The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Chan Gailey, according to a team statement. The NFL Network reports general manager Buddy Nix’s status is uncertain.

Gailey was 16-32 in three seasons with the Bills, finishing 6-10 in each of the last two seasons. Gailey and his staff struggled to improve a Bills defense that finished 26th in the NFL in points allowed despite the addition of several free agents, including Mario Williams to a $100 million deal.

Gailey’s experience as an offensive coordinator helped improve the Bills’ attack early in his tenure, but the team took a step back in production in 2012, and the team’s front office reportedly lost patience with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

“The Buffalo Bills today are announcing that Chan Gailey has been relieved of his duties as the team’s head coach,” the team said.

Bills coach Chan Gailey will be on the sidelines next season, according to his general manager. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills will open up the quarterback competition next season but they are not about to change coaches any time soon.

Bills general manager Buddy Nix said that head coach Chan Gailey will be on the sidelines next season.

“Yeah, and I hope I can put that to rest,” Nix said to the Buffalo News.  “The age-old thing – and they’ve done it around here for years – is to start over about every three years. What that does is make damn sure you don’t make it. … You change every three years and you never quite get there. That’s my take. “He’s got a year – or more.

Nix says he thinks Gailey is one of the best offensive coaches in the league, but their defense is ranked last in the NFL. In his third season in Buffalo, Gailey went 4-12 in 2010, 6-10 in 2011 and this season the Bills are 3-4.