RENTON, Wash. -- Tim Ruskell has resigned as president and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.
Ruskell announced his resignation Thursday, weeks before his five-year contract with the team ends.
"Obviously there's great sadness today but I will leave here with great memories of this place and the people. It's been the people for me," Ruskell said during a news conference.
The team's ownership gave Ruskell full authority to shape the franchise soon after he arrived before the 2005 season. Seattle made its only Super Bowl that season.
Since then, he has presided over decisions including failed top draft choices, expensive free-agent busts -- and the awkward ouster of popular coach and former GM Mike Holmgren at the end of his contract this past January.
Ruskell brought in his own coach for 2009, Jim Mora. The 4-7 Seahawks are on their way to a second straight season without a playoff berth.
"It didn't happen quickly enough, but it wasn't because we didn't do it right," Ruskell said.
"When you're rebuilding a pro franchise, the last thing to come is the wins," he added.
Seahawks vice president for player personnel Ruston Webster will serve as interim general manager.
