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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. Billy's next duty was helping the personnel department and coaching staff target key free agent signings, which translated into several important additions such as four-time Pro Bowl WR Joe Horn (Saints), bruising FB Ovie Mughelli (Ravens), experienced QB Joey Harrington (Dolphins) and veteran CB Lewis Sanders (Texans).
Devaney's busy offseason did not stop there. He was also a member of the management team that engineered the trade with the Houston Texans for QB Matt Schaub that reaped immediate draft benefits. The Falcons were able to procure Houston's number eighth overall choice in the first round in exchange for Atlanta's 10th overall selection, as well as gaining the Texans' second round choice in 2007, the 39th overall choice, and another second round selection in 2008. Atlanta took advantage of this opportunity and parlayed it into a successful draft that was hailed by media and draft experts alike. The birds selected DE Jamaal Anderson from Arkansas with their first round pick and then selected G Justin Blalock from Texas and CB Chris Houston from Arkansas with their pair of second round picks. Each player is expected to compete for starting spots immediately this season.
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 49ers (2001-03) as a Pro Personnel Assistant. The 49ers 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). | 