ATLANTA — For nearly a quarter-century, the Atlanta Braves have been all about stability.

That changed Monday.

In their first major off-the-field firing since 1990, the Braves dismissed general manager Frank Wren less than 24 hours after being eliminated from the NL playoff race.

The move came with a week remaining in the regular season. Former Cleveland and Texas general manager John Hart will serve as Wren’s interim replacement.

“It was time,” team President John Schuerholz said. “It was time for the organization’s well-being.”

For the Braves, it was the most jarring change of direction since manager Russ Nixon was fired 65 games into the 1990 season. He was succeeded by Bobby Cox, who remained in that job until his retirement in 2010. Schuerholz was the general manager for 17 seasons before moving up to president in 2007, handing over the GM job to his hand-picked successor, Wren.

Now the focus turns to the current manager, Fredi Gonzalez, a protege of Cox’s who is finishing up his fourth season.

Schuerholz said the new GM would have a big say in determining if Gonzalez returns in 2015, though the fact no change was made at manager indicates he still has the support of a three-man search committee that will hire the new GM, comprised of Schuerholz, Hart and Cox.

Cox said he believes Gonzalez has done a “remarkable job,” leading the Braves to a wild-card berth in 2012 and an NL East title last season. They were 76-79 going into Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, in danger of only their third losing season since 1990.

“I love Atlanta. I love our organization. I would love to get another shot at it like anybody else would,” Gonzalez said. “I want to be here.”