"We are very excited to welcome Scott to the Chiefs," Hunt said in a statement. "With his proven track record of success, Scott is the finest player personnel executive in the NFL, and we look forward to his leadership in building a championship organization."
Pioli's departure leaves a huge void in the Patriots' front office. At nine seasons, Pioli and Belichick were the longest-tenured personnel director/head coach tandem in the NFL.
The 43-year-old Pioli twice was voted The Sporting News's George Young NFL Executive of the Year, which is selected by NFL executives, and his partnership with Belichick produced six AFC East titles, four AFC championships, three Super Bowl titles, and the only 16-0 regular season in NFL history.
Of the Patriots on the current roster, only linebacker Tedy Bruschi and running back Kevin Faulk predate the arrival of Pioli in New England.
As coach of the Cleveland Browns, Belichick gave Pioli his start in 1992, hiring him as a pro personnel assistant.
"To sum up in words everything Scott Pioli has meant to this organization and to me personally would be difficult, if not impossible," said Belichick in a statement. "From the day I met him, he has demonstrated a passion for football and respect for the game that is second to none.
"It has been extremely gratifying for me to follow Scott's career ascension from the bottom of the totem pole in Cleveland to his place as a pillar of championship teams in New England. Now, with the opportunity to steer his own ship and a vision of building a winner, there is no more capable, hardworking, loyal, team-oriented person than Scott Pioli."
The likely choice to replace Pioli is Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio.
ESPN reported yesterday that Caserio would replace Pioli as vice president of player personnel. However, as of early last evening, the Patriots had not notified Caserio of any promotion, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. If Caserio is indeed promoted, it could happen today.
