A couple of weeks ago Bills owner and CEO Terry Pegula pledged his commitment to general manager Doug Whaley and head coach Rex Ryan as a tandem that could build a winning future. Buffalo's ownership took a major step toward securing that future signing Whaley to a long-term contract extension over the weekend.
"We are pleased to announce a multi-year contract extension with our General Manager Doug Whaley," said Owner Terry Pegula. "Doug has demonstrated an excellent eye for talent and has been an asset to the organization on many levels. I look forward to working closely with Doug and Coach Ryan for many years to come."
Whaley, who was entering the final year of his contract, recently said he was only committed to help the team improve and was appreciative of the faith the Pegulas demonstrated with his extension.
"I am excited for this opportunity Terry and Kim Pegula have given me and my family to continue to work for the Buffalo Bills franchise," said Whaley. "I look forward to getting back to work with our owners, Rex Ryan, Russ Brandon and our scouting staff to build a winning team that this tremendous and supportive fan base deserves."
Whaley has been instrumental in building the roster from the ground up. First, with under former GM Buddy Nix as assistant general manager before taking over in May 2013 as GM.
He has swung draft day trades that have landed the Bills Sammy Watkins and pulled the trigger on a trade that got the Bills a Pro Bowl running back in LeSean McCoy. He also successfully traded backup QB Matt Cassel for a fifth-round draft choice and signed QB Tyrod Taylor in free agency. Other draft day successes by Whaley in his short tenure as general manager include Preston Brown, Ronald Darby, John Miller and Karlos Williams.
"The only thing that I expect to do is every day come in here and try to get better," said Whaley. "I just know that every day I've come in here I've gotten positive feedback from the Pegulas. I love working with Rex, I love working with this whole staff. I think our personnel staff has done a very good job in acquiring players.
"I'm excited with what we bring to the table and I'll just keep doing my job. The first thing I was taught in this business is keep your nose down, work hard, and do whatever it takes to help your team win. Everything else takes care of itself."
