Archives for December 2016

'Trusting Whaley, who per the team’s Twitter account “will officially be leading the organization’s head coaching search,’’ and Brandon to select a third coach in five years after they already whiffed on Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan has left Bills Nation quoting Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.’’'

'"Kim and I and our entire Bills organization share in the same disappointment and frustration as our fans, but we remain committed to our goal of bringing a championship to Western New York.'

'The Bills announced that General Manager Doug Whaley will lead a search, so if they do look outside the organization, here are 10 other candidates the team could consider. How many of these candidates would be willing to work with Whaley? The answer to that is very uncertain.'

'Here are some notable tweets reacting to the news…',.

'Still, the parallels seem to end there. Bylsma and General Manager Tim Murray seem to be on roughly the same page, while Ryan and GM Doug Whaley weren't in the same book. And it seems improbable the Sabres would make a coaching change after just two years of having Jack Eichel on their roster and with a few key prospects still in juniors, the AHL or college ranks.'

'If ownership and/or other members of the Bills’ front office wanted Ryan to sit Taylor because of his contract status and the coach refused, that very well could have been the final straw in the marriage and the reason the coach was fired after giving a press conference Monday, just days before the season finale.'

'"Bruce DeHaven was not only one of the premier special teams coaches the history of the NFL, he was also a premier SPECIAL PERSON," former Bills coach Marv Levy said in a press release provided by the team. "His work ethic, his love for and his dedication to the game, his caring about those players from whom he was able to bring forth their maximum talents and who revere him are all signature features which distinguished him.'

'With both teams eliminated from the playoffs, the game isn’t exactly must-see TV, though Tuesday's firing of Coach Rex Ryan makes it more interesting.'

'Or, like Buffalo nutrition coach Jennie Fagen, you can funnel your frustration into one of the most powerful coping tools known to Western civilization: musical theater.'

'Rex is walking out of town with his tail between his legs, having never backed up any of his big talk. The Bills won just 15 of the 31 games he coached; they tacked on two more years to their postseason drought; their defense got much worse as the players never bought into, nor understood, Ryan’s complex scheme; and while no one ever questioned the work ethic of Ryan or his players, it was clear the Bills were not a well-prepared team, and they were often an out-coached team on game days.'

'Ensuring that the best record embattled coach Rex Ryan can finish with is 8-8 for a second year in a row when the season ends on New Year’s Day against the New York Jets (4-11). As for the Dolphins (10-5), now 8-2 in games decided by a touchdown or less, they’re in fine shape for a playoff invitation, having swept two three-point games from the Bills.'

'"I'm trying to figure out why would they sit Tyrod? I mean, he played so well last game. I don't understand. I don't know. I don't know anything at all about that."'

'Promoting Lynn to head coach would show continuity, something that the Pegulas have preached since taking over as owner of the Bills. Coughlin is another name that has been reported as a favorite for the job. Rex Ryan actually set up a meeting between the Pegulas and Coughlin in the offseason for a role with the team this season. Despite the meeting going well, Buffalo never extended an offer to Coughlin.'

'"I feel like we should've been just more aggressive on defense, because that's the kind of players that we have," Dareus said. "We want to put our foot on the pedal and keep it down knowing what we're doing, and being strategic on what we're doing. Not trying to matchup with this team, or that team. We want to have our identity (knowing) this is who we are, and what we're going to do.'

'Whaley reportedly had issues with both Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan, so the pressure will be on him now more than ever to hire not only the right guy, but a guy that he can work with. The team also has an important decision coming up in regards to quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who has already been benched in favor of EJ Manuel for the team's Week 17 finale against the New York Jets.'