Archives for January 2015

‘Over his six years on the job, Ryan’s offenses ranked 17th, 13th, 13th, 28th, 29th and 28th in average points scored per game. In total yards per game, the Jets ranked 20th, 11th, 25th, 30th, 25th and 22nd. Ryan had three different offensive coordinators in six years as well, hiring Brian Schottenheimer(2009-2011), Tony Sparano(2012) and Marty Mohrningweg(2013-2014).’

‘Early indications are that Terry and Kim Pegula were highly impressed with Gase’s interview, but it’s hard to see him going from Manning to EJ Manuel. He might just choose to keep waiting for a better opportunity.’

‘According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Ryan is interested in teaming up with former Bears head coach Marc Trestman, who has been a hot name for vacant offensive coordinator positions across the league.’

Ex-NY Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson to interview for Big Blue’s vacant defensive coordinator role (New York Daily News)

Former NY Jets coach Rex Ryan scheduled to interview with Bills for second time: source (New York Daily News)

Giants to interview Pepper Johnson for defensive coordinator job (New York Post)

One Jets’ divisional rival showing strong interest in Rex Ryan (New York Post)

Pepper Johnson set to interview with Giants for defensive coordinator opening (Newsday)

Rex Ryan getting long second interview with Bills (Newsday)

Giants request permission to interview Bills assistant Pepper Johnson for defensive coordinator (Newark Star Ledger)

Ex-Jets coach Rex Ryan will have second interview with Buffalo Bills on Saturday, source confirms (Newark Star Ledger)

‘Without revealing who or how many, the person said the team intends to have second interviews with other candidates before making a decision on who to hire.’

‘Last season, the NFL experimented with the afternoon kickoff in England when Atlanta hosted Detroit. It clearly was happy with the results, and opted for another this year.’

‘Ryan, 52, also has interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons. He also was scheduled to meet with executives this week at CBS about a possible broadcasting job, according to a report from the New York Daily News.’

‘In addition to Ryan, the Bills previously interviewed Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase, San Diego offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, former Denver and Washington head coach Mike Shanahan, current Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, former Cleveland offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, San Francisco offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Philadelphia offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.’

‘With Marrone opting out of his contract just before the new year, Bills assistant coaches have been left in limbo. They are technically under contract, but their fate will be decided by Buffalo’s next head coach. With the lack of security, Wheatley took the chance to coach at his alma mater.’

‘Wheatley will work under new Michigan offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Tim Drevno, and will replace longtime former running backs coach Fred Jackson — who not only coached Wheatley, but has been in that position since 1992.’

‘The person said the Bills are meeting with San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman on Friday, followed by Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Saturday.’

‘He was in charge of the running backs for each of the last two years. Still under contract with the Bills, Wheatley did not need permission to move to a college. He would have only needed to get released from his contract if he was trying to make a lateral move in the NFL. Wheatley is a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.’

‘So how much should team owners Terry and Kim Pegula expect to pony up? A look at contracts for comparable players suggests a five-year deal could average more than $8 million, with somewhere between $12 to $20 million in guarantees.’

‘”A lot of guys at different spots,” said Wood. “Kraig having to move from right to left after getting benched for weeks, Pears going from outside to in, that’s a tough move, Seantrel is a first-year starter, Cordy had his illness deal this summer, and me, no excuse. Us not playing on a more consistent basis is disappointing and we have to improve on that.”‘

‘In the span of just 72 hours, any lingering optimism from the Bills’ first winning season in a decade was pancaked to the turf like a Smurf cornerback trying to take on a 350-pound offensive lineman on a power sweep. As a friend who is a long, long, long suffering fan of the team said in an e-mail: “An army of kittens couldn’t unravel a ball of yarn this fast!”‘