Lions GM: Five potential candidates

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli shown on the sideline of the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Ravens 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli (left) and general manager Thomas Dimitroff react after defeating the Washington Redskins in overtime at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 25-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Scott Pioli is one of the more respected front office men in the league. He has been a general manager once, running the Kansas City Chiefs from 2009-2012. Things started out fairly well, with Pioli inheriting a talentless 2-14 team and getting them to an AFC West title in 2010.

However, problems were abound. Pioli was notorious for being a maniac away from the field, constantly putting employees under a ton of undue pressure including janitors and secretaries. Pioli is also known to have a very large ego, something that led to him constantly clashing with head coach Todd Haley, whom he hired when he arrived at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kansas City went in the tank over the next few seasons, finish 7-9 and then 2-14. Pioli’s last mistake was hiring Romeo Crennel in 2012 to replace Haley, who he had fired with three games remaining in the 2011 regular season. All of that said, Pioli is excellent with contracts and showed an ability to find good players in the later rounds. Pioli drafted Justin Houston in the third round, a prime example of his keen eye in the NFL Draft. Pioli also signed low-price extensions with Jamaal Charles and Derrick Johnson during his days with the Chiefs.

Pioli is currently working with the Atlanta Falcons as the assistant general manager and has done terrific work by all accounts.

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