Archives for January 2017

'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.'

'“My plan was to be rookie of the year and make it to the playoffs but it ain’t go that way. So next year we’ll see how it goes. The goal is to make the playoffs and be the dominant player I was who they drafted.”'

'The Cardinals' offense ranked No. 1 in the NFL in 2015 for the first time in franchise history, setting team single-season records for points (489), touchdowns (59), touchdown passes (35), total net yards (6,533) and first downs (373).'

'What they lacked is what they always lack: The ability to win close games thanks to an elite quarterback, an elite defense or if we dare dream, both.'

'The biggest problem might be the unfortunate chance for change due to free agency and players aging.'

'As for their return on investment thus far, specific to the Bills and Sabres, the Pegulas have constructed themselves a clown show.'

'We had this bond as a team you don’t see on many teams—maybe any other team. There’s maybe the three best players on the team, all Hall of Famers, and they knew this coach on their team was hurting, and they just had to be there for him. Bruce was so important to them, even though he wasn’t their position coach or head coach. I will always remember that.'

'“Bruce DeHaven was not only one of the premier special teams coaches the history of the NFL, he was also a premier special person,” said Levy. “His work ethic, his love for and his dedication to the game, his caring about those players from whom he was able to bring forth their maximum talents and who revere him are all signature features which distinguished him.” '