The Dean

Let's not disparage lamb skin condoms.

Actually I believe he is probably unprepared, either way. He might end up being a very good HC one day. But this is no time to experiment with a guy, IMO.

I can't imagine Marrone didn't take his buy out, and the increased interest in him from other teams, into consideration. We don't know this, either way, of course. But to not consider that would be moronic, IMO.

Frank has been a part of the family for years. But NO to his hire as a HC. Not now.

Would you stay at DC if they brought in a HC with Zero HC experience? What happens when Schwarts disagrees with Gus? Has Gus ever had someone with more experience (at a high level) under him? I think these are huge considerations. I dont think you gamble with inexperience, when you are at the current state of the Bills. Maybe if they were in total rebulid mode. BTW, I feel similarly about Reich. At least he has NFL experience and has coached highly paid players, and should have a good NFL coaching network. But hiring either would be setting either up to fail, and taking a bigger than reasonable risk for a team at the precipice.

I have to believe Doug said this in jest, at least somewhat. I find it hard to interpret things in the most negative way, simply because I may not care for a person.

Keep them on broadcast TV. Wait----what?

And, I should have added: VERY entertaining game. Fuc# em Bucky!

Now, THAT'S the way to start the new year.

Much better and smarter than Sully (and of course, Bucky). And since he writes in NYC I can laugh at his shots. But I'm really not a fan or columnists who make their living trashing the local team. I prefer SOME objectivity. At least Mehta seems to understand the game a bit.

At the end of regulation, here are my thoughts on the game so far. Gus has done a great job of running the offense, Marshall is a nice QB. Gordon is amazing. While Gus did a good job with the O, he is being thoroughly outcoached by Alverez- a guy who hasn't been a HC since 2005 (with I think another 1-game stint a couple years ago). The Auburn D played horribly uninspired defense. This makes me even more concerned when Gus' name is mentioned as NFL HC material. (Though I think my other objections are more important).The were abused by a team with a one-dimensional offense and a nobody at QB. Gotta love fat FG kickers

I could live with Chan as OC---seriously. I wasn't crazy about his red zone play calling, but other than that, I loved his offensive design. Having Cowher to make the tough calls only makes it more appealing.

Mark I agree with most of your list. But despite Cowher's fairly long stint of being a very successful head coach, you don't want him based on one mistake? Do I have that right? And we should note, in the years Stewart played, the Steelers didn't to too badly. Was it a mistake? I have to think it was. But what head coach is without a mistake? If he could win with Kordell then that should be more of a reason to hire him, IMO.

Agreed. I still don't think that qualifies as "firing". And I think that's likely the way it went down. I also think Marrone had info he would have some opportunities---plus he gets this year's salary. He might not have been so bold had neither of those conditions been present.

Understood. Good point. But there might actually be some soft of NFL policy about making announcements regarding these sorts of positions. Can't say for sure there is, but I don't think the NFL would go for a team working "undercover" with some phantom front office exec. It would come out fairly quickly anyway, I suppose.

Very well stated, BADO

Agreed. If Schwartz gets the gig, they have to bring in an experienced OC.

I don't think their NEEDS to be an announcement. He could be working "unofficially" for them now (not sure how his bosses at ESPN would go for that). But when he goes on the payroll there will be an announcement because, well, because that's what teams do. They announce arrivals and departures. Just like JetBlue.

Yes, I think that's how it went down. But I disagree that is being fired. If you simply agree with what was offered, and you get to keep your job---that ain't being fired, as you could have still been employed at the same position and salary. At worst, it can be termed something like "mutually agreed to part ways". Then again, we've had this go-round already.

It's a toy the kids, and mommy, can enjoy!

But that simply doesn't seem like the way it went down, given the information that has been released. The team said they wanted Doug back. There really is no reason to even say that, if you are firing the guy. And why let him wait until the 3rd day to make the announcement? If it went down as you say, then TP says, "we'll announce it today", no? I think people are convolution this too much, to make it seem like Doug was run out of town. Sorry, I don't buy it. But it was clear they weren't going to give him an extension, or more power. You might call it a mutual parting. But I think had Doug made no demands, and complied with all the Bills requests, he'd still be HC. I can't say I'm celebrating this. But this is an opportunity, and I hope the Bills take advantage of it. I can see a scenario where they take a step backwards. One thing for sure, once again the offseason might be more interesting than the actual season for the Bills. Exactly (though I don't think the "Pegs is cheap" tag will be applied in the near future).

This is almost too stupid to warrant any response. But I'm feeling charitable. If Pegula fired Marrone, why wait the three days of the opt-out clause? He could have fired him, and been charitable, without bringing the clause into play. So that leads us to the questions: If Marrone immediately said "I'm staying", didn't ask for an extension or raise and agreed to fire Hackett, etc--would he still be head coach today? If you answer "Yes" then he wasn't fired. If you answer "No" you have to wonder whether Pegula has any balls---and we know the answer to that already.

See I think one typically gets "fired" for cause (I know that isn't always true). A failed negotiation is what it is. But I still doubt this was mostly about not getting an extension for himself. I have to think this was about not getting a commitment to the offensive coaching staff. Of course I am guessing. At this point, it's all a guess.