MIAMI (FL) - Just two days before the start of the new league year, Miami Dolphins fans were startled with the news that their beloved General Manager was choosing to abruptly end his tenure with the ball club.
"This is a family decision," the GM said. "I will always appreciate our fans, the players, and our owner (Stephen Ross) for giving me this opportunity. It's just time for a re-adjustment of my priorities and for me to get back to my roots."
The Dolphins were poised to start the season as one of the top contenders to bring home the AFC East crown behind a loaded roster.
Now, with the decision-maker role in flux, the team could look much different in September.
"We are certainly disappointed," Ross said. "But it is what it is. We will find the right person for the job."
With strong connections in the NFL community, the rumors quickly started that the GM would be offered defensive coordinator positions by several NFL clubs - including in division rivals New York and Buffalo.
On Monday, the decision became final as the Bills held a press conference to introduce their old rival as new DC.
"I have a lot of respect for what he's done over the past few years down there," Myles Garrett said. "We already had a meeting and I've started watching a lot of tape on Khalil (Mack) because that'll be my role in this defense. I'm really excited man."