Orchard Park, NY (Sports Network) - The Buffalo Bills have named Russ Brandon
president and chief executive officer, giving him complete control of the
organization's operations.
Brandon, during a news conference on Tuesday, said Buddy Nix will remain the
team's general manager.
"Buddy Nix is our general manager and will run the football operation much
like he has the last three years," said Brandon on Tuesday.
The next order of business for Brandon and Nix will be to find a new head
coach after Chan Gailey was fired Monday. Gailey had a record of 16-32 in
three years.
"It's hard to describe how hard yesterday was," said Nix on Tuesday. "Fans
talk about firing people. It's easy to say. You don't think about families or
kids. I've been on both sides and I can't tell you how hard it was. It's as
bad a day as you can have."
The Bills have the longest NFL playoff drought, now at 13 years.
"This is an organization with a proud tradition, but I will tell you that this
brand has been tarnished," Brandon added. "Its relevancy has been tarnished
and it's unacceptable because we just haven't won enough games. It's a
production business and we're in this to win games. It's time to lead this
franchise into the future with a new legacy."
Brandon has been with the Bills since 1997 in a variety of roles, including
general manager before Nix took over. He also worked on the business side of
the organization.
"Russ Brandon has done a tremendous job in his 16 years with our organization
and is very highly respected throughout the National Football League," said
Bills owner Ralph Wilson in a statement. "He has proven to be extremely
successful with each new level of responsibility he has been given and has
earned this opportunity. Russ is a proven leader and he will now have full
authority over the entire Buffalo Bills operation. I have granted him full
autonomy to run the organization as he feels is best."
Wilson also echoed the frustrations of many Bills fans over the past 13 years.
"These past 13 years have been very difficult on our fans and we have not
produced the type of winning team that they deserve," Wilson added. "It has
been frustrating for our organization and for me as well. We want our team to
be one that our fans are proud of. I believe that Russ has the unique
abilities to assemble and lead the talent we will need to get the job done."
The Bills have not been to the playoffs since 1999 and have had just one
winning season (9-7 in 2004) in the past 13 years.
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