The Chiefs announced that they parted ways with GM Scott Pioli on Friday.

“After several productive conversations, we made the difficult decision to part ways with Scott Pioli and allow him to pursue other opportunities,” Chiefs chairman/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.” 

Pioli had been the Chiefs’ general manager since Jan. 13, 2009. He was the PFW/PFWA Executive of the Year following the 2010 season, when the Chiefs won the AFC West.

“There is no way to overstate the level of respect and admiration I have for Scott on a personal level. His character, loyalty, integrity and commitment to a team are extraordinary, and throughout the last four years, he has consistently put the best interests of the Chiefs ahead of his own,” Hunt said. “I know he will go on to enjoy further success in the National Football League, and I certainly wish him the best in the future.”

This past season, the Chiefs went 2-14 and will have the No. 1 pick in April’s draft. The club fired head coach Romeo Crennel on Monday and is reportedly expected to hire Andy Reid as its next head coach.

Pioli released the following statement:

“I would like to thank Norma, Clark and the Hunt Family for the opportunity that they gave me four years ago. I’d also like to thank the players, coaches, scouts and countless other employees, throughout the organization and at Arrowhead Stadium that have worked so hard during my time here. I would also like to genuinely thank Chiefs fans.

“The bottom line is that I did not accomplish all of what I set out to do. To the Hunt family — to the great fans of the Kansas City Chiefs — to the players, all employees and alumni, I truly apologize for not getting the job done.”

The way we see it