Archives for January 9, 2017

'NFL rules stipulate that the Bills’ search team – comprised of owners Terry and Kim Pegula, along with General Manager Doug Whaley and Director of Player Personnel Jim Monos – have to meet with Richard in Seattle. As an assistant coach on a team that won on wild-card weekend, there is a window for Richard to interview between now and the divisional round. If the Seahawks win in the divisional round, Richard can’t be interviewed again until the week after the conference championship games.'

'Pegula is a patient man by nature, and he’s operating in the naturally impatient and pressurized environment of the NFL. This is an entirely different challenge.'

'Schefter didn't give any additional details in terms of what power the next head coach may have in Buffalo, but GM Doug Whaley noted at his end of the year press conference that he was open to a different structure within the organization and possibly giving up some of his power.'

'A complete rebuild is something Williams doesn’t want to be a part of. Regardless of Williams’ decision, he has endured quite the load as a member of the Buffalo Bills, both physically and mentally.'

'Richard, who according to his Seahawks’ bio is 37 years old, has been Seattle’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons, taking over for Dan Quinn, who left following the 2014 season to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn took over for Gus Bradley, who left after the 2012 season to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bradley was fired this year with a 14-48 record while Quinn led the Falcons to an NFC South title this year in his second season and will host Seattle on Saturday in a divisional playoff game.'

'Lynn is an intriguing candidate not only because of his coaching talent but because, according to a report from ESPN, if Lynn becomes a head coach he intends to hire Gus Bradley as his defensive coorindator. Bradley was a successful coordinator in Seattle before he was hired (and later fired) as head coach in Jacksonville.'

'Ryan reported directly to Bills owner Terry Pegula but only had power over the 46-man game day roster. General manager Doug Whaley retained control of the 53-man roster.'

'It would be a curious move if true, considering the team is likely to hire a first time head coach, judging by the list of candidates they’ve either already spoken to or are reported to be interested in. Also, the new head coach may very well be reporting directly to Whaley, a change from the past two years when Rex Ryan and Whaley both reported separately to owners Terry and Kim Pegula. I'm told either structure is still possible depending on what coach is hired and what he and the front office determine together.'

'He is the fourth coaching candidate the Bills have met with since firing Rex Ryan. General Manager Doug Whaley along with owners Terry and Kim Pegula and Jim Monos have also met with Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn and Arizona offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin.'