Official: Kyle Smith leaves Washington to take VP of Player Personnel job with the Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Smith is officially out. This has been expected for the last few weeks, but now it is official. Smith has been named the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Atlanta Falcons, the same title he held with the Washington Football Team.

The team held their GM search after the season, but didn't interview Smith for the position. They did interview Eric Stokes, who was hired as Director of Pro Personnel last year. Stokes has been expected to take over Smith's job if he left. Washington hasn't announced any official moves since hiring Martin Mayhew as General Manager and Marty Hurney as Executive Vice President of Personnel/Football Operations

The changes to the Washington Football Team’s front office started when Bruce Allen was fired and then Rivera was hired. A new coach-centric organization was heavily emphasized from Day 1, and the team began to immediately be molded to fit Rivera’s vision. Kyle Smith was promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel, but the team didn’t hire a GM. Rivera brought in several executives from his Carolina Panthers, hiring Rob Rogers to be the Senior Vice President of Football Operations (salary cap), Eric Stokes as the Director of Pro Personnel, and Don Warren as a Senior Pro Scout.

Washington also reportedly got rid of at least 3 members on their scouting staff. There are reportedly more changes coming to that group. None of Washington's former scouts have been linked to the Falcons.