Michael Conroy/Associated Press

In a surprise turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs and general manager John Dorsey are parting ways after four seasons.

The Chiefs and team CEO Clark Hunt issued a statement announcing Dorsey's departure on Thursday, effective immediately:

“I notified John that we would not be extending his contract beyond the 2017 season, and after consideration, we felt it was in his best interests and the best interests of the team to part ways now. This decision, while a difficult one, allows John to pursue other opportunities as we continue our preparations for the upcoming season and the seasons to come. My family and I sincerely appreciate John’s work over the last four-and-a-half years, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Hunt will interview possible candidates to find Dorsey's replacement, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, adding the next GM will report to Hunt. Internal candidates to take over the job include Brett Veach and Mike Borgonzi, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.

Dorsey was entering the final season of his contract with the Chiefs that he signed in January 2013, joining the team at the same time as head coach Andy Reid.

The Chiefs announced earlier Thursday that Reid, who was also entering the final year of his original contract with the team, had signed an extension.

Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star reported Reid would not take over as the team's GM, and the Chiefs would conduct a search for their new executive.

It was expected that Dorsey would remain with the Chiefs at least through next season. The 56-year-old held his job and the organization in high regard when he was originally hired four years ago.

"This is my dream job — always has been," he said in 2013, per Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. "Ever since I met my wife in 1993, I've always wanted to and I've always dreamt of being the GM of the Chiefs one day."

In four seasons with Dorsey as general manager, the Chiefs went 43-21 with three playoff appearances and an AFC West division title in 2016.