Archives for January 11, 2016

'Rob Ryan has served as defensive coordinator for four different teams: the Saints (2013-15), Raiders (2004-08), Browns (2009-10) and Cowboys (2011-12). The Raiders had the worst defense in the NFL in 2005, but rebounded to finish No. 3 overall the following year. The Saints had the worse defense in NFL history in 2012, but under Ryan's leadership improved to fourth in 2013. Ultimately, however, Ryan was fired from each job.'

'The photo appears to be on Pegula's yacht in South Florida. The team's leaders, including the Pegulas, Brandon, Whaley and coach Rex Ryan were to have year-end meetings this weekend at the owners' residence.'

'How well did the investment pay off? The Bills finished first in the NFL in rushing, and McCoy made a significant contribution with his team-leading 895 yards.'

'At the conclusion of that stint, Bills coach Rex Ryan praised Anderson for the job that he did, indicating it would be only a matter of time before he got to coach a line of his own. That time came Saturday.'

'Justice Timothy J. Drury declared that a class action “would be a far more efficient means of litigation as opposed to a multitude of individual lawsuits.”'

'Rob Ryan comes to Buffalo with 28 years of coaching experience, 17 in the NFL. He has served stints as a defensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders (2004-08), Cleveland Browns (2009-10), Dallas Cowboys (2011-12) and the Saints (2013-15), and has four years of experience heading up defenses at the collegiate level.'

'Rob Ryan was most recently the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton fired him in the middle of his third season as defensive coordinator. Between 2004 and 2012, Rob Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys.'

'During Whaley's time as general manager, the Bills have made a number of bold moves, including trading up for Sammy Watkins in the 2014 NFL Draft and trading for running back LeSean McCoy. Whaley has also been tied to the team drafting quarterback EJ Manuel in the first round of the 2013 draft. In his two-plus years, Whaley has done enough to earn the trust of the Bills' new owners.'

'Reports of discord between Whaley and Ryan, Buffalo’s first-year head coach, repeatedly leaked last summer and fall, raising questions as to whether the duo could continue working together.'

'More than 20 years after they last coached together, the Ryan brothers are reunited on the same staff.'

'What was immediately unclear is where Bills current defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman fits in the team's hierarchy.'

'The extension was reached after Whaley, coach Rex Ryan and other team officials spent the weekend holding postseason meetings with the Pegulas at their home in Florida.'

'Bills co-owner Kim Pegula posted the news on her Twitter account Sunday afternoon. She included a picture of Whaley signing a contract with her husband and co-owner, Terry, and team president Russ Brandon looking on.'

'Whaley, Brandon and coach Rex Ryan had gathered at the Pegulas' home in Florida this weekend to review the 2015 season. Kim Pegula tweeted that the meeting was "great" and that the Bills' top decision-makers were "already working on next season."'

'“I'm excited to have Rob join our staff and I think he will be a great asset for our defense. He has a tremendous working knowledge of our schemes and I look forward to his input,” said Head Coach Rex Ryan. “On a personal note, it's been a number of years since we have worked together and so we are both really looking forward to this opportunity.”'