Russ Brandon - The [Silent] Common Denominator

[fridge]

Badges

Unqualified

Leave no stone unturned

Hired coaching Cuse coaching staff

In the War Room

etc

 

So that's 5 facts...

 

Badges - this was a metaphor, but ultimately yes he IS the man in charge.

 

Unqualified - I didn't harp on this at all, but yes he has NO football scouting/coaching history.

 

Leave no stone unturned - He literally said this.

 

Hired Cause coaching staff - He literally did this.

 

In the war room - He literally was in there.

 

These are five things I have said that are actually not disjointed. There's even more facts than those. They're facts that lead me to question the authenticity of the "Russ is just a marketing guy" argument.

 

I believe I'm developing a case and have reasonable doubt that Russ Brandon is just some blameless bystander in a suit. I get that you disagree, but stop calling my claim unfounded like it's some grand conspiracy theory.

[Jauronimo]

So that's 5 facts...

 

Badges - this was a metaphor, but ultimately yes he IS the man in charge.

 

Unqualified - I didn't harp on this at all, but yes he has NO football scouting/coaching history.

 

Leave no stone unturned - He literally said this.

 

Hired Cause coaching staff - He literally did this.

 

In the war room - He literally was in there.

 

These are five things I have said that are actually not disjointed. There's even more facts than those. They're facts that lead me to question the authenticity of the "Russ is just a marketing guy" argument.

 

I believe I'm developing a case and have reasonable doubt that Russ Brandon is just some blameless bystander in a suit. I get that you disagree, but stop calling my claim unfounded like it's some grand conspiracy theory.

It was a stupid metaphor as Kirby demonstrated.

How many marketing personnel or de-facto team owners have scouting history? How is that even relevant to his position?

Demonstrate that he lacked in his due diligence. Just implying that his search was insufficient does not advance a point.

Yes, he was involved in the Marrone hire but whether that reflects poorly upon him is a matter of much debate and as bandit already let you know, this wasn't just his call.

He was in the war room but doing what? What was his influence?

 

Back any of these things up and they cease to be unfounded speculation. Simply stating he was present and "involved" is not an argument. 5 pages later, you still cannot seem to grasp that. Building a case involves supporting your claims not just reiterating.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Jauronimo

[thewildrabbit]

I still have a problem with the HC & GM reporting to the finance / marketing guy...and yet he supposedly has no voice or influence over either. I don't dislike the man, all I know is I want him as far away from the football side of operations as he can get.

 

After Marv Levy stepped down Russ Brandon became the de facto GM, and then so many here claim he didn't make football decisions. Hiring Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Doug Marrone, and promoting Doug Whaley might not have all his decisions. Yet, I'm sure he had his share of influence on all of them, and all of the important team decisions made by all of them.

 

Should the Pegula's fire him I won't shed a tear, and should they retain him and move him totally away from the football decisions I'll be fine with that too. The latter is all I want to see happen.

[Jauronimo]

I still have a problem with the HC & GM reporting to the finance / marketing guy...and yet he supposedly has no voice or influence over either. I don't dislike the man, all I know is I want him as far away from the football side of operations as he can get.

 

After Marv Levy stepped down Russ Brandon became the de facto GM, and then so many here claim he didn't make football decisions. Hiring Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Doug Marrone, and promoting Doug Whaley might not have all his decisions. Yet, I'm sure he had his share of influence on all of them, and all of the important team decisions made by all of them.

 

Should the Pegula's fire him I won't shed a tear, and should they retain him and move him totally away from the football decisions I'll be fine with that too. The latter is all I want to see happen.

Using that analogy, you have a problem with every single front office in the league which ultimately answer to a man who made his bones in business before having final say on football matters.

[fridge]

Back any of these things up and they cease to be unfounded speculation. Simply stating he was present and "involved" is not an argument. 5 pages later, you still cannot seem to grasp that. Building a case involves supporting your claims not just reiterating.

 

I don't know why your burden of proof is higher than that of the court, but it's getting annoying.

 

Photographic and video evidence shows Russ Brandon's involvement in the 2014 NFL draft and indicates that he has, beyond reasonable doubt, a significant influence on personnel decisions on the football team.

 

Earlier, you agreed and said that he obviously has an influence.

 

Whaley reports to him on decisions.

 

That's it. That's all I am saying, that's all I proved and it's my whole point as to why he also should be held accountable for 15 years of missing the playoffs.

 

I feel like I'm arguing with you, and the real crux of it is not anything I'm saying that sets you off, but rather that you believe Brandon is fine, and I don't.

[Corp000085]

Brandon was a Ralph guy who eventually worked himself up to being the caretaker of the Bills. There's plenty of reasons why he needs to go. First, he's from the old regime. Second, he's made his mark as the top guy of a losing franchise. Third, Pegula will have his own guy soon enough. Look at Ted black and Tim murray. They are pegula guys. Did Quinn stay on? No. He left. I do suspect Brandon will be gone. He's probably got his golden parachute from the Wilson trust. Heck, I am thinking he was always going to leave after the year.

 

We will see if he is gone next week. I do suspect he will be gone and a new mgmt team will be ushered in the very same day. As fans, we aren't privvy yet. We will find out soon enough though.

 

To piggy on the argument, whether Brandon is "only" a marketing guy or not is irrelevant. He was in charge for many years of futility. He is the common thread here. It is time for him to go.

[Jauronimo]

I don't know why your burden of proof is higher than that of the court, but it's getting annoying.

 

Photographic and video evidence shows Russ Brandon's involvement in the 2014 NFL draft and indicates that he has, beyond reasonable doubt, a significant influence on personnel decisions on the football team.

 

Earlier, you agreed and said that he obviously has an influence.

 

Whaley reports to him on decisions.

 

That's it. That's all I am saying, that's all I proved and it's my whole point as to why he also should be held accountable for 15 years of missing the playoffs.

 

I feel like I'm arguing with you, and the real crux of it is not anything I'm saying that sets you off, but rather that you believe Brandon is fine, and I don't.

If you say so.

 

Ignoring the obvious issues with that statement, then why should he be fired for having "significant influence" on personnel decisions for the last year? This is the best roster they've fielded in a decade.

 

Do you even understand what you're arguing anymore?

Edited December 24, 2014 by Jauronimo

[fridge]

 

If you say so.

 

Ignoring the obvious issues with that statement, then why should he be fired for having "significant influence" on personnel decisions for the last year?

 

No, please don't ignore the obvious issues with it, go on, explain...

 

To your last question...We missed the playoffs. Again. It's the sum of all parts that make everything work, and he's a big part.

 

Edit: ugh, you just edited your post to add more condescending words and I'm done here. You're slinging insults and are remarkably closed minded. We fielded the best team on paper? Yeah? Well we missed the playoffs. Merry Christmas.

Edited December 24, 2014 by fridge

[thewildrabbit]

Using that analogy, you have a problem with every single front office in the league which ultimately answer to a man who made his bones in business before having final say on football matters.

BS, Name one other NFL team that has the HC & GM answering directly to the marketing / finance guy!

[Jauronimo]

No, please don't ignore the obvious issues with it, go on, explain...

 

To your last question...We missed the playoffs. Again. It's the sum of all parts that make everything work, and he's a big part.

 

Edit: ugh, you just edited your post to add more condescending words and I'm done here. You're slinging insults and are remarkably closed minded. We fielded the best team on paper? Yeah? Well we missed the playoffs. Merry Christmas.

Closed minded?? To what? I've been spoon feeding you whats wrong with your argument while clarifying my objections and you've demonstrated no understanding of the subject matter. The condition of closed minded in this instance is dependent upon you actually having something to consider.

BS, Name one other NFL team that has the HC & GM answering directly to the marketing / finance guy!

Change marketing and finance guy with owner. Like HC and GM answering to macaroni and cheese mogul.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Jauronimo

[K-9]

I don't know why your burden of proof is higher than that of the court, but it's getting annoying.

 

Photographic and video evidence shows Russ Brandon's involvement in the 2014 NFL draft and indicates that he has, beyond reasonable doubt, a significant influence on personnel decisions on the football team.

 

Earlier, you agreed and said that he obviously has an influence.

 

Whaley reports to him on decisions.

 

That's it. That's all I am saying, that's all I proved and it's my whole point as to why he also should be held accountable for 15 years of missing the playoffs.

 

I feel like I'm arguing with you, and the real crux of it is not anything I'm saying that sets you off, but rather that you believe Brandon is fine, and I don't.

 

What do you imagine Brandon did in the war room? Precisely.

 

Do you imagine, going back to his "GM" days that Nix, Gailey, Whaley, Marrone, etc., ever said we're interested in this guy or that guy and Brandon said, "No, I want this guy instead?"

 

Do you imagine Brandon sat in on all the scout meetings over the year preceding the draft and actually argued whether or not that OT had good knee bend or that CB was too stiff in the hips?

 

Do you imagine Brandon, after their board was constructed, said, "No. I think this guy should be rated the 4th best player on the board and that guy should be slotted lower?"

 

I'll say this one last time, as President of the Buffalo Bills, Russ Brandon is involved in EVERY facet of the organization, with heads of all departments reporting to him, including Whaley on the football side. That's his job. He's also NEVER MADE A SINGLE PERSONNEL DECISION ON HIS OWN! He's always delegated those decisions to the people he hired to make them. That doesn't mean he doesn't hold them accountable. It just means he's always let the football people do their jobs, just like every other team in the league, with the exception of the Dallas Cowboys.

 

When Pegula fires the whole lot of them eventually and names someone else President, will you be under the same delusion that person will also micromanage every aspect of the football operations? You seem to have little appreciation for exactly how much bigger an NFL operation is outside of the GM and HC. That person simply won't have the time.

 

Did you ever find the definitions for "collaboration" and "consensus?"

 

GO BILLS!!!

[thewildrabbit]

Closed minded?? To what? I

 

Change marketing and finance guy with owner. Like HC and GM answering to macaroni and cheese mogul.

What are you talking about? arguing just to argue? Have some deep infatuating love for Russ Brandon?

 

I know, I don't want the HC & GM reporting to the finance / marketing guy under any circumstances ever again after this season. However, he can still be on the field chest bumping Sammy Watkins all he wants.

[K-9]

Brandon was a Ralph guy who eventually worked himself up to being the caretaker of the Bills. There's plenty of reasons why he needs to go. First, he's from the old regime. Second, he's made his mark as the top guy of a losing franchise. Third, Pegula will have his own guy soon enough. Look at Ted black and Tim murray. They are pegula guys. Did Quinn stay on? No. He left. I do suspect Brandon will be gone. He's probably got his golden parachute from the Wilson trust. Heck, I am thinking he was always going to leave after the year.

 

We will see if he is gone next week. I do suspect he will be gone and a new mgmt team will be ushered in the very same day. As fans, we aren't privvy yet. We will find out soon enough though.

 

To piggy on the argument, whether Brandon is "only" a marketing guy or not is irrelevant. He was in charge for many years of futility. He is the common thread here. It is time for him to go.

 

In the end, it may end up being just that simple. But when Pegula brings in his own president, that guy won't be micromanaging the football operations side, either. There simply isn't enough time in the day. That's why you hire GMs and coaches, who in turn hire others to carry out those tasks.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[May Day 10]

Since Brandon crossed over from marketing and has been gm or aboverwhelming we are looking at 6 last place finishes and a 3rd. He is at the head of the table. Shouldn't he be scrutinized?

 

I can see if people are really encouraged this season and think we are on to great things. I ask myself: are we closer to a sustained regenerable run of playoffs, maybe seeing Terry and Kim handed the Lombardi trophy on the podium next to brandon? Or is it closer to falling apart? It seems there have been indications that these 3 aren't all on the same page.

 

To me, the old wilson structure here and marrone-whaley-Brandon can't get it done other than maybe catching lightning for a season and getting into a wild card game. I believe pegula's aspirations are higher.

 

Of course people believe 2 years ago when brandon "took over". He said 100% to win... no stone... no financial... but then turned around and things were done that was indicative of same old same old. Renewing of the Toronto series, ugly squabble with Byrd handled poorly, being under the cap, spreading fitz's contract out instead of eating it one year and being able to improve next year. Refusing to stock the cupboard of any able qb to protect the "psyche" of manuEl and protecting the team from any qb contraversy... not only that but burning an extra 1st and 4th on the best receiver in the draft to try to prop that guy up. Ej tuel lewis is a comedy clown college of a tandem. Is there any close to that?

Edited December 24, 2014 by May Day 10

[Jauronimo]

What are you talking about? arguing just to argue? Have some deep infatuating love for Russ Brandon?

 

I know, I don't want the HC & GM reporting to the finance / marketing guy under any circumstances ever again after this season. However, he can still be on the field chest bumping Sammy Watkins all he wants.

He was the defacto owner prior to El Pegual purchasing the team. Every HC and GM ultimately answers to the owner. I cannot be anymore clear than that.

 

Belichek answers to mac and cheese magnate Bob Kraft at the end of the day.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Jauronimo

[K-9]

BS, Name one other NFL team that has the HC & GM answering directly to the marketing / finance guy!

 

Brandon is President of the Buffalo Bills. That's who Whaley reports to. Your "marketing/finance guy" argument doesn't hold water. In your scenario, Whaley would be reporting to Marc Honan. See how ridiculous that is?

 

GO BILLS!!!

[TSOL]

Too many cooks spoil the broth. The more people involved in the descision making process on personel, often times adds up to a compromise in philosophy. Whatever system they have been using for the last 15 yrs is not working. Russ is the only constant so its natural to blame him first.

[Jauronimo]

Too many cooks spoil the broth. The more people involved in the descision making process on personel, often times adds up to a compromise in philosophy. Whatever system they have been using for the last 15 yrs is not working. Russ is the only constant so its natural to blame him first.

Your sentiment is similar to May Day's and I think its valid. I have no issue with the opinion that Pegula, or El Pegual, or Paligula should get rid of Russ, Overdorf, Littman, Berchtold and all the other holdovers from the Ralph era to make a clean start.

 

I do have an issue with the same tired arguments which seek to assign blame with little to nothing to substantiate such claims as can be seen above.

[K-9]

Since Brandon crossed over from marketing and has been gm or aboverwhelming we are looking at 6 last place finishes and a 3rd. He is at the head of the table. Shouldn't he be scrutinized?

 

Of course he should be scrutinized. More so than anyone else, perhaps. And I'm confident he is and will continue to be. Nobody is arguing against him being scrutinized. And there's plenty to call him out for when it comes to won/loss records. That is undeniable. It's also undeniable that he's had a positive impact on the bottom line on the business side of the operation. Might that not be of value to the Pegulas on some level? We'll know soon enough.

 

Just don't tell me he's made personnel decisions on the football side of things when I know that he hasn't. Or that he was some puppeteer in the war room on draft day, pulling the strings of Whaley, Marrone, and the rest of the staff. It's just not true.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[Sisyphean Bills]

When Pegula fires the whole lot of them eventually and names someone else President, will you be under the same delusion that person will also micromanage every aspect of the football operations? You seem to have little appreciation for exactly how much bigger an NFL operation is outside of the GM and HC. That person simply won't have the time.

 

To be fair though, the structure that Pegula puts in place to manage the team need not have any resemblance to the one Ralph had. So there is no comparison.

 

Russ Brandon was the guy that told everyone "everything goes through me" in his press conference after his last promotion to proxy-Owner/President by Ralph Wilson. I've read several posts preaching the angle that Russ is a hands-off delegator who wants to avoid the sticky stuff flying off the decision fan. But it is not forgotten that in the press conference a couple years ago, he said he had complete control and everything went through him and said this very emphatically.

 

FWIW, I happen to agree that he prefers to delegate responsibility.

 

PS: Isn't Mrs. Pegula the President now? (OK, She's listed as Owner on the website. <shrug>)