Pioli, KC starting to bond

Discussions between the Kansas City Chiefs and Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli have intensified, according to an NFL source. Although negotiations had not begun as of early last night, word out of Kansas City was that the possibility of a marriage was picking up momentum.

Even before he interviewed last Monday, Pioli was presumed to be the Chiefs' top choice to run their football operation. That hasn't changed since Kansas City chairman Clark Hunt conducted a thorough, close-to-the-vest search that has included multiple candidates.

Hunt, interim president Denny Thum, and Pioli have increased their dialogue and think they could form a strong partnership, which is crucial, because regardless of whom the Chiefs hire, that person will have to work closely with Thum.

As part of the search for a general manager, Hunt has stated that he plans to split the job, with Thum handling business matters and the new hire focusing mostly on the football side. Although it has been suggested that Pioli, 43, might be seeking total control and thus wouldn't be comfortable with such an arrangement, the increased intensity of talks indicate that might not be the case.

Hunt has decided to split the job after former general manager Carl Peterson, who was with the club for 20 years, held both titles. In dividing the job, Hunt has said he wants a general manager who would be a "fresh set of eyes" and "shrewd evaluator of talent."

Pioli, a two-time Sporting News Executive of the Year Award winner, would qualify.

While Pioli and the Chiefs moved closer, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has emerged as a top candidate to become the Denver Broncos head coach, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network.

McDaniels had a second interview with the Broncos last Thursday.