Bills CEO stepping in for aging owner Wilson; GM Nix to be replaced

Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon has essentially taken over acting ownership duties for aging owner Ralph Wilson, according to a league source.

Brandon will assume a team president-type position, and the team also is planning a transition period during which assistant GM Doug Whaley will take over for Buddy Nix. The Bills scheduled a news conference for noon ET Tuesday to address the organization's future.

The team will go up for sale upon the passing of Wilson, 94, and sources said Brandon will be the primary figure in their coaching search. That is expected to include a strong pursuit of Ken Whisenhunt, fired Monday by the Arizona Cardinals. The Bills also have set up an interview with Cards defensive coordinator Ray Horton, sources said, and are among the teams interested in Syracuse coach Doug Marrone.

Some believe Nix could be retained through the draft, as college scouting is his specialty, with the full front office transition then taking place in the spring.