The San Diego Padres have fired General Manager Kevin Towers and are looking outside the organization for a replacement, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

The Union-Tribune said Saturday Padres Chief Executive Officer Jeff Moorad let Towers go Friday night after 14 years on the job.

"I think over the next period of time, our focus is on more of a strategic approach to drafting and development that has a chance to compete in the division year-in and year-out," Moorad told the newspaper.

There was no official word on a replacement other than the team was looking outside the organization. The Union-Tribune said potential candidates include 72-year-old veteran Pat Gillick, who is in semi-retirement after building World Series winners in Philadelphia and Toronto.

The Padres won four division titles under Towers, although their overall record during his tenure was just under .500. Towers is under contract through next season and will continue working out of the Padres' offices for the time being, the Union-Tribune said.