After just over three years as the Bills' general manager, Buddy Nix has stepped down, leaving a vacancy that will likely be filled by Assistant General Manager Doug Whaley. Nix will act as a special assistant to the new general manager according to the team.
While it's not official that Whaley will be elevated to the post of GM, that seemed to have been the intent when Whaley's contract was extended a few months ago.
Buddy Nix was hired as a national scout by the Bills in early 2009 and was elevated to the role of general manager at the very end of 2009. Under Nix, the Bills went 4-12, 6-10 and 6-10 respectively from 2010 through the 2012 season, finishing last place in the AFC East all three years. The Bills have not finished better than fourth place in their division since 2007.
"I've made this decision to step away from the General Manager's position because I feel it is the right time," Nix said in a team statement. "By the 'right time' I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it's time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together. Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well. This job is very demanding with a 24-7 schedule of responsibilities. This new position will enable me to spend more time with my family. I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Mr. Wilson and Russ (Brandon) and I'm fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team."
It's unclear exactly what role Nix will play as the team transitions to a new general manager, but it would seem that he'll be involved to simply make that transition as smooth and easy as possible.
