Report: John Elway, Broncos Part Ways With GM Brian Xanders

The Denver Broncos are parting ways with general manager Brian Xanders, reports 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," Broncos exec John 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."

Xanders, now 41, was hired after the 2008 draft as the Broncos' assistant general manager; the following year, he was promoted to the GM position. With one year left on his contract, Xanders mutually agreed with the Broncos today on his exit.

"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. "I appreciated everything that [owner] Pat Bowlen has done for the Broncos and for bringing me here in 2008. It was great working with Coach John Fox. I'm telling you, he's a great coach to work with. And it was great working with John Elway."