Broncos GM Xanders leaves team

May 8, 2012 - 1:22 AM Englewood, CO (Sports Network) - The Denver Broncos and general manager Brian Xanders have parted ways, the team announced Monday night.

Xanders joined Denver's staff in 2008 as assistant GM after spending 14 years with the Atlanta Falcons in various coaching, player personnel and football operations positions.

He was promoted to GM in February 2009 and drafted players like Tim Tebow, Perrish Cox and Von Miller.

Hall of Famer John Elway has run the front office recently as executive vice president of football operations and said parting ways with Xanders "is not easy."

"My responsibility to the Broncos and our fans is to build a championship football team," Elway said in a statement. "The setup we have throughout every phase of our football operations will better position us for success going forward.

"Making a change with someone of Brian's caliber is not easy. I thank him for everything he did for the Broncos and wish him all the best as he continues his career."

Since Elway joined the Broncos' staff in 2011, Denver's roster has been radically revamped, most notably with the signing of Peyton Manning and the departure of Tebow.