Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Nick Ayers, chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence and White House chief of staff John Kelly's long-suspected replacement, will reportedly not be taking over the role. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday evening that Ayers, who has been rumored to be President Donald Trump's top pick to replace Kelly since 2017, couldn't agree with Trump for a timeline on the job. Ayers tweeted to confirm he would be departing at the end of the year for his native Georgia.