Buddy Nix will step down as vice president and general manager of the Buffalo Bills and become a special assistant, the team announced Monday. Nix had been with the team as a GM since the last day of the 2009 season.

"I’ve made this decision to step away from the general manager’s position because I feel it is the right time," Nix said in a release. "By the ‘right time’ I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it’s time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together. Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well. This job is very demanding with a 24-7 schedule of responsibilities. This new position will enable me to spend more time with my family.

"I appreciate the opportunity given to me by Mr. Wilson and Russ and I’m fortunate to step away from the job and still remain a part of the team."

Nix has been with Buffalo at some capacity since '93, when he joined the franchise as an area scout. Though no replacement has been officially named, CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora is reporting that assistant GM Doug Whaley will take over for Nix.