Punch

According to WGR this afternoon, Oregon believes that they can continue to be successful without Kelly because they have his system and philosophy so fully embedded into their program. They've likely been preparing for this possibility for awhile.

Understatement of the millennium.

Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl More on Chip Kelly: Source said he has his eyes on some #NFL asst coaches who were let go this week, with belief he's eying an NFL HC job. Adam Caplan ‏@caplannfl @BrownsTown22: He does have friends who work in NFL. Plus, his agent is well connected, reps over 100 players, some coaches.

Jason LaCanfora isn't so optimistic that Chip will choose Buffalo: Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora CLE, BUF and PHI waiting to talk to Chip Kelly following Fiesta Bowl but from what i hear, as have been reporting, its CLE, PHI or Oregon

Apparently, the Bills will have a 2nd interview with Whisenhunt--- Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora Browns did interview Whisenhunt, as ESPN 1st reported. Bills will talk to Lovie, as WGR reported, but BUF would have 2nd meeting w/Whis too

This article from New Year's Eve has some pretty interesting stuff on how the NFL is mimicing his offensive philosophy and remarks that a few NFL coaches have called him for advice: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--chip-kelly-s-frenetic-offensive-approach-never-more-appealing-for-nfl-teams-201151765.html

As has been mentioned multiple times, several teams in every major sport use advanced statistical metrics in player evaluations. The Boston Red Sox were the first big spending MLB to follow Oakland's lead and won a World Series. The NY Yankees use the "Moneyball" method, and they spend more in payroll than any pro sports franchise. It is not a spendthrift method of operation, rather it plays a major role in the future of player evaluation.

Spending more than a few minutes on this board should tell you that probably no one has forgotten that Russ Brandon was more or less de facto GM for a brief period. It's important to note that he is not the GM now. He stated rather emphatically today that he will not be responsible for football operations--- he won't be selecting draft picks or signing free agents. I'm wary of him a bit myself, but I'll take him at his word until he proves otherwise.

I don't think it's altogether uncommon for multiple team executives to take part in the interview process to varying degrees. We don't really know how many people are literally sitting in the room with the candidate, anyhow. Russ does actually have a World Series ring from his time with the Florida Marlins in the late '90s, BTW--- although I'm not certain he was wearing it during the press conference. I think it's possible you're being a little harsh, but it's very understandable considering where this organization has been these past 13 seasons. Even the most optimistic of fans are leery after today.

Based on the stats, he had an incredible game--- 430+ yards and 5 TDs on only 18 completeions--- against the NCAA's top ranked pass defense in Nebraska. I wish I had watched the game.

Very well reasoned and thoughtful perspective on what has been a truly eventful if confusing Bills news day. One question I have about Marrone is just how much responsibility he had while in New Orleans? I think a poster wrote earlier today that he was essentially Sean Payton's "Curtis Modkins" in that he didn't actually call the plays. Marrone intrigues me, but I know very little about him or his history.

Ultimately, my position is the same as yours--- I only want them to leave no stone unturned because I want them to get it right! I read 2 interesting articles on Kelly today, one which was linked in this thread a few pages ago: http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8631595/the-success-chip-kelly-oregon-ducks-offense-more-familiar-seems http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--chip-kelly-s-frenetic-offensive-approach-never-more-appealing-for-nfl-teams-201151765.html According to the 2nd link (from November), several NFL coaches call Chip for advice, and Bill Bellichick has largely revamped the NE offense to mimic Oregon's. It has been mentioned, but NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora has also specifically stated today that the Bills will try to meet with him in Arizona following the Fiesta Bowl. Although he also believes that Kelly is leaning toward staying at Oregon.

Cowher may be an option in this poll, but he is decidedly not an option in reality.

If you follow the links, it is speculative fiction, nothing more: Yardbarker links back to an article on something called NFL Injury Report, which then links back to NFLNetwork.com--- which is the 12/31 article where analyst Daniel Jeremiah is simply guessing which coaches might be the best fit for which vacancy. He suggests Lovie Smith as a good fit for the Bills.

Don't the Bills do year-end evaluations as well? I suppose if the Bucs determine Freeman is not good enough, dump him and find a replacement then I might see your point. Until then, Sciano has merely given a vote of confidence to Freeman while acknowledging that they'll be doing full evaluations on everyone. It sounds suspiciously like Chan Gailey!

It's not actually a question that the Bills are meeting with Whisenhunt tonight. But maybe they're meeting at Area 51? Are there any flights into nearby Roswell, NM?

Well, Patrick Petersen may be their best player. The Cards OL and QB group are as bad as any in the NFL, but they have some talented RBs and WRs and the D was impressive at times. Aside from a short stint with Warner, QB play is probably what sunk his chances of success in Arizona, and that could be largely what is written on Chan's Bills epitaph.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rappaport, the Bills have legitimate interest in Alex Smith as a temporary caretaker as they groom a rookie. He suggested its one of the details being discussed with Whisenhunt.

What makes you think he's available when he's repeatedly rebuffed offers over the years to return to the NFL? If there were any chance he was interested in returning to a coaching gig, it'd be front page news plastered all over creation. Brandon pushed hard for Cowher in 2009/10. I'm pretty confidant that if there were a chance Cowher would return, the Bills would be in pursuit. For that matter, who's to say they didn't already place a call to him to gauge his interest? You've typed an awful lot in this thread pleading your case but I don't know to what end. Bills fans not clamoring for Cowher on a message board doesn't equate to the organization sleeping at the wheel. I certainly appreciate the passion though, and it's made for some interesting reading.

*Last 4 coaches combined.

This is a great response. I realize you group Whaley together with Nix, but Jason LaCanfora and Fox Sports' Alex Marvez have independently reported that the transition to Whaley will likely take place immediately following the draft--- Joe Buscaglia has said much the same. It appears Nix is being given a graceful exit to his long football career. I guess we'll find out.

Whisenhunt being mentioned so often as being at the top of the Bills list is so bizarre. Are they really going to run out and hire the first candidate they interview merely hours after they said the search would be extensive and unrestricted? I just don't get why Whisenhunt is being touted by so many reporters.

I don't think LaCanfora actually said the Bills were leaning toward Whisenhunt, only that he was a prime candidate--- it sounds more like a guess and it's from 4 hours ago: @JasonLaCanfora At this point, I'd be looking for Reid in AZ, Arians in SD, Whisenhunt in BUF. CLE and PHI going after Bill O'Brien

George Halas

I want to see this become a meme on TSW: "I work in a legal profession and deal with statements all day long"