Pioli New Chiefs Head of Football Operations

After a lengthy search for Carl Peterson’s replacement, Chairman of the Board Clark Hunt has found his man. Tuesday morning we were tipped off by our primary source that things were moving quickly and KC’s GM search was nearly over. We hinted towards that likely conclusion last night on our forums.

This afternoon ESPN’s Michael Smith confirmed those reports by announcing that New England Patriots V.P. of Player Personnel Scott Pioli has accepted the job as Head of Football Operations for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pioli and the Chiefs have been in serious talks for some time and in recent days those talks heated up, especially with team President Denny Thum.

Per our source, one of the holdups to the announcement of this deal was the fact Pioli had yet to meet with New England Patriots Owner Bob Kraft and Head Coach Bill Belichick to discuss his future. Once that meeting took place, Pioli was free to accept the job with the Chiefs.

As Director of Football Operations, Pioli will likely decide the fate of Head Coach Herm Edwards and the rest of his coaching staff. It could also signal changes in KC’s player personnel department.

There are already rumblings that Edwards’ job is in jeopardy. Several replacement names have already surfaced, included former Denver Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan, New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Stay tuned to WarpaintIllustrated.com for more news on the Kansas City Chiefs.