Pioli’s four-year run over (Pioli at the 2010 Combine)
The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday the team and Scott Pioli have parted ways.
“After several productive conversations, we made the difficult decision to part ways with Scott Pioli and allow him to pursue other opportunities,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a released team statement. “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.”
Under Pioli, the Chiefs went 23-41 in four seasons, including 12-20 at Arrowhead Stadium during that span.
The Chiefs won the AFC West in 2010, but failed to develop consistency, going 9-23 the last two seasons. The team finished the 2012 regular season at 2-14.
“I would like to thank Norma, Clark and the Hunt Family for the opportunity that they gave me four years ago,” Pioli said in the team statement. “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 fans of the Kansas City Chiefs – to the players, all employees and alumni, I truly apologize for not getting the job done.”
The Chiefs are currently in ongoing negotiations with former Eagles coach Andy Reid to assume the same position in Kansas City.
As for Pioli’s replacement, two names have been linked to the Chiefs should Reid accept the job: former Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert and current Green Bay Packers director of football operations John Dorsey.
In the meantime, Hunt expressed his personal gratitude for Pioli’s service.
“There is no way to overstate the level of respect and admiration I have for Scott on a personal level,” Hunt said in the team release. “His character, loyalty, integrity and commitment to a team are extraordinary, and throughout the last four years, he has consistently put the best interests of the Chiefs ahead of his own. I know he will go on to enjoy further success in the National Football League, and I certainly wish him the best in the future.”
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