Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and assistant general manager Scott Pioli were spotted together on the sidelines evaluating players during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Texas Christian pummeled Mississippi, 42-3
It's been a rough week for Dimitroff, who attended the presser where owner Arthur Blank discussed his rationale for firing head coach Mike Smith and retaining Dimitroff.
Dimitroff was hired as the general manager in 2008 and Smith was his first major hire. He'll be involved in the search, but the team has also retained corporate firm Korn Ferry to help with the process.
“There is no question that Smitty and I worked closely together on building this football team and we’re very proud of what we’ve done over the (first) five years," said Dimitroff, when asked to address the talent level of the team. "The (last) two years, obviously have not been what we wanted."
Dimitroff, who didn't talk to the local media during the season, admitted to his role in the team's downfall from Super Bowl contender to a team that's gone 10-22 over the past two seasons. Coaching and injuries weren't the only problems as the Falcons could muster just one win over a team with a winning record over their last 32 games.
"I take a great deal of responsibility for what happens within this organization and the team-building that had taken place," Dimitroff said. "We think we have some good players on this football team and we also know that I have made mistakes.
"I know that I’m going to be scrutinized for it. I know that I have over the last months looked at every different aspect of our football operation as far as what needs to be adjusted , as far as myself and my approach to things as well. I am responsible as much as Smitty (was) for this organization, the success of this organization and the downfall of this organization."
Pioli, the former general manager at Kansas City from (2009-12), was hired last offseason.
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