Bills COO, senior VP fired for professionally unethical romantic relationship: Sources

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In a surprising turn of events, John Roth, the now former chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, has been fired by owner Terry Pegula. This decision comes less than three months after Roth’s promotion to the position. In a parallel move, Kathryn D’Angelo, senior VP/general counsel of the Bills, was also dismissed.

According to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation, Roth and D’Angelo were involved in a romantic relationship, and the issues surrounding this relationship reached a breaking point during the Bills’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 8.

Because D’Angelo reported to Roth, their relationship was viewed as a breach of professional ethics.

While the search for permanent replacements is ongoing, Josh Dziurlikowski, previously the senior vice president of finance and business administration, will serve as the interim COO. In addition, Jim Overdorf, a longstanding football operations adviser, will temporarily assume the role of acting general counsel.

This recent development draws parallels to the departure of Russ Brandon, the president and managing partner of the Bills and Sabres, in May 2018. Brandon stepped down after an internal investigation revealed inappropriate workplace relationships and other job-related issues.

(Photo: Geoff Burke / USA Today)