The Dean

In a negotiation, you can always acquiesce. A power play quit is a bit different than a straight out dismissal.

Actually it was more directed at posts like Luxy312's and many on the forum. But I think your take on what went down, and how the business side of the NFL really works is a bit skewed. I don't think Marrone quit because he wasn't extended. I believe it was likely because he wouldn't fire Hackett and the offensive staff and didn't like the level of control he had over personnel. Plus, I think he sees other opprotunities and figured his stock was pretty high now (plus he is getting paid). Making business decisions personal is something fans love to do. But it really is business.

Classic! Wow, I haven't head George's name mentioned in--well it's been so long I can't remember. Maybe he's still waiting at the airport. You DO know Marrone quit, he wasn't fired. You Do know that, right? I mean obviously. But I'm all in with The Chin, should that happen.

Are you certain your post was the main target of my post?

Where is Never..... Never mind.

I don't know using averages in this case (especially how long one remains in the NFL) means a whole lot when it comes to a 1st round draft pick. Sure, some leave the NFL due to injury, but most leave because they just aren't good enough. That was never a concern with Sammy. But trying to look at football analytics from a baseball perspective will get you in a lot of trouble---again, IMO. There are too many moving parts, and variables in football. Much of what happens has to do with what another player, or players, does. Baseball is a bit more of an individual sport, when it comes to analytics.

Pirates 1979 baby! Seriously, this is being taken WAY too far. Parsing quotes and statements makes little sense in these situations, IMO. That his players are pissed, lends credence to the argument they really liked and respected Marrone. But I doubt even he knew he would be leaving when he made these comments. Sometimes these situations just snowball. I have to believe some of you have never been in contract negotiations. Things can go sideways quickly. Trust me.

Sure, Frank might be a GREAT HC. Do you want to roll the dice on that now?

Again, for what it is worth: I'm all in with The Chin! Doubt he will come here, but all of a sudden the Bills job is interesting. A perfect position for an offensive minded HC to make a quick impact. If Cowher really wants to return to coaching, I think he needs to strike relatively quickly. What? You've been saying he sucks and needs to go. No? Have you lost track of your own stupidity?

Well, you may be right on some of these accounts. But we really don't KNOW what other teams might have done had the Bills not picked EJ because it didn't happen. Don't rely on speculation. But the real fact is, there is no one approach to analytics. That is simply the case.

Good points. Not every organization works the same way. In some, the owner (or his representative) has a lot of sway as to who is drafted or traded for. I think Kelly is saying Polian doesn't have the reputation of overruling the GM. But until all the decisions are made, we really don't know much at this point. If Whaley stays on, I would assume he will be given assurance the draft will be his ultimate call. I can't imagine him staying otherwise. He WILL be in great demand, should he leave--of this I am fairly certain. But if Polian brings in "his guy" we really can't be sure he/she won't sway easily to Polian's "advice".

But nobody here knows the sophistication of the Bills analytics dept. Do they? It seems to be speculation, based mostly on the non-answer to the question at the presser. No?

I'm with you there, Bills brother.

My thoughts, exactly. Many seem to feel the changes aren't over yet.

Why so wordy?

Perhaps I misinterpreted your position, or attributed posts by others to you (I've done it before, I'll likely to it again). If so, I apologize. But I assure you, I wasn't attempting to make what you said something altogether different. I thought you were saying the Bills answer to the analytics question was subpar because: They should have answered that question and told the reporters how their analytics worked, or did not. And/or The Bills are clueless on what their analytics contribute based on their non-answer. Truthfully, if it had been me who was asked the question, I would have said something like "That's none of your fuc#ing business." But then again, I can be a bit crass when someone asks me a stupid question. If you care to, please elucidate us on your actual position on how the question was answered.

I can't even imagine him staying.

Fair enough. And well stated. I agree the Bills HC job became a very interesting HC job this year, unlike in past years.

Actually, I think I said getting a competent OC and a few good guards would go a LONG way to fixing this offense. Yes the Bills need to take a good hard look at the RB situation, but going into this season, that was one of the team's strengths. Even the backups were competent. But with regard to the difference between the changes needed on offense vs defense, i have to agree. But any major shakeup might include both sides. That's what has me worried.

All good stuff. But do you think that makes him the best candidate for a HC at this time?

Hope you are right. But then again, Polian's hire hasn't been announced. Maybe Whaley already knows.

How do we know the Sammy pick didn't pan out?

Agreed. But not sure if the GM will be Whaley at this point. But he can heavily influence the pick. The closer the guy is to Polian the more that "advice" will influence the pick, IMO.

Perhaps.

Using some random quote to engage in wild speculation (without some real information) seems like a pretty weak way to go about making a judgement. But I hope you are right.