NEWARK, N.J. — After a 28-year run, Lou Lamoriello is stepping down as the New Jersey Devils general manager and handing the job to Ray Shero.

The 72-year-old Lamoriello announced the change Monday, noting that he will remain as president of hockey operations.

He said he has considered stepping down for a while and that he was not forced out by ownership after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.

Lamoriello has led the Devils since 1987, guiding them to three Stanley Cup titles, five Eastern Conference titles and nine division championships in 21 playoff appearances.

“Certainly there has been a certain philosophy here that has been successful for a number of years and I think the decision was getting someone who had experiences in different organizations, but also has had the background in winning and knows what it is to win and has experienced winning,” Lamoriello said in explaining the move. “That’s pretty important in anything you do. There is a difference.”

The 52-year-old Shero was let go as the Pittsburgh Penguins general manager last May. The Devils received permission from the Penguins to talk with Shero, but they were not compensated for the hire.

Shero will run the team, and he will be in charge or hiring a new coach, said Lamoriello, noting that Shero will report to him.

Lamoriello even laughed when he thought someone was asking him if he was old.

While the two men have similar philosophies, Lamoriello said there might be changes in how things run.

“Ray might do things a little different than I would, so be it,” Lamoriello said. “That’s a progression. I don’t see foresee any of that being any issue whatsoever.”

“The opportunity to work with Lou was a big attraction for me,” said Shero, the son of former Flyers and New York Rangers coach Fred Shero.

Shero served as the Penguins general manager for eight seasons, winning the 2009 Stanley Cup.