Scott Reno Pioli (born March 31, 1965) is an American professional football executive who currently serves as a consultant for the Iowa Hawkeyes football program. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and has held front office positions with multiple National Football League (NFL) franchises.
Early Life and Education
Pioli was born in Washingtonville, New York, and attended Washingtonville High School, where he played linebacker and defensive line. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1988 with a degree in communications, where he was a three-time Division II All-New England selection as a defensive tackle. He later earned a master's degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Coaching Career
Pioli began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Syracuse University (1988–1989). He then served as offensive line coach (1990) and defensive line coach (1991) at Murray State University.
Executive Career
Cleveland Browns / Baltimore Ravens (1992–1996): Hired by Bill Belichick as a pro personnel assistant with the Cleveland Browns. When the franchise relocated to Baltimore, Pioli was promoted to pro personnel coordinator for the Ravens' 1996 season and contributed to the personnel staff that drafted Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis.
New York Jets (1997–1999): Rejoined Belichick as director of pro personnel. He was credited with signing veteran free agents Kevin Mawae, Vinny Testaverde, and Bryan Cox, who helped the Jets improve from a 1–15 record in 1996 to a 12–4 record and division title in 1998.
New England Patriots (2000–2008): When Belichick became head coach of the Patriots in 2000, Pioli joined as assistant director of player personnel, was promoted to director of player personnel in 2001, and to vice president of player personnel in 2002. During his tenure, the Patriots won three Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) and posted an NFL-best record of 102–42 (.708). Pioli and Belichick were responsible for selecting quarterback Tom Brady with the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft. In 2007, the Patriots finished the regular season 16–0, the first undefeated regular season in NFL history.
Kansas City Chiefs (2009–2012): Hired as general manager on January 13, 2009. He fired head coach Herman Edwards and hired Todd Haley. In 2010, the Chiefs won the AFC West division title with a 10–6 record, earning Pioli NFL Executive of the Year honors. The team declined to a 2–14 record in 2012, the franchise's worst season. Pioli was fired on January 4, 2013. His tenure was marked by fan protests organized by the "Save Our Chiefs" movement and controversy over reported workplace practices. On December 1, 2012, Pioli was the first person to confront player Jovan Belcher following a murder-suicide incident at Arrowhead Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons (2014–2019): Served as assistant general manager. He resigned on May 16, 2019.
Iowa Hawkeyes (2025–present): Hired as a consultant on June 15, 2025, to assist the football program with its transition following the House v. NCAA settlement.
Media Career
Pioli served as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports' Football Night in America, NBC Sports Network's Pro Football Talk, Sirius XM NFL Radio, and the NFL Network, where he was a front office analyst from 2020 until his departure in July 2025.
Awards and Honors
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 3× PFWA Executive of the Year (2003, 2007, 2010)
- 2× Sporting News NFL Executive of the Year (2003, 2004)
- Sporting News NFL Executive of the Decade (2000s)
- ESPN.com NFL Personnel Man of the Decade (2000s)
- Inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (2014)
- Inducted into Central Connecticut State University Hall of Fame (2005)
Personal Life
Pioli is married to Dallas Pioli, the daughter of former NFL head coach Bill Parcells. They have a daughter, Mia Costa. Pioli serves on the board of directors for several non-profit foundations and has established endowed scholarships at Central Connecticut State University, the National Italian American Foundation, and WIN for KC.
