Brian Xanders out as Broncos’ general manager

[srrono]

After three years on the job, Brian Xanders is done as the general manager of the Denver Broncos.

Xanders and Broncos front office boss John Elway met today, and afterward they both claimed that it was a mutual decision to part ways.

“John and I had a lengthy conversation today and we mutually decided to part ways for the best interest of my career aspirations,” Xanders said, via Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

“It was tough because I have a great deal of respect for Brian as a football man but also as a person,” Elway said. “Even more so as a person. He was very helpful to me in this first year getting acclimated back to the NFL. I owe him a lot. Just from the conversation we had, we just thought for his career and for the Broncos we felt that now was the best time to go a different way.”

It’s hard not to be a bit skeptical that this was a truly mutual decision. (Other than Jerry Seinfeld and Janeane Garofalo, no one really has a mutual breakup.) When Elway took over the Broncos’ front office, Xanders was already in place as the general manager, but Elway’s presence as the final decision-maker on personnel moves raises the question of why a general manager was needed at all. It sounds as though Elway decided that the Broncos don’t need a general manager, and that was a decision Xanders would have to live with whether he liked it or not.


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/07/brian-xanders-out-as-broncos-general-manager/

 

[Playoffs]

Earlier Woody Paige post-draft article excerpt tells the tale, imo:

What we also know is this was John Elway's draft. Even though the organization is administered by the equally empowered triumvirate of EFX — Elway, John Fox and Brian Xanders — the executive vice president and Face of the Broncos didn't just hold the tiebreaking vote this year; he made the ultimate critical decisions.

Unlike in 2011, the first EFX draft, Elway was less reliant on others and stronger in his leadership role. When I asked him Saturday night if he were more comfortable in his skin, John replied: "A lot. It helps that the staff has spent a full year together."

He said there had been a consensus on all the players and no arguments.

Yet, if Elway desired a quarterback — and a specific quarterback — in the second round, the Broncos selected one and that one. If others wanted a certain defensive player in the 25th slot of the first round, and Elway wanted to trade down, the Broncos traded down. If a preferred player was there at a pick, Elway didn't hesitate after hearing from everyone in the room.

Broncos of the 1980s-90s were Elway's on the field. The Broncos of the 2010s officially are Elway's. Pat Bowlen owns the franchise, but Elway controls the team...

http://www.denverpost.com/paige/ci_20506093/john-elway-2012-nfl-draft

 

[GP]

Very interesting.

Either it works out or it doesn't.

Elway is a sneaky little toot.

 

[TexanSam]

Very interesting.

Either it works out or it doesn't.

Elway is a sneaky little toot.

I hope he's paying attention to what Michael Jordan is doing in Charlotte and takes notes on what not to do. They're different sports, but MJ doesn't have people around him that are willing to criticize or question his moves. If Elway wants to succeed, he better be amazing at evaluating talent, or have others around him who are and is willing to listen to them.

 

[ckhouston]

I hope he's paying attention to what Michael Jordan is doing in Charlotte and takes notes on what not to do. They're different sports, but MJ doesn't have people around him that are willing to criticize or question his moves. If Elway wants to succeed, he better be amazing at evaluating talent, or have others around him who are and is willing to listen to them.

Manning to start for the next few years and Osweiler waiting in the wings. I would say he is off to a decent start.