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A significant change has happened at the league office. Even more significant is the fact that it somehow has managed to stay under wraps.

Per multiple sources, NFL V.P. of football operations Merton Hanks has left the organization. While the specific label applied to the departure isn’t known, one source told PFT that the move resulted from an effort by the league to upgrade in that area. This implies that the change was initiated by the NFL.

As of this posting, the NFL had not yet responded to multiple requests for confirmation and/or comment from PFT regarding Hanks’ status.

Also out, according to multiple sources, are Joe Hurta and Russ Giglio. One source tells PFT that the current expectation is that more moves will be made.

Hanks, a four-time Pro Bowler and 1995 first-team All-Pro with the 49ers, has been responsible for making the initial decisions regarding on-field discipline.