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{{short description|American football executive and former collegiate player}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2016}}
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{{Infobox gridiron football person
{{Infobox CFL biography
|name = Doug Whaley
|name = Doug Whaley
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|16}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|12|16}}
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|birth_place = [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
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|high_school = [[Upper St. Clair High School]] ([[Pennsylvania|PA]])
|high_school = [[Upper St. Clair High School|Upper St. Clair]]<br>([[Upper St. Clair Township, Pennsylvania]])
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'''Douglass G. Whaley''' (born December 16, 1972<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wgr550.com/Bills-Who-is-Doug-Whaley-and-is-he-next-in-line-/15163364|title=Bills: Who is Doug Whaley and is he next in line?|publisher=|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref>) is an [[American football]] executive and former collegiate player. He is the former General Manager of the [[Buffalo Bills]]. He succeeded [[Buddy Nix]] as general manager.
'''Douglass G. Whaley''' (born December 16, 1972)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wgr550.com/Bills-Who-is-Doug-Whaley-and-is-he-next-in-line-/15163364|title=Bills: Who is Doug Whaley and is he next in line?|access-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821192651/http://www.wgr550.com/Bills-Who-is-Doug-Whaley-and-is-he-next-in-line-/15163364|archive-date=August 21, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an American professional [[American football|football]] executive and former collegiate player. He is the current senior vice president of player personnel for the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]] and from 2013 to 2017 was the general manager of the [[Buffalo Bills]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).


==Early life==
==Early life==
Whaley was born in [[Pittsburgh]], where he played [[high school football]] and went on to play at the collegiate level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2008/12/22/699394/getting-to-know-a-gm-doug|title=Getting to Know a GM: Doug Whaley|first=Joel|last=Thorman|date=December 22, 2008|publisher=|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref> He played [[college football]] at [[University of Pittsburgh|Pitt]] as a [[defensive back]], collecting 4 interceptions during his tenure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/doug-whaley-1.html|title=Doug Whaley|publisher=|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref>
Whaley was born in [[Pittsburgh]], where he played [[high school football]] and went on to play at the collegiate level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2008/12/22/699394/getting-to-know-a-gm-doug|title=Getting to Know a GM: Doug Whaley|first=Joel|last=Thorman|date=December 22, 2008|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref> He played [[college football]] at [[University of Pittsburgh|Pitt]] as a [[defensive back]], collecting 4 interceptions during his tenure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/doug-whaley-1.html|title=Doug Whaley|access-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006113246/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/doug-whaley-1.html|archive-date=October 6, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


===Pittsburgh Steelers===
===Pittsburgh Steelers===
Whaley worked for the Steelers as a pro personnel coordinator. He worked there for 10 years before accepting the Buffalo Bills job. Whaley worked directly under [[Kevin Colbert]] the Director of Football Operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/23116871/whaley-brings-steelers-ways-to-buffalo-banks-on-top-pick-manuel|title=Whaley brings Steelers ways to Buffalo, banks on top pick Manuel|publisher=|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref> In his time with the Steelers, Whaley helped scout and draft great defensive talent such as [[Lamarr Woodley]], [[Troy Polamalu]] and [[Lawrence Timmons]].
Whaley worked for the Steelers as a pro personnel coordinator. He worked there for 10 years before accepting the Buffalo Bills job. Whaley worked directly under [[Kevin Colbert]] the Director of Football Operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/23116871/whaley-brings-steelers-ways-to-buffalo-banks-on-top-pick-manuel|title=Whaley brings Steelers ways to Buffalo, banks on top pick Manuel|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref> In his time with the Steelers, Whaley helped scout and draft defensive players such as [[Lamarr Woodley]], [[Troy Polamalu]] and [[Lawrence Timmons]].


===Buffalo Bills===
===Buffalo Bills===
Whaley was named assistant general manager and Director of Pro Personnel of the Buffalo Bills on February 10, 2010. Whaley oversaw the team's Pro Personnel department and assisted General Manager [[Buddy Nix]] in all football-related administrative duties and in the college talent evaluation process until Nix stepped down from the general manager position on May 13, 2013. Whaley became Buffalo's GM three days later.<ref>{{cite web|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9281324/buffalo-bills-promote-doug-whaley-take-gm|title=Bills name Doug Whaley GM|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=May 16, 2013|access-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref>
Whaley was named assistant general manager and Director of Pro Personnel of the Buffalo Bills on February 10, 2010. Whaley oversaw the team's Pro Personnel department and assisted General Manager [[Buddy Nix]] in all football-related administrative duties and in the college talent evaluation process until Nix stepped down from the general manager position on May 13, 2013. Whaley became Buffalo's GM three days later.<ref>{{cite web|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9281324/buffalo-bills-promote-doug-whaley-take-gm|title=Bills name Doug Whaley GM|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=May 16, 2013|access-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> His most notable moves with Buffalo included trading up to draft receiver [[Sammy Watkins (American football)|Sammy Watkins]] and trading linebacker [[Kiko Alonso]] for All-Pro running back [[LeSean McCoy]]. The move to draft Watkins has been questioned, as wide receivers Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., and Brandon Cooks were picked later in the first round.


Whaley was, in conjunction with owners Terry and Kim Pegula and President Russ Brandon, responsible for the hiring of head coach Rex Ryan. After Ryan was relieved of his duties, the team announced that Whaley would lead the search for Ryan's successor.
Whaley was, in conjunction with owners [[Terry Pegula|Terry]] and [[Kim Pegula]] and President [[Russ Brandon]], responsible for the hiring of head coach [[Rex Ryan]]. After Ryan was relieved of his duties, the team announced that Whaley would lead the search for Ryan's successor, [[Sean McDermott]].


On January 10, 2016, Whaley agreed to a contract extension offered to him by the Bills.
On January 10, 2016, Whaley agreed to a contract extension offered to him by the Bills.

Whaley, alongside his staff, was "relieved of his duties" by the Bills on April 30, 2017, following the [[2017 NFL draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-fire-general-manager-doug-whaley-0ap3000000805316|title = Buffalo Bills fire general manager Doug Whaley|work = NFL.com|date=April 30, 2017|access-date=April 30, 2017}}</ref> He spent the 2018 season as a recruiter for the [[NFLPA Collegiate Bowl]].

===XFL===
On November 8, 2018, Whaley was hired as the senior vice president of football operations for the [[XFL (2020)|revival of the XFL]]. On April 10, 2020, Whaley was laid off, along with almost every staff member after the league suspended operations due to COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Seifert|first1=Kevin|title=XFL suspends operations, lays off employees and has no plans for 2021 season|url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29021347/xfl-suspends-operations-lays-employees-no-plans-return-2021|publisher=[[ESPN]]|accessdate=10 April 2020}}</ref> On November 8, 2021, Whaley was re-hired as the vice president of player personnel of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]]<ref name=xflhire>{{cite web|url=https://www.wivb.com/news/national/former-bills-gm-whaley-hired-as-xfl-senior-vp/1581593175|title=Former Bills GM Whaley hired as XFL senior VP|work=WIVB-TV|publisher=Nexstar Media Group|date=November 8, 2018|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref>


==Controversies==
==Controversies==
S


===E-mail gaffe===
===E-mail gaffe===
Whaley gained unwanted notoriety in 2007, when an inappropriate e-mail that he had sent to Steelers assistant coach [[Larry Zierlein]] was inadvertently forwarded by Zierlein to a large number of high-level NFL employees, including [[NFL Commissioner|commissioner]] [[Roger Goodell]]. Zierlein apologized for the gaffe, and it is believed that neither he nor Whaley was disciplined by the team or the league.<ref name="EmailGaffe">{{cite web | title = Blogger says Steelers' Zierlein inadvertently forwarded porn to NFL officials | first=Ed |last=Bouchette | work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07143/788231-66.stm | archive-url = http://wayback.archive.org/web/20160911193025/http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/2007/05/22/Blogger-says-Steelers-Zierlein-inadvertently-forwarded-porn-to-NFL-officials/stories/200705220173 | archive-date = 2016-09-11 | access-date = 2016-12-28 |date=May 23, 2007}}</ref>
Whaley gained unwanted notoriety in 2007, when an inappropriate e-mail that he had sent to Steelers assistant coach [[Larry Zierlein]] was inadvertently forwarded by Zierlein to a large number of high-level NFL employees, including [[NFL Commissioner|commissioner]] [[Roger Goodell]]. Zierlein apologized for the gaffe, and it is believed that neither he nor Whaley were disciplined by the team or the league.<ref name="EmailGaffe">{{cite web | title = Blogger says Steelers' Zierlein inadvertently forwarded porn to NFL officials | first = Ed | last = Bouchette | work = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07143/788231-66.stm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160911193025/http://www.post-gazette.com/steelers/2007/05/22/Blogger-says-Steelers-Zierlein-inadvertently-forwarded-porn-to-NFL-officials/stories/200705220173 | archive-date = September 11, 2016 | access-date = 2016-12-28 | date = May 23, 2007 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref>


===Radio remark===
===Radio remark===
In a May 2016 radio interview, Whaley said of football: "It's a violent game that I personally don't think humans are supposed to play."<ref>{{cite news|title=Bills GM Doug Whaley: Humans are not supposed to play football|author=Tyler Dunne|newspaper=The Buffalo News|date=May 24, 2016|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2016/05/24/bills-gm-doug-whaley-humans-not-supposed-play-football/|access-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref>
In a May 2016 radio interview, Whaley said of football: "It's a violent game that I personally don't think humans are supposed to play."<ref>{{cite news|title=Bills GM Doug Whaley: Humans are not supposed to play football|author=Tyler Dunne|newspaper=The Buffalo News|date=May 24, 2016|url=http://bills.buffalonews.com/2016/05/24/bills-gm-doug-whaley-humans-not-supposed-play-football/|access-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref>


===Tyrod Taylor Benching===
===Release of Fred Jackson===
Whaley was criticized by fans and players alike for his decision to cut longtime Bills running back and fan favorite [[Fred Jackson (running back)|Fred Jackson]] as a "business decision" prior to the [[2015 NFL season]], especially after allegedly telling Jackson his roster spot was safe. Jackson later reflected on the move prior to retiring with the Bills after Whaley's dismissal, stating that the manner in which he was cut left a "bad taste in his mouth" and that he was dumbfounded by it.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/19/buffalo-bills-doug-whaley-fred-jackson/ |title=Fred Jackson was told his roster spot was 'fine' before being cut by Bills, Doug Whaley |last=Wojton |first=Nick |date=2018-04-19 |website=Bills Wire |language=en |access-date=2019-05-08}}</ref>
⚫
In December 2016, Whaley refused to explain his decision to bench the Bills' starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, prior to the last regular season game. Instead, interim head coach Anthony Lynn was forced to address questions from the media, and in an unscripted response, advised Taylor's benching was a 'business decision'. Whaley did not publicly comment on the decision.

===Tyrod Taylor benching===
⚫
In December 2016, Whaley refused to explain his decision to bench the Bills' starting quarterback, [[Tyrod Taylor]], prior to the last regular season game. Instead, interim head coach [[Anthony Lynn]] was forced to address questions from the media, and in an unscripted response, advised Taylor's benching was a 'business decision'. Whaley did not publicly comment on the decision.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/12/28/anthony-lynn-benching-tyrod-taylor-wasnt-my-decision/|title = Anthony Lynn: Benching Tyrod Taylor wasn't my decision|author = Michael David Smith|website = ProFootballTalk|publisher = NBC Sports|date=December 28, 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster/Doug-Whaley/d353528b-6856-4202-9bbf-79cbad4a9a5f]
*[http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster/Doug-Whaley/d353528b-6856-4202-9bbf-79cbad4a9a5f] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205010017/http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster/Doug-Whaley/d353528b-6856-4202-9bbf-79cbad4a9a5f |date=December 5, 2012 }}
{{External links|date=August 2016}}
{{External links|date=August 2016}}
* [http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/info/s_479973.html Q&A with Doug Whaley], ''[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]'', November 16, 2006
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100206220841/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/info/s_479973.html Q&A with Doug Whaley], ''[[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]'', November 16, 2006
* [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09004/939541-66.stm Bouchette on the Steelers: Bill Cowher's brief flirtation with Browns a peek into future?], Ed Bouchette, [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]], January 4, 2009
* [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09004/939541-66.stm Bouchette on the Steelers: Bill Cowher's brief flirtation with Browns a peek into future?], Ed Bouchette, [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]], January 4, 2009
* [http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2008/12/22/699394/getting-to-know-a-gm-doug Getting to Know a GM: Doug Whaley], ArrowheadPride.com (KC Chiefs blog), December 22, 2008
* [http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2008/12/22/699394/getting-to-know-a-gm-doug Getting to Know a GM: Doug Whaley], ArrowheadPride.com (KC Chiefs blog), December 22, 2008
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{{S-sports}}
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{{Succession box| title=[[Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills General Manager]] | before=[[Buddy Nix]] | years=[[2013 Buffalo Bills season|2013]]–''present''| after=current}}
{{Succession box| title=[[Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills General Manager]] | before=[[Buddy Nix]] | years=[[2013 Buffalo Bills season|2013]]–''April 30, 2017''| after=[[Brandon Beane]]}}
{{Succession box| title=[[Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator]] | before=[[Charles Bailey (American football scout)|Charles Bailey]] | years={{Steelers season|1999}}–{{Steelers season|2009}}| after=[[Brandon Hunt]]}}
{{Succession box| title=[[Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator]] | before=[[Charles Bailey (American football scout)|Charles Bailey]] | years={{Steelers season|1999}}–{{Steelers season|2009}}| after=[[Brandon Hunt]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{S-end}}


{{XFL (2020)}}
{{Buffalo Bills general manager navbox}}
{{Buffalo Bills general manager navbox}}
{{NFL general manager navbox}}
{{Super Bowl XLIII}}
{{Super Bowl XLIII}}
{{Super Bowl XL}}
{{Super Bowl XL}}
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[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:African-American sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:African-American sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:American sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers scouts]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers scouts]]
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[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 23:01, 6 November 2024

Doug Whaley
Born: (1972-12-16) December 16, 1972 (age 52)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
CollegeUniversity of Pittsburgh
High schoolUpper St. Clair
(Upper St. Clair Township, Pennsylvania)

Douglass G. Whaley (born December 16, 1972)[1] is an American professional football executive and former collegiate player. He is the current senior vice president of player personnel for the XFL and from 2013 to 2017 was the general manager of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).

Early life

[edit]

Whaley was born in Pittsburgh, where he played high school football and went on to play at the collegiate level.[2] He played college football at Pitt as a defensive back, collecting 4 interceptions during his tenure.[3]

Career

[edit]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

Whaley worked for the Steelers as a pro personnel coordinator. He worked there for 10 years before accepting the Buffalo Bills job. Whaley worked directly under Kevin Colbert the Director of Football Operations.[4] In his time with the Steelers, Whaley helped scout and draft defensive players such as Lamarr Woodley, Troy Polamalu and Lawrence Timmons.

Buffalo Bills

[edit]

Whaley was named assistant general manager and Director of Pro Personnel of the Buffalo Bills on February 10, 2010. Whaley oversaw the team's Pro Personnel department and assisted General Manager Buddy Nix in all football-related administrative duties and in the college talent evaluation process until Nix stepped down from the general manager position on May 13, 2013. Whaley became Buffalo's GM three days later.[5] His most notable moves with Buffalo included trading up to draft receiver Sammy Watkins and trading linebacker Kiko Alonso for All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy. The move to draft Watkins has been questioned, as wide receivers Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., and Brandon Cooks were picked later in the first round.

Whaley was, in conjunction with owners Terry and Kim Pegula and President Russ Brandon, responsible for the hiring of head coach Rex Ryan. After Ryan was relieved of his duties, the team announced that Whaley would lead the search for Ryan's successor, Sean McDermott.

On January 10, 2016, Whaley agreed to a contract extension offered to him by the Bills.

Whaley, alongside his staff, was "relieved of his duties" by the Bills on April 30, 2017, following the 2017 NFL draft.[6] He spent the 2018 season as a recruiter for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

XFL

[edit]

On November 8, 2018, Whaley was hired as the senior vice president of football operations for the revival of the XFL. On April 10, 2020, Whaley was laid off, along with almost every staff member after the league suspended operations due to COVID-19.[7] On November 8, 2021, Whaley was re-hired as the vice president of player personnel of the XFL[8]

Controversies

[edit]

E-mail gaffe

[edit]

Whaley gained unwanted notoriety in 2007, when an inappropriate e-mail that he had sent to Steelers assistant coach Larry Zierlein was inadvertently forwarded by Zierlein to a large number of high-level NFL employees, including commissioner Roger Goodell. Zierlein apologized for the gaffe, and it is believed that neither he nor Whaley were disciplined by the team or the league.[9]

Radio remark

[edit]

In a May 2016 radio interview, Whaley said of football: "It's a violent game that I personally don't think humans are supposed to play."[10]

Release of Fred Jackson

[edit]

Whaley was criticized by fans and players alike for his decision to cut longtime Bills running back and fan favorite Fred Jackson as a "business decision" prior to the 2015 NFL season, especially after allegedly telling Jackson his roster spot was safe. Jackson later reflected on the move prior to retiring with the Bills after Whaley's dismissal, stating that the manner in which he was cut left a "bad taste in his mouth" and that he was dumbfounded by it.[11]

Tyrod Taylor benching

[edit]

In December 2016, Whaley refused to explain his decision to bench the Bills' starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, prior to the last regular season game. Instead, interim head coach Anthony Lynn was forced to address questions from the media, and in an unscripted response, advised Taylor's benching was a 'business decision'. Whaley did not publicly comment on the decision.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bills: Who is Doug Whaley and is he next in line?". Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  2. ^ Thorman, Joel (December 22, 2008). "Getting to Know a GM: Doug Whaley". Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  3. ^ "Doug Whaley". Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  4. ^ "Whaley brings Steelers ways to Buffalo, banks on top pick Manuel". Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  5. ^ "Bills name Doug Whaley GM". ESPN. Associated Press. May 16, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  6. ^ "Buffalo Bills fire general manager Doug Whaley". NFL.com. April 30, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  7. ^ Seifert, Kevin. "XFL suspends operations, lays off employees and has no plans for 2021 season". ESPN. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  8. ^ "Former Bills GM Whaley hired as XFL senior VP". WIVB-TV. Nexstar Media Group. November 8, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  9. ^ Bouchette, Ed (May 23, 2007). "Blogger says Steelers' Zierlein inadvertently forwarded porn to NFL officials". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  10. ^ Tyler Dunne (May 24, 2016). "Bills GM Doug Whaley: Humans are not supposed to play football". The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  11. ^ Wojton, Nick (April 19, 2018). "Fred Jackson was told his roster spot was 'fine' before being cut by Bills, Doug Whaley". Bills Wire. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  12. ^ Michael David Smith (December 28, 2016). "Anthony Lynn: Benching Tyrod Taylor wasn't my decision". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Preceded by Buffalo Bills General Manager
2013–April 30, 2017 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator
1999–2009 		Succeeded by
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