Scott Pioli, who was hired last February, will now be in charge of pro and college scouting, including the NFL draft. Pioli will still report to Dimitroff.

"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," said Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank. "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.

"While this decision was not tied to the head coach search currently underway, 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."

Dimitroff was hired prior to the 2008 season along with the now-departed Smith. In his tenure, the Falcons drafted players including quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receiver Julio Jones and safety William Moore. Atlanta has reached the playoffs four times under Dimitroff.