Report: Atlanta Falcons to restructure front office

The Atlanta Falcons are still searching for a head coach after parting ways with Mike Smith, but that hasn’t stopped owner Arthur Blank from being “active” in changing things around Flowery Branch. On Wednesday evening, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network brought word that Blank has chosen to promote Scott Pioli to a role overseeing both professional and college scouting.

The bigger news, however, is that Blank has apparently decided that his new coach will report directly to him, instead of the much more traditional path of flow through the general manager. 

Quite honestly, this does not make a lot of sense. Arthur Blank has always been a hands-on owner when compared to some, but a move like this would perhaps signal a shift toward “meddling”. Names like Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones or the early days of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban come to mind in this regard, but having a head coach, especially one that isn’t in charge of player personnel, report directly to the team’s owner could create all kinds of issues.

In addition, Thomas Dimitroff will remain employed in this scenario, but with far less power. It is important to note that Pioli would not overtake him in the power structure, but Dimitroff’s authority over the overall direction of the roster would certainly be in question, especially if Blank hires a strong-willed, powerful head coach in the Rex Ryan mold.

There is plenty to monitor with the Atlanta Falcons right now, but this move could bring an alarming trend for an owner that has largely had a high approval rating in the past.