In 2008, Lionel Vital was one of the first hires made by Falcons G.M. Thomas Dimitroff. Eight years later, Vital is the first major change the team has made in the wake of a recent indication from owner Arthur Blank that adjustments are coming.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Falcons have parted ways with Vital, who elevated from national scout to director of player personnel. Along the way, he was interviewed for the G.M. job in Tampa.
Vital had been an important part of the organization, with a keen eye for talent and a longstanding relationship with Dimitroff.
Vital has 25 years of experience in scouting and player personnel, working for teams like the Ravens, Patriots, Jets, and Browns. A running back as a player, he was a seventh-round pick of Washington in 1985.