Chiefs part ways with former Pats exec Pioli

The Chiefs announced Friday that the organization and general manager Scott Pioli have "mutually parted ways."

Pioli joined the Chiefs in January 2009 after serving in the Patriots front office from 2001-08. Kansas City went 23-41 in his four seasons as GM, winning the 2010 AFC West title but otherwise struggling. Coach Romeo Crennel, a former Patriots defensive coordinator who replaced the controversial Todd Haley as Chiefs coach late last season, was fired earlier in the week.

"After several productive conversations, we made the difficult decision to part ways with Scott Pioli and allow him to pursue other opportunities," Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "Scott has been an invaluable member of the Chiefs family since joining us in 2009, and we sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions over the last four years."

Former Eagles coach Andy Reid reportedly is close to a deal to become Kansas City's next coach.