NYPD Commissioner's Shock Resignation: What Happens Next

NEW YORK CITY — The first woman NYPD commissioner could be replaced by one of the men who undercut her power as top cop, according to reports.

Keechant Sewell was still on the job Tuesday, one day after her shock resignation announcement.

But as Sewell received a standing ovation during an NYPD event for children, speculations swirled about the circumstances behind her departure and how they could shape the department's future leadership.

Mayor Eric Adams, during a Tuesday news conference, largely dodged questions about the reasons for Sewell’s departure, aside to sarcastically dismiss numerous reports she felt other top officials — all men — had undermined her authority. He also didn't commit to appointing another woman for the role.

"I have a short list," he said.

"When we’re ready to make an announcement, we’ll make an announcement."

Among the top potential candidates for Sewell's successor, as first reported by the New York Post, include two of the men widely mentioned in reports of her diminished leadership: Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, who oversees public safety efforts for the administration, and the NYPD's Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.

Banks raised eyebrows when he started giving weekly public safety briefings — a role that typically fell to the police commissioner. The New York Times, among other outlets, reported many officials felt Banks had sidelined Sewell.

When asked about the accusations by the Times, Banks reportedly "abruptly" ended a call.

Sewell's departure was preceded by a high-profile New York Post report that detailed how she lost power with City Hall after approving discipline against Maddrey, who was found to have abused his authority by telling cops to drop charges against a former NYPD officer after he pulled a gun on three children.

After that, Adams started to micromanage NYPD personnel moves — a move that diminished her already shrinking power, the Post reported.

Adams scathingly dismissed all those reported behind-the-scenes tensions.

"Oh, it’s been 'reported,'" he said sarcastically.

“Don’t put words in her mouth that she did not tell you.”

Sewell will stay at the NYPD's helm until the end of June, Adams said.