Falcons hire Patriots Director of College Scouting as GM

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to sign New England Patriots Director of College Scouting Thomas Dimitroff as the club's general manager, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

Dimitroff will replace Rich McKay, who has relinquished his general manager duties for the Falcons but signed a two-year extension on Jan. 5 to remain the team president through 2010.

The Falcons interviewed Jacksonville's director of scouting Gene Smith, New York Giants vice president of player evaluation Chris Mara and Philadelphia general manager Tom Heckert this week for the position. Mara withdrew his name from consideration on Thursday.

Dimitroff is currently in his 18th season in player personnel and his sixth year with the Patriots. After serving the 2002 season as the team's national scout, he was named the director of college scouting in 2003.

Before joining the Patriots, Dimitroff served nine seasons in the scouting departments of the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns as well as for the CFL and the World League.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.