Technically, but most insiders think Pioli was architect of the roster build and salary cap management (the important GM stuff) that got them the first 3 and still had big impact on second 3 after he left. It wasn't until after he left that Bill actually got involved in that stuff. Have a buddy who is top attorney for Kraft family who said lots of folks think zero chance Bill gets the first few rings without Pioli, and without the first few wouldn't have been around long enough thereafter to get the others.