Updated

Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix has decided to step down and will remain with the organization as a special assistant.

Nix had been in charge of the club's day-to-day football operations since December 2009.

"I've made this decision to step away from the general manager's position because I feel it is the right time," said Nix in a statement. "By the 'right time' I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it's time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together."

A successor has yet to be named, but numerous reports indicate that assistant GM Doug Whaley could be the choice.

"Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well," Nix added. "This job is very demanding with a 24-7 schedule of responsibilities. This new position will enable me to spend more time with my family. I'm fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team."

The 73-year-old Nix first joined the Bills in 1993 as a scout and spent eight years in that role, then rejoined the organization as a scout in January 2009 after eight seasons in the front office of the San Diego Chargers.