Buffalo Bills Fire General Manger Doug Whaley

After mounting speculation during the last month, the Buffalo Bills have officially fired general manager Doug Whaley.

Last month, a report came out that the “marriage” between Buffalo Bills‘ new head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Doug Whaley, wasn’t built to last. At the time, I wrote that the two men should at least be given a chance, with McDermott only joining the organization in January.

Well, Whaley’s time in Western New York is officially up, after receiving the news literally as I finished the first draft of this article. Here is the statement released by Bills’ owner, Terry Pegula:

This news was earlier predicted in a tweet from CBS sports‘ Jason La Canfora, which he sent out shortly after the draft concluded:

"“Bills scouts and personnel men told to be in the office in the AM where news of GM change could be revealed according to sources.”"

However, that wasn’t all. As per another tweet from Canfora, it sounded like the Bills had already been considering Whaley’s replacement:

"“Continue to hear a major shake-up of Bills front office is very possible if not probable. Panthers assistant GM Brandon Beane top candidate.”"

Brandon Beane is an interesting name, if not particularly surprising, when you consider the clout McDermott already seems to have within the Bills’ organization. The two have a good relationship, from their time together with the Carolina Panthers.

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Beane is currently working as an assistant general manager for the Panthers. Further, as noted by WGR 550‘s Derek Kramer, the team went 6-4 with the 40-year old at the controls during 2012, when he served as their interim general manager.

At this point, whether the Bills have a replacement lined up or not, it was probably best to put Whaley out of his misery. Jerry Sullivan of The Buffalo News perfectly captured the situation recently, by calling the 44-year old “a dead man walking”.

Certainly, it’s tough not to feel sorry for the Pittsburgh native, at least as much as you can for a guy who has been well-paid during his time in Buffalo. Regardless, Whaley gradually had his control stripped away, to the point where his firing was considered a foregone conclusion.

Next: Bills Making a Mistake with Sammy Watkins

What is your opinion on the firing of Whaley? Do you agree with the decision, or do you believe he should have been given at least another season? Share your thoughts in the comments section.