After firing general manager Jack Zduriencik on Friday, Seattle Mariners president Kevin Mather has begun his search for a replacement, and he's made it clear he wants someone with experience.

"We're not going to take three years to learn on the job," Mather told reporters Friday, adding that he doesn't want to squander the team's window with All-Stars Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, and Felix Hernandez.

Mather, named president in 2014, said he will be responsible for selecting Zduriencik's successor, and hopes to have a new man in place by early October. Any candidates unable to interview due to their current teams competing in the postseason will not be considered, because Mather doesn't want to wait that long.

When asked why the decision was made, Mather expressed concern with the direction of the franchise.

"2015 caused me to pause re-examine and say, 'Do we have the right architect, leader to do this?'" he said. "Realistically, we wouldn't (be having) this discussion if we were winning. But this (is) really a decision about long term."

He added: "I was probably too slow getting to this."

Mather did, however, express support for current manager Lloyd McClendon, who is under contract for 2016. McClendon was told he will work under the eventual new GM.