Chiefs Mellinger: Pioli has time to reflect on where it went wrong - Page 6

FloridaMan88 · 01-05-2013, 11:17 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/05...-headline.html

Pioli has time to reflect on where it went wrong

By SAM MELLINGER

The Kansas City Star

The truth set in at some point in Philadelphia. There is no way to get inside a man’s mind, of course, but Scott Pioli likely came to know his time in charge of the Chiefs had expired outside of a conference room at a Philadelphia airport. It must’ve been there that Pioli understood he was still the Chiefs general manager in technical terms, but no longer in practice.

Behind the closed doors in front of Pioli, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt ate up the biggest chunk of a nine-hour meeting alone with Andy Reid. If there was any remaining doubt about who would be in charge, it died in those hours. Pioli used to be the one in that meeting, the one asking the tough questions and making the big decisions.

Now, though, he was left sitting outside, waiting. Like everyone else.

Pioli – part of a five-man traveling party with Hunt, Chiefs president Mark Donovan, vice president Ted Crews and Hunt Sports Group executive Ryan Petkoff – got some facetime with Reid. But it was clear to everyone involved who was in charge. Hunt took the time. Hunt asked the important questions. Hunt would make the decision. Pioli waited to be told.

The first major football hire done without Pioli’s input would also be the last one done with him as an employee. Pioli was professional, but nobody could ignore the awkward setup. He sat outside, researching on his phone or computer, working on contingency options in case Reid did not agree to come to Kansas City – just like the others who would not be making the decision.

The next day, on Friday, the Chiefs announced what they called a mutual decision for Pioli to walk away from the biggest job of his 20-year career in professional football. The Chiefs went 23-41 in his time in charge, the worst four-year stretch since Hunt’s father founded the team in 1960.

Pioli, seen as an egomaniac by so many, left the Chiefs humbled. He thanked Hunt for the opportunity, and told people he was sorry for failing. One of the most dramatic, tumultuous, miserable, and at times tragic eras in franchise history ended in a thank you and apology.

The announcement of the inevitable end to Pioli’s rule included a short statement from both him and Hunt, but Pioli has not spoken publicly. Nobody knows for sure what is next for him, but indications are that he’ll take some time off. Right now, he is resting. Decompressing, as one person put it. It’s a lot to take in.

Pioli and his wife have a young daughter and a home in Nantucket, which he bought years ago in steps – first the land, then the construction – after an old football friend told him everyone in the business needed a place to stay after being fired.

The consensus among NFL people is that he won’t have trouble finding another job whenever he wants one, perhaps even another GM position in the future though, as one friend of Pioli’s put it, “he obviously made some mistakes and will learn from it like we all do.”

The friend made it clear that Pioli wanted to make it work with the Chiefs, even after this awful season, saying Pioli had grown to love Kansas City. He made friends here, many of them outside of football, and became involved in the local arts scene and an organization that promotes women’s sports.

What turned out to be the worst year of Pioli’s professional life began with such promise. He lost about 30 pounds in the offseason, enough that he had to buy new clothes, and in training camp publicly welcomed higher expectations. And why not? Four years into the job he had what he considered his best roster. He hired a new coach. Sports Illustrated, among other national outlets, picked the Chiefs to win the division.

But the bad news started, literally, as soon as the season did. Tamba Hali was suspended for the first game and Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez, the Hall of Fame tight end Pioli traded shortly after arriving in Kansas City, dunked the ball through the goalposts after a touchdown in a blowout loss to the Falcons. The next week, Dwayne Bowe – the recovering knucklehead – pointed to the back of his jersey in another blowout loss that turned fan frustration from code orange to red.

Meanwhile, Pioli was dealing with personal stress. There was a report that he was offered a contract extension, which a source close to the Chiefs adamantly denied to the Star. He was deposed at least once in an age discrimination lawsuit stemming from ongoing intra-office drama, much of which was detailed by the Star. In what would later be seen as a tragic prequel, a team employee killed a woman and then himself.

Then, of course, Pioli was face-to-face with Jovan Belcher in the parking lot outside the Chiefs facility one morning, a few steps away when Belcher knelt behind a car and shot himself shortly after murdering his longtime girlfriend.

Pioli has always been fiercely private – even innocuous quotes would usually be given only off-the-record – but seemed to keep relatively good spirits until the end was imminent.

If his final season is remembered as the worst in franchise history – and it is – his final days will be remembered for confusion. Hunt announced Romeo Crennel’s firing on Monday, which led to many inside the Chiefs’ offices to wonder about Pioli’s. But Hunt is one of the few men more private than Pioli, so team employees expecting a fresh start had to wait.

That included Pioli, who by all accounts handled his final few days of employment with class, even amid an air of inevitability that he would soon be gone.

Pioli came arrived in Kansas City with the Chiefs in a terrible place. They had just gone 2-14, fans fed up with years of falling behind. The new coach Pioli hired unwittingly set a new hard tone when he told a respected Pro Bowler he could win two games with “22 guys off the street.”

Four years and four drafts later, the Chiefs again won just two games. A rough, overly dramatic, and ultimately alienating time ends with the team in the exact same spot, accomplished men on all sides left to reflect on what went wrong.

crossbow · 01-06-2013, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

I don't feel sorry for him. I'm not saying that. I don't. He caused sufficient pain that it's nothing more than justice in my view.

I'm merely reflecting on just how unbelievably embarrassing a moment like that can be. It's probably the most humiliating, humbling experience any person can go through ... particularly if you're a prideful egotist.

I've seen a similar situation bring a grown man to tears.

FAX

Pioli won't learn from this. Bullies never stop until they think they beat you. They have to have their revenge at any cost. He won't get the last word because Clark made sure of it. So yeah, he is gonna have a lot of anger to deal with. He destoyed Clark's expensive football team and he is going to pay for it. What I never got was why he had to cut off all ties with the old players that built the franchise. You need to keep them guys around. The fans like them and the youngsters learn from them.

**petegz28** · 01-06-2013, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Where did it go wrong?

1. Stubbornly sticking with Cassel despite the obvious and completely ignoring the QB position.

2. Creating a culture of fear and intimidation within the franchise, alienating former players, current staff, and ultimately the fans.

3. Two horrible head coaching hires.

4. Losing Brandon Carr, missing on Routt, and using Arenas, who he gave up a legend to draft.

5. Blowing the '09 draft.

6. Horrible FA acquisitions.

That about sums it up. Though he had a golden chance to redeem himself when he was going to "bring in competition for Cassel". That turned out to be lip service. Then the ****ing up on Bowe's contract can be added to the list. Allowing Breaston to be benched all season is another.

Rasputin · 01-06-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

This article is a much better read when you take all the 'Team-killer' bullshit out of it. I'm sure many of you liked it, but I found it unnecessary, especially for a writer from an actual newspaper.

We are all glad 'Team-killer' Pioli is gone, but my God, show a little class.

Ha ha he is trying to get something to stick, but he is no Jwhitlock with 'Egoli'.

TEX · 01-06-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

thank god no more Brian Daboll.

I dont see how that turd gets another OC job in the NFL again anytime soon.

You said it. Daboll was worse at his job than 'Team-killer' Pioli and Crennel were at theirs. Think about that...

milkman · 01-06-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Bill Kuharich left us with some real good players. Can't say the same for Scott.

FYP

**petegz28** · 01-06-2013, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

thank god no more Brian Daboll.

I dont see how that turd gets another OC job in the NFL again anytime soon.

This, My God, this guyw as ****ing terrible. I thought Haley was the master of the dink-dunk until this guy showed up.

Marcellus · 01-06-2013, 09:49 AM

The "team Killer" thing is funny about the first 5 times you read it, then it made the article almost impossible to read.

Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Its funny looking back how people were flipping the **** out on Scott being on the coaching interviews when it sounds like he was just a porter.

I think because Pioli had it in his contract he was head of football operations, until he was fired he was required to be there or KC was in breach of contract. Clark wanted to do his due diligence before ending him back to Nantucket.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 01-06-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

The "team Killer" thing is funny about the first 5 times you read it, then it made the article almost impossible to read.

Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Its funny looking back how people were flipping the **** out on Scott being on the coaching interviews when it sounds like he was just a porter.

I think because 'Team-killer' Pioli had it in his contract he was head of football operations, until he was fired he was required to be there or KC was in breach of contract. Clark wanted to do his due diligence before ending him back to Nantucket.

All of the above - especially the bold.

TEX · 01-06-2013, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

The "team Killer" thing is funny about the first 5 times you read it, then it made the article almost impossible to read.

Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Its funny looking back how people were flipping the **** out on Scott being on the coaching interviews when it sounds like he was just a porter.

I think because 'Team-killer' Pioli had it in his contract he was head of football operations, until he was fired he was required to be there or KC was in breach of contract. Clark wanted to do his due diligence before ending him back to Nantucket.

There once was a man from Nantucket, who ruined a franchise and was fired when the owner had enough and said **** it!

**the Talking Can** · 01-06-2013, 10:08 AM

seriously people, you think the Star would print 'team-killer pioli'?

Marcellus · 01-06-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

seriously people, you think the Star would print 'team-killer 'Team-killer' Pioli'?

I am referring to the filter.

**the Talking Can** · 01-06-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I am referring to the filter.

ah, my bad

**007** · 01-06-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

seriously people, you think the Star would print 'team-killer 'Team-killer' Pioli'?

No but they might print yours.

Hoover · 01-06-2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Filter

Yeah I got punked on that pretty good. LOL

Hammock Parties · 01-06-2013, 10:44 AM

I bet the Chiefs told Mellinger to call him Team Killer.

01-05-2013, 11:17 PM
FloridaMan88 Mahomes: We Are All Witnesses Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $2902906	Mellinger: Pioli has time to reflect on where it went wrong http://www.kansascity.com/2013/01/05...-headline.html Pioli has time to reflect on where it went wrong By SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star The truth set in at some point in Philadelphia. There is no way to get inside a man’s mind, of course, but Scott Pioli likely came to know his time in charge of the Chiefs had expired outside of a conference room at a Philadelphia airport. It must’ve been there that Pioli understood he was still the Chiefs general manager in technical terms, but no longer in practice. Behind the closed doors in front of Pioli, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt ate up the biggest chunk of a nine-hour meeting alone with Andy Reid. If there was any remaining doubt about who would be in charge, it died in those hours. Pioli used to be the one in that meeting, the one asking the tough questions and making the big decisions. Now, though, he was left sitting outside, waiting. Like everyone else. Pioli – part of a five-man traveling party with Hunt, Chiefs president Mark Donovan, vice president Ted Crews and Hunt Sports Group executive Ryan Petkoff – got some facetime with Reid. But it was clear to everyone involved who was in charge. Hunt took the time. Hunt asked the important questions. Hunt would make the decision. Pioli waited to be told. The first major football hire done without Pioli’s input would also be the last one done with him as an employee. Pioli was professional, but nobody could ignore the awkward setup. He sat outside, researching on his phone or computer, working on contingency options in case Reid did not agree to come to Kansas City – just like the others who would not be making the decision. The next day, on Friday, the Chiefs announced what they called a mutual decision for Pioli to walk away from the biggest job of his 20-year career in professional football. The Chiefs went 23-41 in his time in charge, the worst four-year stretch since Hunt’s father founded the team in 1960. Pioli, seen as an egomaniac by so many, left the Chiefs humbled. He thanked Hunt for the opportunity, and told people he was sorry for failing. One of the most dramatic, tumultuous, miserable, and at times tragic eras in franchise history ended in a thank you and apology. The announcement of the inevitable end to Pioli’s rule included a short statement from both him and Hunt, but Pioli has not spoken publicly. Nobody knows for sure what is next for him, but indications are that he’ll take some time off. Right now, he is resting. Decompressing, as one person put it. It’s a lot to take in. Pioli and his wife have a young daughter and a home in Nantucket, which he bought years ago in steps – first the land, then the construction – after an old football friend told him everyone in the business needed a place to stay after being fired. The consensus among NFL people is that he won’t have trouble finding another job whenever he wants one, perhaps even another GM position in the future though, as one friend of Pioli’s put it, “he obviously made some mistakes and will learn from it like we all do.” The friend made it clear that Pioli wanted to make it work with the Chiefs, even after this awful season, saying Pioli had grown to love Kansas City. He made friends here, many of them outside of football, and became involved in the local arts scene and an organization that promotes women’s sports. What turned out to be the worst year of Pioli’s professional life began with such promise. He lost about 30 pounds in the offseason, enough that he had to buy new clothes, and in training camp publicly welcomed higher expectations. And why not? Four years into the job he had what he considered his best roster. He hired a new coach. Sports Illustrated, among other national outlets, picked the Chiefs to win the division. But the bad news started, literally, as soon as the season did. Tamba Hali was suspended for the first game and Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez, the Hall of Fame tight end Pioli traded shortly after arriving in Kansas City, dunked the ball through the goalposts after a touchdown in a blowout loss to the Falcons. The next week, Dwayne Bowe – the recovering knucklehead – pointed to the back of his jersey in another blowout loss that turned fan frustration from code orange to red. Meanwhile, Pioli was dealing with personal stress. There was a report that he was offered a contract extension, which a source close to the Chiefs adamantly denied to the Star. He was deposed at least once in an age discrimination lawsuit stemming from ongoing intra-office drama, much of which was detailed by the Star. In what would later be seen as a tragic prequel, a team employee killed a woman and then himself. Then, of course, Pioli was face-to-face with Jovan Belcher in the parking lot outside the Chiefs facility one morning, a few steps away when Belcher knelt behind a car and shot himself shortly after murdering his longtime girlfriend. Pioli has always been fiercely private – even innocuous quotes would usually be given only off-the-record – but seemed to keep relatively good spirits until the end was imminent. If his final season is remembered as the worst in franchise history – and it is – his final days will be remembered for confusion. Hunt announced Romeo Crennel’s firing on Monday, which led to many inside the Chiefs’ offices to wonder about Pioli’s. But Hunt is one of the few men more private than Pioli, so team employees expecting a fresh start had to wait. That included Pioli, who by all accounts handled his final few days of employment with class, even amid an air of inevitability that he would soon be gone. Pioli came arrived in Kansas City with the Chiefs in a terrible place. They had just gone 2-14, fans fed up with years of falling behind. The new coach Pioli hired unwittingly set a new hard tone when he told a respected Pro Bowler he could win two games with “22 guys off the street.” Four years and four drafts later, the Chiefs again won just two games. A rough, overly dramatic, and ultimately alienating time ends with the team in the exact same spot, accomplished men on all sides left to reflect on what went wrong.
Posts: 38,711

01-06-2013, 09:49 AM	#82
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $2832662	The "team Killer" thing is funny about the first 5 times you read it, then it made the article almost impossible to read. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Its funny looking back how people were flipping the **** out on Scott being on the coaching interviews when it sounds like he was just a porter. I think because Pioli had it in his contract he was head of football operations, until he was fired he was required to be there or KC was in breach of contract. Clark wanted to do his due diligence before ending him back to Nantucket.
Posts: 69,466

01-06-2013, 10:08 AM	#85
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	seriously people, you think the Star would print 'team-killer pioli'? __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

01-06-2013, 10:44 AM	#90
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4450478	I bet the Chiefs told Mellinger to call him Team Killer. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,643