Falcons' assistant GM steps down

[HMFFL]

In the first major front-office move since Thomas Dimitroff replaced Rich McKay as the Falcons' general manager, assistant GM Billy Devaney stepped down to become the St. Louis Rams' executive vice president of player operations.

With McKay operating solely as the team's president and Devaney's departure, the team's top two decision-makers for personnel matters the past two seasons are gone.

It has not been determined if Devaney will be replaced as the structure of the personnel department under Dimitroff is still a work in progress.

Though Devaney was a part of the search committee that hired coach Mike Smith, his visibility had diminished since owner Arthur Blank decided to replace McKay. Devaney said that he was not forced out and, in fact, was encouraged by Dimitroff and Blank to remain with the team.

"I would have stayed, but this was just too good an opportunity," Devaney said about joining the Rams. "They'll get in going [in Atlanta]. There are too many good, competent and really knowledgeable people there. It's going to take a little time, but they will get it going."

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