Buddy Nix steps down as Bills general manager

So what exactly are the Bills getting in Whaley? For one, the 40-year-old should be prepared for the job as he’s been acting as the “co-GM”, according to some reports. Whaley has been groomed for this role since he joined Buffalo as the assistant general manager and player-personnel director in 2010. He could have been a candidate for other openings this offseason, but instead agreed to a contract extension with the Bills.

Whaley has been in the Bills’ long-term plans since joining the organization three months after Nix. Nix, as well as team CEO Russ Brandon, talked about creating a transition plan and keeping Whaley with the Bills long term. While he may have been able to land another general manager job this offseason, Whaley said he joined the franchise with a goal in mind and he wants to see it through.

After spending nine seasons as a scout for the Bills, over two tenures, Nix took over as general manager in 2010. His southern accent and colorful personality made him standout compared to other more constrained general managers, but like his personality, Nix’s failures also stood out. Despite leaving the Bills roster with more talent than he found it, Nix will be remembered by many as the man who gave Ryan Fitzpatrick a $59 million contract.

It’s hard to call Nix’s career as a GM a success, as the Bills went 16-32 under his watch, but it wasn’t the colossal failure some make it out to be either. The jury is still out on a few of his biggest moves, so it’s a bit early to evaluate his stint as general manager.

The 73-year-old Nix stated that schedule demands and family were reasons for the move.

The Bills’ front office and overall leadership has been in a state of transition throughout the offseason. Team executive Russ Brandon was named President and CEO in January, and Doug Marrone was hired as head coach after Chan Gailey was fired. Doug Whaley has been the team’s assistant general manager and is likely to step into the GM role after Nix steps down.