FEATURE STORIES

PIOLI TAKES OVER AS CHIEFS GENERAL MANAGER

By Linda Abel
University Communications

The Kansas City Chiefs introduced Scott Pioli as their new General Manger in January. Pioli joined the team after working for many years with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots.

As the new general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, Pioli will be brining over 17 years of experience and an abundance of success stories. “With his proven track record of success, Scott is the finest player personnel executive in the NFL and we are looking forward to his leadership in building a championship organization,” said Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, in a story from the Chiefs website.

In 2000 Pioli joined the New England Patriots. While serving as vice president of player personnel, Pioli helped the Patriots to wins in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX. Together they also were four-time winners of the Lamar Hunt Trophy as AFC Champions and six AFC East Division titles.

Pioli was voted, by fellow executives, as winner of the George Young NFL Executive of the Year Award from The Sporting News in 2003 and 2004. At the age of 38, Pioli became the youngest person to ever receive the award. In addition, Pioli also received the NFL Executive of the Year Award from Pro Football Weekly and Sports Illustrated. 

Under Pioli’s direction, the Patriots used the  combination of draft picks, free agent signings, trades and waiver claims to stage step-by-step improvements. Since his arrival in Kansas City, he has used the same strategies to upgrade the Chiefs roster.

In 1992, Pioli began his career with the NFL when he joined the Browns where he negotiated contracts and evaluated college prospects along with free agents. When the franchise moved to Baltimore in 1996, Pioli joined the Ravens and was promoted to pro personnel assistant. Here he continued to negotiate contracts of agents and draft choices.
Pioli then left the Ravens and went to work with the Jets and was again promoted to director of pro personnel. During his time with the team Pioli lead them through a great turn around, bringing them from a 1-15 record in 1996 to a 12-4 record in 1998.

Pioli was born on March 31, 1965 in Washingtonville, N.Y. As an undergraduate, Pioli attended Central Connecticut State from 1983-87. During his time at the college Pioli played defensive tackle for the football team, becoming a three-time Division II All- New England selection.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Pioli attended Syracuse University where he received his master’s degree, also in communications. Upon completion of his schooling, Pioli became the head coach for Murray State where he coached both the offensive and defensive line for one season each.

Aside from his career in the NFL, Pioli also is on the Board of Directors for the College for Every Student Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to raise student performance and ambition in low income communities. Pioli is also the creator of the Rose Pioli Scholarship, named after his grandmother, to benefit children of educators, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel.