Orchard Park, NY – 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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