Falcons find new GM

ATLANTA – Tom Dimitroff was hired as general manager of the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, leaving his job as director of scouting for the unbeaten New England Patriots.

Dimitroff, who has been with the Patriots since 2002, will direct the Falcons’ football operations, including working with a new head coach on draft decisions, free agency, trades and other personnel decisions.

The Falcons had a dreadful 4-12 season, one which saw star quarterback Michael Vick sentenced to a 23-month prison term after a federal dogfighting conviction.

Dimitroff will report to president Rich McKay, the Falcons’ former GM whose 17-month contract extension was finalized Sunday.

McKay will handle the business side of the operation and report to owner Arthur Blank, who is looking for a coach to replace Bobby Petrino. Petrino abruptly quit after 13 games to take the head coaching job at Arkansas.

The Falcons said the 40-year-old Dimitroff will begin work immediately.

“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to become a part of the Atlanta Falcons organization,” Dimitroff said. “I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Blank and Rich McKay, two highly respected men in the world of professional football.”