Falcons hire new GM

***We interrupt our series on head coaching candidates to bring you this***

The Falcons have all but officially hired New England Patriots director of college scouting as the new general manager Saturday night. Thomas Dimitroff takes over for recently demoted (?) GM Rich McKay, who signed an extension to say with the team as president.

On paper, Dimitroff looks like a good hire. For starters, he's in that Bill Belichick circle, which automatically makes him a sexy hire. His role with the team as basically the guy who really calls the shots on draft day only adds to the optimism this hire should inspire. When you think about it, Dimitroff is partially responsible for the obnoxious state of the Patriots right now, depending on your view of the team (from Hades).

Dimitroff's hiring all but throws the possibility of hiring USC head coach Pete Carroll out the window, which is disappointing but not too surprising. Dimitroff comes in at a crucial time with the Falcons yet to make a decision on who will take the head coaching position. The Falcons have already interviewed several prominent candidates for the position, but there are still some interesting names left on the table. Dimitroff's expertise in judging talent might be exactly what the Falcons need.