[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

First of all, I should have been more clear - these guys are basically discussing Clark keeping Pioli IN HIS EXISTING CAPACITY. They're talking about not only him staying in KC, but remaining in CHARGE.

Dude, he said that he was going to hire a head coach and he and the coach would decide Pioli's fate.

If he's already decided to keep Pioli and let him call the shots, Clark lied to us. The stadium won't be half empty, it will be COMPLETELY empty.

Here is a transcript of Beers interview with Clark yesterday. In it he said that Pioli may stay in charge but he is leaving open the option of finding a HC that would want personnel control.

Like I said it is not out of the realm of possibility that Pioli may not be fired and still be in charge. I hope not but who knows..

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...-new-direction

OK, so, just so we're clear here, there is a scenario out there where Scott wouldn't be with the team in 2013? How could that arise?

"Yes. Just to go back to my statement this morning about the football operation being under review, when you have a year like we did, no one gets a passing grade. I'm going to focus on the head-coaching search here in the next two to three weeks, it's important from a timing standpoint to do that. And then I'm going to circle back to the rest of the football operation and make those decisions at that time."


Will the coach have a say in whether or not Scott stays?

"I wouldn't say that he'll have a say. But obviously, chemistry is very important. When you're talking about a team, chemistry is always important. And among your general manager and head football coach, that's important as well."


So if a head coach you want is here and says I want my own personnel guy, is it realistic to think that might trigger a move?

"Well, we have a very open mind heading into the coaching search. I don't want to rule out anything. We're going to talk to coaches who have NFL coaching candidates, some who are coordinators, some who are involved at the college level. We're going to talk to a wide spectrum. And really, anything is possible at this point."


I know, traditionally, the GM has reported to you. Have you decided how the structure of the football operation is going to work going forward?

"Yes. We are going to change the structure. Historically, the head coach has reported to the general manager. I think that's true going back to the early days of the franchise. And I'm changing it today. Going forward, the head coach will report directly to me. The GM will report to me as well."


What's your goal in changing the structure?

"I think it gives us the best chance of hiring the best candidate. You mentioned a while ago that some of the coaches want more control. I think that's right, and if we find the right coach, I certainly want to have a structure that's acceptable to him."


Do you feel like Scott Pioli can still be the right man to right the ship here?

"I have not ruled that out. We're still evaluating that. But the priority here over the next few weeks is going to be the head coach."