Bills, Sabres president Russ Brandon parting ways with teams

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Buffalo Bills and Sabres president Russ Brandon is leaving his post in a major shake-up made by the teams’ owners, Terry and Kim Pegula.

It was not immediately unclear whether Brandon is stepping down or being fired. An announcement is expected later Tuesday, the person said.

The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity because the teams have not announced Brandon’s departure.

Brandon spent 20 years with the Bills in various roles, from marketing to football decisions during a two-year stint as general manager from 2008-09. He also took the lead in negotiating the Bills most recent lease five years ago, which played a critical role in securing the franchise’s long-term future in Buffalo especially following late-Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson’s death in March 2014.

Brandon currently served as the Bills managing partner, was the Sabres alternate on the NHL’s board of governors and a member of the NFL’s business ventures committee.