Eskimos fire GM Ed Hervey

The Edmonton Eskimos have fired general manager Ed Hervey, the team announced Friday.

"We thank Ed for his contributions, including building a consistently competitive roster and expanding the scouting department to comprehensively cover all regions of the United States and Canada to increase the club’s ability to identify and recruit top talent. We wish him the best in the future," Eskimos president and CEO Len Rhodes said.

It's a surprising move this late in the offseason, as Hervey had been in the role since 2013 and constructed a roster that's posted three straight winning seasons. The Eskimos also captured the Grey Cup less than two years ago.

"Two major reasons drove this decision," Rhodes said during a press conference. "First, both parties could not agree to contract extension terms. And second, there were differences in philosophy over the way we do business."

Hervey will finish his Eskimos tenure with a 40-32 record to go along with three playoff appearances. The 43-year-old also played for Edmonton from 1999-2006, winning two more Grey Cups over that span.