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Sabres fire Ted Black, hire Russ Brandon as new president

The Sabres made a move at the top of the organization, firing Ted Black and replacing him with Russ Brandon, who had been in the same role with the Buffalo Bills.

Brandon will now oversee both Pegula owned teams.

Black has been connected to Pegula since 2010, when he helped him put together a group of advisors when the Pegulas were looking to purchase the Sabres. He’s been in charge of all off-ice duties for the Sabres. Prior to coming to Buffalo he was a part of the Penguins organization as the team’s president from 1999 to 2008.

Brandon was named the Bills director of non-football operations in 2006. He took more of a role with the organization when Ralph Wilson’s health declined, even taking charge of some football-related business. He played a big part in the Bills in Toronto series, much to the chagrin of many Bills fans. His role in the Bills organization was in question as recently as earlier this off-season, when rumors that Bill Polian would return to the franchise. However, it now appears the Pegulas had no interest in parting ways with the St. John Fisher grad.

Here’s the official statement from the Pegulas:

“Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills. Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ’ strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to [former president] Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”