Archives for January 13, 2015

‘According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Ryan had the Atlanta Falcons’ opening as No. 1 on his list. But after what he thought was a productive first interview, Ryan ended up waiting around for a second interview. Falcons owner Athur Blank was dealing with the passing of his mother, and Ryan was willing to be patient with Atlanta if the front office committed to a second interview.’

Rex official with Bills, so how will his staff look? (New York Post)

Rex Ryan named Buffalo Bills’ coach (Newsday)

Dennis Thurman, not Jim Schwartz, to be Rex Ryan’s defensive coordinator with Buffalo Bills, per report (Newark Star Ledger)

Bart Scott ‘disappointed’ Rex Ryan took job with Buffalo Bills (Newark Star Ledger)

It’s Official: Rex Ryan Will Coach Buffalo Bills (Wall Street Journal)

Jets Fans Should Be Pumped – Not Paranoid – About Rex In Buffalo (WFAN-AM)

Blaming Greg Roman is pure 49ers folly (San Jose Mercury News)

Source: Roman agrees to become Bills’ offensive coordinator (CSN Bay Area)

‘And a person familiar with talks told The Associated Press the Bills are finalizing contract discussions to hire Greg Roman as their offensive coordinator.’

‘Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but reports Sunday indicated Ryan had agreed to a five-year deal worth about $5.5 million per season.’

‘The Bills would like to keep Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator. The defense ranked fourth in the NFL and had a league-leading 54 sacks in 2014.’

‘”He was very impressive during the interview process, as were many of the candidates to which we spoke, and we feel Rex is the best fit for our team,” Pegula said. “We look forward to his leadership and expertise in directing our team to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans.”‘

‘How well Roman performs in his offensive-coordinator duties and who his quarterback will be are the variables that will determine how well this Ryan-to-Buffalo marriage works.’

‘Ryan has the reputation, whether warranted or not, of a top tier coach in the National Football League. One can’t ignore his first two seasons that resulted in two berths into the AFC Championship game, nor can they ignore that he hasn’t had a winning season since 2010.’

‘Bills owner Terry Pegula said, “Following an extensive search, we are pleased today to announce that Rex Ryan is our new head coach. Rex brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position that we feel will be a tremendous benefit to our players and the entire Bills organization. He was very impressive during the interview process, as were many of the candidates to which we spoke, and we feel Rex is the best fit for our team. We look forward to his leadership and expertise in directing our team to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans.”‘

‘”Excited,” said RB Fred Jackson of his initial reaction to the hire. “He’s a coach that is known for winning. He’s a character and I think anytime you have a coach who is a character it brings a lot of excitement. We know he wants to win just like we do. Every player that I’ve talked to is excited about the hire. Former players of his that I’ve talked to say I’ll have nothing but fun times with him. I know he’s ready to work and I’m ready to work with him.”‘

‘Ryan’s six seasons as head coach of the Jets provided the New York franchise with some of the best defensive seasons in team history. Over that six-season span the Jets ranked first in the NFL in passing yards allowed (204.3), opponent completion percentage (55.7), opponent first downs (1,667), and yards allowed per defensive play (4.9). The Jets ranked second in total yards allowed per game (306.9).’

‘Buffalo Bills defensive linemates Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus have earned All-NFL honors from the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA), while Kyle Williams has been named to the All-AFC team, the PFWA announced on Monday.’