Bills fire GM Doug Whaley

The Buffalo Bills have fired general manager Doug Whaley less than a day after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL Draft, the team announced Sunday.

Owner Terry Pegula said in a statement that the Bills' search for Whaley's replacement will "begin immediately."

After a thorough review of our football operations over the past several months, Kim and I informed Doug this morning that we will be moving in a new direction. We have enjoyed working with Doug. He is a good person and we want to thank him for his work and commitment to our football team. This was my decision. It was not an easy decision but I believe it's the right one for the future of the Buffalo Bills. Our search for a new general manager will begin immediately.

Whaley's position has appeared at risk ever since he admitted he had no part in the decision to fire Rex Ryan during the 2016 season.

Though the Bills insisted Whaley would remain in control of the roster as Sean McDermott took over as head coach, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Whaley had been phased out by the Bills, with McDermott taking "over this team in every way."

The GM has been notably absent during the draft process, last speaking to the media at January's Senior Bowl, according to The Buffalo News' Vic Carucci.

Whaley, 44, has been the Bills GM since 2013 and held the position of assistant GM for three years before his promotion.