RuntheDamnBall

You need to clean your ears out because I'm pretty sure I heard him talk about adding a football analytics dept and bringing in more world class people including the HC to evaluate talent. You needn't believe him, but don't put words in the man's mouth.

He's brilliant but I, too, am skeptical.

Meh. What do you expect? This is a whole lot of nothing to worry about. You're making something encouraging - that the new man at the top of the chain believes in a 21st century operation based on statistics, has and will bring in more staffers who know what do with it, and a GM who says he has to learn and wants to use it - into another topic of complaint. Classic Bills fan move. I chuckle when I hear people talk about how we're the greatest fans, because they're always omitting the "at whining and beliggerent alcoholism" part.

Was kitna a holdover from a prior coaching regime?

Kelly could be interesting but it's the second part of that tweet that is most exciting.

Perhaps the twitter scenario was all Thurman's way of saying Ralph's out of the picture on football decisions. He has hinted before that RW, though he loves him, was detrimental to the football team in that role.

C'mon, people. This is Ralph getting hands-off, and for anyone who has ever been worried about RW's meddling, here's another shot that hasn't really been tried since Donahoe's days. If Brandon is really a genius at marketing, he realizes right now that nothing is going to restore the Bills' position like a winner. That starts with bringing in good football people. I realize the Bills' track record isn't good, but I'm willing to wait and see what happens before getting my undies all in a bunch.

Your source?

No offense, but It's on you to provide evidence if you make a claim like that. The stats are out there. He's certainly a coach who trusts his defense, and past performance suggests that's been a smart move.

Who's on your quality OC list? Turner is available, can't say as he'd want the job. This is a tough and very important hire - probably as important as the HC. It's the one reason I understand why people wouldn't be satisfied with a guy like Lovie - people want someone who has directed a good nfl offense before, but it's not like they grow on trees and are waiting there to be plucked. And forget about a great college guy to fill that role. Very little incentive, financial or otherwise, to leave a good, likely higher-paying job to go coordinate in the NFL. That said, get the next crew the right QB and they'll look like geniuses.

I think this would be a High quality offseason for the Bills, if not a total crowd-pleaser.

Way to prove the point by mentioning one of the greatest coaches of all time, also, see the fact that that was 20 years ago. The league has become more QB-driven.

Bill, you don't see this as a powder keg scenario for another QB controversy? I know that's not Fitz's temperament but it doesn't matter when you're talking about the rest of the guys, a lot of the, veterans who could be gun shy at the first sign of struggles with a new QB. Again, I see Fitz as ideal for the job in every way except for the fact that he has already been starting here and wants to start.

Added bonus with Lovie: coach who will let the OC handle the offensive play calling.

Sounds like Fitz himself isn't super-interested in that role. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000120695/article/ryan-fitzpatrick-lobbying-to-remain-bills-starter Also, new coach may like TJax but he'll have to compete with everyone else for him in free agency.

Fitz himself would be great in the locker room but you're nuts if you don't think it would create divided loyalties among the vets. Worst possible situation you can put a newly drafted QB into with the guy he replaced there over his shoulder. The team needs to commit fully to its new guys. I would draft two and sign Jason Campbell, Matt Moore, or maybe David Carr - none of them are even as good as Fitz, but all have experience around the league and can step in in a pinch. Carr has at least been on some winning Giants teams.

Great guy, perfect backup in theory. Horrible idea. It would create divided loyalties between the new staff/QB and old QB. At the first challenging moment you'd hear too much grumbling. Too much to saddle a new coach with. I'll make like Gailey and choose to pass even though it seems like a bad idea.

I want a new Bones Conditioning and milk administration coach. This sh-- has to stop.

The Dolphins have the best qb in this past draft in your estimation. How's that working out for them?

I agree with you on that and am not even really recommending the scenario I posited. Just curious because I know, for example, that the Blue Jays had interviewed some serious candidates for their manager position by phone - at least for a first interview. If they are already interested enough in Gruden to have met with him while the current HC is employed, my question presents a plausible, if not probable scenario.

C'mon, now. I think giving one in 100 chances that a guy sees the current Buffalo situation and is intrigued is not all that generous.

Updating my list of Super Bowl winning coaches available: Jon Gruden Brian Billick Holmgren Parcells Vermeil Gibbs Jimmy Johnson Ditka Seifert Tony Dungy Bill Cowher Barry Switzer Mike Martz

Anyone know if the Rooney Rule stipulates that interviews have to be face-to-face? Could they get on the phone with Lovie Smith or Modkins for an interview today, say, and then hire Gruden tomorrow? I realize there's a 1% chance of that scenario taking place, but just curious about it in principle.

There is no reason not to give it to him. He has been the picture of health, a good soldier, with borderline All Pro level play, and he can play other positions in a pinch. And he does not have to learn and adjust with a new cast of OL teammates. Continuity IS important in this case.

I think the big problem right now is the uncertainty around the coaching situation... Levitre probably won't re-sign as long as that looms. But there is time. Most likely he fields offers from other teams first, though. I don't see him getting wrapped up before that.