BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The Buffalo Bills have promoted national scout Buddy Nix to general manager, the first step in a front office restructuring by team owner Ralph Wilson.
Nix, 70, was a director of player personnel (2001-02) at San Diego and later was the Chargers' assistant general manager (2003-08).
He retired for a year before the Bills made him their national scout last January.
"I know before I'm asked this, you're going to think I'm crazy, but we're not that far away," Nix told reporters at a news conference. "Deep down I never intended to get out and stay out."
The Bills have not had a GM since former Coach Marv Levy retired following the 2007 season.
Nix likely will make hiring a new coach his top priority. Coach Dick Jauron was fired in November.
