Archives for January 7, 2013

‘The Bills’ decision to go with Marrone came on a day they were scheduled to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. The meeting, however, was postponed by McCoy, a person familiar with the coach’s plans told The Associated Press. The person said McCoy asked that the Bills reschedule the meeting because he was already interviewing for several other coaching vacancies this weekend.’

‘Hiring Smith or Whisenhunt would have been safer for the Bills. But sometimes it takes risk to be successful. The NFL is an offensive league. The Bills are hoping Marrone, a guy with offensive knowledge, can either straighten out Fitzpatrick or find another quarterback.’

‘Marrone reached an agreement to become the Buffalo Bills’ new coach Sunday, three people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. One person said the sides were still putting the finishing touches on the contract for Marrone to sign.’

‘The 48-year-old Marrone compiled a 25-25 record in four seasons at Syracuse and his tenure with the Orange ended with a 38-14 victory over West Virginia in last month’s Pinstripe Bowl.’

‘Marrone is the first college coach to reportedly bolt for the NFL, despite much speculation that Oregon’s Chip Kelly would be the head coach of an NFL team next season. Marrone also had an interview with the Cleveland Browns, and reportedly had an interview scheduled with both the Eagles and San Diego Chargers.’

‘The one thing that must be admitted, though, is the Bills are trying a fresh line of thinking.They’re taking a chance on a guy that’s never done it before because they haven’t been able to make their previous formula work over the past 13 years.’

‘I found out the Bills had decided Marrone was their guy when a co-worker called me at 5:45 Sunday morning. The early wake up on a day off plays no role in my feelings here although I may have cursed out the Bills and said something like “you couldn’t wait till Monday?”‘

‘While Oregon’s Chip Kelly is the hot coaching name in college football, Syracuse coach Marrone is more of a known commodity in NFL circles.’

‘With the Saints from 2006-2008, Marrone’s offense led the NFL in total offense twice in that three-year span with Drew Brees as the quarterback.’

‘”I don’t really know yet. I think time will tell. I think he comes with experience; he’s a young guy, he’s going to be energetic and enthusiastic. I think it could be a good thing for the Bills.”‘

‘Some of the criticisms I have seen about Marrone say that he’s a “.500 coach” Obviously those fans forget just how badly Greg Robinson had destroyed the proud tradition of Syracuse football before Marrone arrived. From a football perspective he is very much like Bill O”Brien of Penn State who was an NFL coordinator and then took over a program in turmoil (obviously under very different circumstances) NFL people looked at O’Brien and Marrone in very similar ways and the same teams (Eagles, Browns, Bills) that liked O’Brien liked Marrone.’

‘Anyone else notice that Marrone is conveniently leaving Syracuse as they leave an awful football conference to join a way tougher-to-win ACC?’

‘Marrone knows how to develop quarterbacks. The job the Bronx native did with Ryan Nassib has been remarkable.’