BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP & WXXI News) — The Buffalo Bills have signed general manager Doug Whaley to a contract extension.
Bills co-owner Kim Pegula made the announcement by posting a note and a picture on her Twitter account on Sunday afternoon. The picture showed Whaley signing a contract and posing alongside Kim's husband, Terry, and team president Russ Brandon.
On the buffalobills.com website, owner Terry Pegula was quoted as saying that, "We are pleased to announce a multi-year contract extension with our General Manager Doug Whaley,"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."
The extension was reached after Whaley, coach Rex Ryan and other team officials spent the weekend holding postseason meetings with the Pegulas at their home in Florida.
Whaley completed his third season as the team's general manager, and was entering the final year of his contract.
The team also announces Sunday that Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan has hired his twin brother Rob to become a member of his staff.
Rob Ryan will serve as assistant head coach with a specific responsibility for defense, theBills announced Sunday night. It marks the second time the two have worked together after previously serving as assistants on their father Buddy Ryan's staff in Arizona in 1994 and '95.
What's unclear is where Bills current defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman fits in the team's hierarchy.
Rob Ryan was available after being fired as the New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator in mid-November. He was dismissed with the Saints defense ranking last in the NFL in yards and points allowed.