National Football League
Bills GM keeps job, loses authority
National Football League

Bills GM keeps job, loses authority

Published Jan. 1, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

One day after firing head coach Chan Gailey, the Buffalo Bills have decided to keep the general manager who hired him.

A source confirmed to FOXSports.com that Buddy Nix will be retained despite the team’s 6-10 record in 2012. However, FOXSports.com has learned Bills executive Russ Brandon will be receiving a promotion that shall be announced at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

Brandon will become the team’s top football executive. He was general manager in 2008 and 2009 before shifting to a chief executive officer’s role. Brandon also will now handle the hiring of the team’s next head football coach.

NFL Network first reported that Nix would be retained. CBS Sports first reported that Nix will hold onto his general manager title but will be transitioning out of the position with assistant general manager/player personnel director Doug Whaley ultimately assuming the role.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whaley spent 11 years (1999 to 2009) in the front office of the Pittsburgh Steelers as pro scouting coordinator.

A source told FOXSports.com that the 73-year-old Nix will likely remain general manager through April’s NFL draft.

Nix hired Gailey to replace Dick Jauron in January 2010. The Bills went 16-32 in the Gailey/Nix era and failed to end a playoff drought that stretches back to the 1999 season.

share


Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more