The Buffalo Bills have fired general manager Doug Whaley one day after the end of the NFL draft, a move that further solidifies rookie head coach Sean McDermott's control over the team.
Team owner Terry Pegula said Sunday he reached the decision after a lengthy review of the team. Whaley's dismissal completes what has become yet another front-office house-cleaning which began when coach Rex Ryan was fired in the final week of last season.
Whaley's future was also uncertain at the time, though he received the full backing of team owner Terry Pegula.
The owner's change of heart coincides with the authority McDermott has amassed in the three months since being hired.
In a statement, Pegula said: "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 is right for the future of the Buffalo Bills.
"Our search for a new general manager will begin immediately."
In this weekend's draft, the Bills swung a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round which saw them trade their tenth overall selection in return for the Chiefs' No 27 pick, a third-round pick and first-round pick in 2018.
Buffalo went on to select six players including cornerback Tre'Davious White in the first round (27th overall) and wide receiver Zay Jones (37th overall) and offensive lineman Dion Dawkins (63rd overall), both in the second round.
