1. Scott Pioli
One name that jumps off the page is Scott Pioli, who most recently stepped down as the assistant general manager of the Atlanta Falcons in mid-May.
The official Atlanta Falcons website wrote this in a staff report abut Pioli stepping down from their franchise:
"“Pioli, who said he wants to pursue other opportunities, came to the Falcons in 2014 after spending four seasons as the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.”"
Also remember Pioli was a member of the New England Patriots organization too from 2000-08, along with other organizations.
Pioli’s departure from the Falcons just a few weeks ago, and now the vacancy of the Texans’ general manager spot might be just able to work itself out and be a quality match together.
When he stepped down, Pioli said he was “ready for a change,” so if that means he wants to stay in the NFL and be a general manager again — and not an assistant GM — the Texans might find their new GM in Pioli.
Pioli has had success with the Patriots, Chiefs and even Falcons in his varying GM and personnel roles, and he’s worked with Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in the past as well, so these two getting together could work out well too.
Early in this process, the Texans have a lot to think about and work on, and though training camp starts late next month, who knows what type of schedule the franchise has in hiring their new GM, but it will be interesting to see who they do hire and how the entire process moves along.