Thomas Dimitroff is a former American football executive who served as the general manager of the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2020. He began his career in football as a scout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League before joining the Cleveland Browns as a national scout in 1998.
In 2002, Dimitroff was hired by the New England Patriots as a national scout and was promoted to director of college scouting in 2003. He played a key role in the Patriots' success during his tenure, helping the team win three Super Bowl championships.
In 2008, Dimitroff was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their general manager. He quickly made an impact, drafting quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Ryan went on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history, leading the Falcons to the playoffs six times and earning four Pro Bowl selections.
Under Dimitroff's leadership, the Falcons also made several other key draft picks and free agent signings that helped the team reach new heights. In 2016, the Falcons had their best season in franchise history, finishing with an 11-5 record and advancing to Super Bowl LI. Although they ultimately lost to the New England Patriots in a historic comeback, the Falcons' success that season was a testament to Dimitroff's vision and leadership.
Throughout his career, Dimitroff was known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to build successful teams. He was also highly respected by his peers in the NFL, earning the Executive of the Year award from the Sporting News in 2008 and 2010.
In October 2020, Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn were both fired by the Falcons after a disappointing start to the season. Despite this setback, Dimitroff's legacy in Atlanta is secure, and his contributions to the team will be remembered for years to come.
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