Rams hire Billy Devaney as new VP Personnel

**Nick** · #1 (**permalink**) -09-02-2008

Quote:

My sources tell me that former Redskins and Chargers personnel man Billy Devaney will be announced as the Rams VP Personnel later today or tomorrow, and a press conference will be held Monday.

Devaney was with the Redskins and Chargers under Bobby Beathard, then moved to San Francisco under Terry Donahue, then went to Atlanta last year.

Jay Zygmunt will still have the final say on personnel issues, but Devaney is a guy they trust more than Tony Softli, is a veteran guy, and fills a need.

Have a good weekend.

RK

From RandyK at Bernie's ST Post-Dispatch forum.

Here's a short bio.

*rams 24/7* · #2 (**permalink**) -09-02-2008

OOOOOOH!!!! I love this time of the year when we get all these exciting rumor signings and just have to wait to see if it's acually true.

*RamOfDenmark* · #3 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

I realize the hiring is a rumor. But what about Softli? Did we get rid of him yet? I remember reading that the FO wanted to get rid of him, but I'm not sure if they actually did, I may have missed that.

**RamsFanSam** · #4 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

No longer a rumor. Just saw it on NFL network.

*BM_Face* · #5 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/09/08

In the first major front-office move since Thomas Dimitroff replaced Rich McKay as the Falcons' general manager, assistant GM Billy Devaney stepped down to become the St. Louis Rams' executive vice president of player operations.

Sounds lilke a winner! GoRams!

**AvengerRam** · #6 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

I wonder...

Is he being groomed as Shaw's successor?

*BM_Face* · #7 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

Billy Devaney was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Falcons on May 17, 2006 by President & General Manager Rich McKay.
...
Devaney served as the club's Senior Personnel Executive in 2006 prior to his promotion. He is the day-to-day liaison for McKay between the college and pro personnel departments, as well as the coaching staff. Devaney will also provide senior management oversight of all player personnel, scouting, and football operations.

Devaney was an important part of the Falcons front office team that was responsible for the coaching search that landed new head coach Bobby Petrino early in the 2007 offseason.
...
Devaney hit the ground running when he was first hired in 2006 during the start of veteran free agency. He helped the team acquire three-time Pro Bowl DE John Abraham in a three-team trade with the New York Jets and Denver Broncos, as well as trades for S Chris Crocker of the Cleveland Browns and veteran T Wayne Gandy of the New Orleans Saints. He also had a hand in the signing of veteran Pro Bowl S Lawyer Milloy from the Buffalo Bills. In the 2006 draft, Devaney was involved in the first day maneuverings to move up 10 spots in the second round to select S Jimmy Williams out of Virginia Tech.

Devaney brings over 20 years of NFL scouting and player personnel experience to the Falcons. He has helped construct three Super Bowl teams, including a Redskins team that captured a World Championship in 1987 (Super Bowl XXII). Devaney has also played a role in leading teams to a total of 19 playoff games.

Devaney served as a consultant and analyst for the CBS Sports pre-game show from 2004-05. Prior to joining CBS, he spent three seasons with the San Francisco ***** (2001-03) as a Pro Personnel Assistant. The ***** reached the playoffs in two of three seasons during that time period. For 11 seasons (1990-2000), Devaney served as the Director of Player Personnel for the San Diego Chargers, which included the teams one and only trip to a Super Bowl (XXIX in 1994.) He was responsible for all player acquisitions that entailed directing the team's annual draft of collegiate players and acquiring of veteran free agents.

Devaney joined the Chargers after serving seven very successful seasons (1983-90) as a scout for the Redskins. During his time in Washington, he worked with Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs and long-time NFL executive Bobby Beathard. Ten of his total of 19 career postseason games were experienced with the Redskins, including Super Bowl XVII in 1983 and Super Bowl XXII in 1988. Devaney scouted the northeast part-time for Washington, beginning in 1979 before joining the team full-time in 1983.

Billy earned his bachelor of arts degree in history at Elon (N.C.) College. Devaney was a four-year letter-man as a strong safety in football and a team captain for his senior season. He was also a three-year letter-man as a third baseman for school's baseball team and president of the ITK fraternity.

Billy and his wife, Deirdre, have one daughter, Kaitlin (20), and one son, Tyler (15).

Pulled from zoominfo. This is very encouraging and a really good move. I suddenly feel more comfortable about our chances in the draft with Billy pulling some strings and working some good deals for us. I like what this says about the Ram's future direction and a real commitment to change things.

*39thebeast* · #8 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

so is this guy gonna be kinda like a GM? If he knows absolutely anything about football unlike our current guys I like the hire

*RealRam* · #9 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

Another Rams vacancy filled with what seems like a fine résumé. Thanks Face. :r

*39thebeast* · #10 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

Just read BM's bio and how he traded for John Abraham. Wow love this guy already. It looks like we are beginning to show a commitment to winning Saunders now this guy the future is looking bright.

*RealRam* · #11 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

For the time being, looks like a great hire! :r

**RamWraith** · #12 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

Rams Hire Devaney
Saturday, February 9, 2008

By Nick Wagoner

Senior Writer

The Rams have made another addition to their offseason staff makeover, this time reaching to the front office. Billy Devaney was hired as the team’s Executive Vice President of Player Personnel on Saturday.

Devaney comes to the Rams with a long list of credentials that will bring some stability to a front office that has been in search of just that for the past few years. Immediately on his hiring, Devaney’s duties will include everything from scouting and evaluating college talent to doing the same on professional talent. He will also be in charge of the “war room” during the NFL Draft.

“Billy brings a wealth of NFL experience to the Rams in the areas of player personnel and scouting,” Rams President of Football Operations/General Manager Jay Zygmunt said. “He has proven to be an excellent evaluator of players throughout his career in the NFL and will work with coach Linehan in making final decisions on all personnel matters.”

Current Vice President of Player Personnel Tony Softli remains with the team in his current role and will report to Devaney.

Most recently, Devaney spent the past two seasons as the Assistant General Manager of the Falcons. He earned that promotion after spending the previous year as the team’s Senior Personnel Executive.

Devaney is perhaps best known for his work before Atlanta , though. He spent 11 seasons in San Diego , helping the Chargers to their only Super Bowl appearance in 1994 as the Director of Player Personnel.

He got his NFL start as a scout for the Washington Redskins in 1983 and served seven seasons there, including a couple of trips to the Super Bowl.

All told, Devaney has more than 20 years of professional scouting and player personnel experience. He has been a part of three trips to the Super Bowl and 19 playoff games. In addition to his time in Atlanta, San Diego and Washington, Devaney spent three seasons as Pro Personnel Director in San Francisco and a couple of years as an analyst for CBS Sports’ pre-game shows.

Meanwhile, Rams Director of Football Operations Samir Suleiman is believed to be a leading candidate for the open job of lead negotiator for the Green Bay Packers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

**Nick** · #13 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamWraith

Meanwhile, Rams Director of Football Operations Samir Suleiman is believed to be a leading candidate for the open job of lead negotiator for the Green Bay Packers, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Good for Samir "I'm a (expletive) throat slasher" Suleiman!

*viper* · #14 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

This hire is very encouraging. Couple that with the Saunders hire and things are starting to look downright rosy. OK...that may be an overstatement. But, hey, its a great start! We've been asking for this for years. I hope this means our recent history of poor drafts and FA acquisitions is over. You gotta have the talent to win. Great move!

*Tampa_Ram* · #15 (**permalink**) -10-02-2008

This is turning out to be a great off-season. I cant wait to see what they do in the draft.