Archives for December 28, 2016

'Hey, we like the job you've done this year as offensive coordinator, so we're calling to let you know we just fired Rex Ryan and we'd like you to be the head coach this week. Sort of a one-week tryout, see how it goes and maybe we talk next week about whether it makes sense for you to get the job full time. No promises, though. We're definitely planning to talk to other people as well.'

'Ultimately, management felt it was wise to fire Ryan now, keeping Taylor off the field, because of the injury guarantees that would be owed to Taylor if he was hurt and could not pass a physical March 11 — the day when he'd be owed guarantees valued at $27.5 million.'

'"Beyond that, he was a wonderful husband and father possessed of a happy and upbeat nature. What a privilege it was for me and for all the members of our coaching staff to have been colleagues and friends of Bruce DeHaven.'''

'Offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn will serve as interim head coach.'

'This was a long time coming, and that's a shame. Rex is funny, engaging, likable, with a hilarious if over-the-top personality and a nickname — Sexy Rexy! — you want heading an NFL team as long as possible. It makes for fun, for good headlines, for rowdy times. It just didn't make for very many wins.'

'There's also the Bills' 2016 fourth-round pick, former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones. General manager Doug Whaley said earlier this month that he hopes Jones doesn't see the field this season because "That would mean something terrible happened" (by the way, we might be at that point), though the team has long been enamored with his potential.'

'With Lynn now taking over on an interim basis, the Bills will get a first look at whether he can handle being a head coach. He’s certain to be a hot commodity this offseason among other teams with openings, but Buffalo will have an advantage with a one-game audition coming in Week 17.'

'His Bills teams on the field weren’t terrible, but Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs in 17 years, either.'

'Austin isn't well known by fans, but he was a target of several teams last offseason. He interviewed for four head coaching gigs a year ago, which shows how much interest there will be in him again this offseason. Detroit has dealt with several injuries this season, namely to cornerback Darius Slay, but the Lions still rank in the top half of most defensive categories. Austin would be a good candidate to get Buffalo’s once-dominant defense back on track, especially with solid personnel already in place.'

'This is a particularly surprising move on the surface, but upon digging deeper, it makes a bit of sense. The Bills have to make a huge decision this offseason regarding Taylor’s contract – one worth $27.5 million. If they do pick up his option in March, that’s how much he’ll make in 2017 after a $15.5 million bonus, which comes in the form of an option.'

'What went wrong in Buffalo? It starts with the fact that the Pegulas are bottom-line owners. They are willing to devote as many resources as are needed, but they need to see results. They gave Ryan a $27.5 million contract to come to Buffalo, made his assistants among the top-paid coaches at their positions in the NFL, and this past offseason agreed to expand the staff even further, creating positions for Rob Ryan and Ed Reed, members of Rex’s inner circle. But when Saturday’s loss ensured that this would be the second straight season without a winning record under Ryan, they acted.'

'Buffalo currently has one of three coaching openings, along with Los Angeles and Jacksonville. Ryan does not figure to be an immediate candidate for either of the latter two jobs, nor would it be likely for him to land anywhere in the NFL as a head coach this coming off-season. He is a mere 61–66 for his career, spanning Buffalo and New York, and just 41–54 the past five seasons.'

'Lynn will take over as head coach after taking over as offensive coordinator earlier in the season after Greg Roman was fired after Week 2.'

'So adios to Rex Ryan. I always liked his style and was hopeful that this would work. But it's Buffalo, where the wheels keep spinning in the mud and we keep on trying to push the car out.'

'To Rex, the punt is not a mistake, and that is unforgivable.'