Buddy Nix stepped down as general manager of the Buffalo Bills and into a new role as special assistant with the team.
Nix was the Bills general manager since 2009.
“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 statement released by the team. “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 (owner) Mr. (Ralph) Wilson and (team president) Russ (Brandon) and I’m fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team.”
Under Nix, the Bills drafted running back C.J. Spiller, defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and quarterback EJ Manuel in the first round in the last four years.
Nix started with the Bills in 1993 as an area scout until 2000. He was in the San Diego Chargers front to office from 2001-07. He rejoined the Bills in 2009 as the national scout and took over as GM at the end of the season.
“I feel strongly that the team is on the right course for success,” Nix said. “We have some excellent talent on our team and Coach (Doug) Marrone and his staff are doing a terrific job in leading and teaching the players we have on our roster. I was very impressed with the 24 rookies we had in this past weekend and I’m very excited about the upcoming season. I think this is going to be an exciting time for our team and our fans.”
The Bills are coming off a 6-10 season. Buffalo’s 13-year playoff drought is the NFL’s longest active streak. The team has not had a winning record since 2004, when it finished 9-7.