BUFFALO BILLS

Bills fire GM Doug Whaley one day after NFL draft ends

Tom Pelissero
USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley before the game against the New York Giants at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The Buffalo Bills wasted little time continuing their franchise makeover once the NFL draft was complete.

The team announced early Sunday morning it has fired general manager Doug Whaley, whose future had been highly uncertain since new coach Sean McDermott's arrival in January.

"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," Bills owner Terry Pegula said. "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.”

MORE COVERAGE:

2017 NFL draft team grades: Browns impress, Giants baffle

NFL draft tracker 2017: Recapping every pick from all seven rounds

Pegula confirmed at a news conference that the Bills also fired their entire college and pro scouting staffs.

Whaley had been GM since 2013. The Bills extended his contract last year, but went 7-9 last season and fired coach Rex Ryan after Week 16.

McDermott was granted significant power when came over from the Carolina Panthers. In the past four months, there have been changes at many levels of the organization, from player engagement to media relations to the team chaplain to now the scouting department.

Panthers assistant GM Brandon Beane is one logical candidate for the Bills job.

Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.

PHOTOS: NFL draft first-round picks