Archives for January 31, 2017

'“That’s the business side of things,” Hogan said. “It wasn’t personal at all. That organization gave me my first shot at playing in the NFL and gave me a chance to prove myself as a football player. And without them giving me that opportunity, I wouldn’t be here today.”'

'With that in mind, ESPN senior writer John Clayton wrote a column ranking his top 15 quarterbacks of all time. Brady tops that list, while Bills great Jim Kelly comes in 13th.'

'According to the report, the deal is only for the Super Bowl, but Ourand suggests "it clearly makes ESPN a front-runner to sign Ryan to a longer deal if he’s unable to find a coaching job he likes."'

'The boisterous Ryan, whose news conferences were often akin to stand-up routines, is considered a "can’t-miss'' as a TV analyst. ESPN’s Markman once said that when he closed his eyes and listened to Ryan “I hear a little bit of John Madden in him.’’'

'Caplan noted that McGeoghan is one of the better young teachers of the position.'

'After the Bills fired Ryan, four networks reached out about securing his services. While his demonstrative personality and propensity for jokes didn't create much success on the football field over the last six years, Ryan will find a natural home in front of the camera. He'll have particularly useful insight into this Super Bowl, which includes the New England Patriots, the team Ryan played often but always struggled to beat.'

'Ryan will appear on Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN, which will air from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday.'

'“He knows the Patriots really well. He’s raring to go.”'

'It’s unclear what Ryan will choose to do next, but TV seems to be calling him.'

'Ryan’s boisterous opinions will play well on television, and was sought after by FOX, CBS and NFL Network.'

'“Rex is a great personality and has a unique perspective,” ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman told SBJ. “He knows the Patriots really well. He’s raring to go.”'

'"Rex is a great personality and has a unique perspective," ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman told Sports Business Daily. "He knows the Patriots really well. He's raring to go."'

'Sports Business Daily reports that CBS, Fox and NFL Network also reached out to Ryan to serve as an analyst following his firing in December. It is unclear if Ryan will seek a long-term analyst role or return to coaching.'

'“Especially with men, there are so many guys that are stubborn and say ‘Oh I’ll be fine,’ and you keep putting it off and putting it off,” Kelly said. “If you feel that there is something that is not right, get it checked. I mean, what’s it going to hurt to get it checked? It’s either yes or no.”'

'Turning 43 in March, McDermott will enter 2017 as the fourth youngest head coach in the league. It will be his first head coaching job at any level. So, he and the Bills were smart to surround him with coaches who’ve been around the game, in the league, and through a lot of different situations that he has yet to face as the man in charge. The next step will be for McDermott to strike the right balance of leaning on those assistants when he has to, but making sure they and the players in the locker room understand he’s their leader, and earns that respect.'