Franklin Templeton Shootout. Day is making his seco

ATLANTA - Assistant general manager Scott Pioli will take on pro and college scouting and will have new NFL draft responsibilities in the restructuring of the Atlanta Falcons personnel department announced Wednesday.The Falcons say Pioli will report to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who retains responsibility for salary cap and player affairs, among other duties.The moves came as the team continued its search to replace coach Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 season.The changes appear to weaken the authority of Dimitroff, whose future was left in doubt by owner Arthur Blank at the news conference to announce Smiths firing. Blank said Wednesday the new coach and Dimitroff will report separately to me.After reviewing all of our options — internally and externally — I have no reservations that this is the best approach to setting up our player personnel groups for future success, Blank said in a statement released by the team.It maximizes the talents of Scott, allows for more time and focus on all areas of our football operations groups managed by Thomas, and is in line with other player personnel groups in the league.Pioli, the former director of player personnel for the Patriots, joined the Falcons last year. Dimitroff worked with Pioli in New England as the Patriots director of scouting before he was hired by Atlanta in 2008. Dimitroff recommended Piolis hire last year.Dimitroff said in a statement Wednesday Pioli is a trusted partner who has proven himself, time and again, during his 23-year NFL career.His thumbprint can be found on a number of Pro Bowl players during his NFL career, and he was a key contributor to the remarkable Super Bowl success of the Patriots during his tenure there. We look forward, and I do personally, to the many contributions he will make to our pro, college scouting and NFL draft efforts going forward.Dimitroff and Smith combined to build winning seasons in each of their first five seasons together. There has been increased criticism of Dimitroffs free-agent and draft decisions as the team posted a combined 10-22 record the past two years.At Smiths news conference, Dimitroff said I know that I have made mistakes and Im going to be scrutinized for it.The Falcons interviewed former Jets coach Rex Ryan on Tuesday. Ryan had two interviews with Atlanta before Smiths hire in 2008.The Falcons also have interviewed New England offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive co-ordinator Adam Gase, Seahawks defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn and former Bills coach Doug Marrone, according to multiple reports.Arizona coach Bruce Arians said the Falcons and other teams requested permission to interview Cardinals defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles.Blank said the decision to restructure the personnel department was not tied to the head coach search currently underway.Added Blank: We also believe that independent thinking and collaboration will contribute to taking us to the next level in our league. Therefore, our new head coach and Thomas will report separately to me.Director of player personnel Lionel Vital was given additional pro scouting responsibilities and will play a role in college scouting with director of college scouting Steve Sabo.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cody Zeller Jersey . The announcement was made by the hall on Friday, March 14. She joins Switzerlands Denise Biellmann as this years inductees to the Hall, based in Colorado Springs, CO. Jeremy Lamb Jersey .com) - Jahlil Okafor had 21 points, Tyus Jones scored 16 with 10 assists and No. http://www.hornetsteamproshop.com/Cheap-Alonzo-Mourning-Hornets-Jersey/ . -- The Washington Redskins coaching staff distanced itself from other coaches Thursday by siding with ownership -- and not the players -- in the NFLs labour dispute. Michael Carter-Williams Jersey . The Packers, Lions and Bears were a combined 35-15 and as long as Jay Cutler can say healthy, all three could make the playoffs in 2012. Marvin Williams Jersey . The CFL will help tackle womens cancers by playing four special "CFL PINK" games this weekend.Naples, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Jason Day and Cameron Tringale combined for a 17-under 55 in Thursdays scramble format and they grabbed a 2-stroke lead after one round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout. Day is making his second appearance at this event, while Tringale is playing for the first time at Tiburon Golf Club. Defending champions Harris English and Matt Kuchar are alone in second place at 15-under 57. Keegan Bradley, who won this title in 2011 with Brendan Steele, teamed with Camilo Villegas for a 13-under 59. They were joined in third place by Graeme McDowell and Gary Woodland as well as Ryan Palmer and Jimmy Walkker.dddddddddddd Two former winning teams -- Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker (2009) and Sean OHair and Kenny Perry (2012) -- are tied for sixth place at 12-under 60. The were joined there by Justin Leonard and Rory Sabbatini, along with a pair of former major champions Retief Goosen and Mike Weir. Charles Howell III and Scott Verplank, Billy Horschel and Ian Poulter, and Patrick Reed and Brandt Snedeker share 10th place at minus-11. After playing a scramble on Thursday, the teams will play a modified alternate shot format on Friday and a better-ball partner format in Saturdays final round. MORE TO FOLLOW. ' ' '