By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Sporting News got around to announcing the results of its executive of the year award today, and the panel of voters selected Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, whose team posted the best record in the NFC.
Some saw Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik as a leading contender for this honor, but he finished third with seven votes. Dominik's Bucs became the first team since the 1970 NFL merger to start at least 10 rookies but finish witih a winning record. The Bucs also were the youngest team in the NFL this season.
Second place went to the Chiefs' Scott Pioli (eight votes), whose team won the AFC West after going 4-12 in 2009.
Here's how the vote is conducted. The Sporting News surveyed 47 general managers, assistant general managers, owners, personnel executives and head coaches for the award.
Dimitroff got 13 votes.
Because neither the NFL nor Associated Press name an executive of the year, The Sporting News honor is recognized as official.